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2008 Team Report: St. Louis Rams

Quarterbacks

Starter: Marc Bulger
Backup(s): Trent Green, Brock Berlin

Starting QB: After posting the best statistics of his career in 2006, Marc Bulger turned in his worst season in 2007. Following a large contract extension, he regressed in every offensive category, thanks in large part to broken ribs, a bruised knee, a sprained thumb and a serious concussion, all suffered at various parts of the year. Bulger has always been a bit injury-prone, but the opening week loss of star LT Orlando Pace put Bulger in an even more precarious position -- that of playing without his typical blind-side protection. Although Pace is back this year, the Rams offensive line remains a big question mark. In Bulger's five full seasons as the team's starter, he's had three top-12 fantasy finishes and a top-three finish just two years ago. Basically, if he is kept upright and plays all or nearly all of the games, he's as effective a quarterback as you'll find in the league. The Rams believed in him enough just last August to reward him with a six-year contract, so the commitment from the team is there.

Backup QB: Trent Green returns to St. Louis after a six-year hiatus. After seven mostly productive years with the Chiefs, Green signed with Miami last year to be the starter. Things didn't go exactly as planned; the team struggled to win a game and Green eventually lost his starting gig. With the Rams, he'll be expected to provide a steadying influence as the clear-cut backup to Marc Bulger. Green still has good arm strength and can make all the throws, but his propensity to get hurt the last few years has really put a damper on his status. The Rams paid well ($4 million guaranteed) to secure a solid veteran backup to Bulger, who has missed 15 games in five years as the starter.

Running Backs

Starter: Steven Jackson
Backup(s): Antonio Pittman, Travis Minor
Fullback(s): Brian Leonard, Dan Kreider, Richard Owens

Starting RB: Last year was supposed to be a coronation of sorts for Steven Jackson. After a dynamite 2006 season, Jackson was poised to solidify himself as one of fantasy football's best running backs. Instead, injuries to several key offensive players left the Rams offense depleted. Jackson injured his groin and missed four games. Upon his return, he played very well. When healthy, Jackson is a bruiser who can be counted on to challenge for the rushing title. He's incredibly strong with an explosive burst and is extremely adept at catching the ball out of the backfield evidenced by his 90 receptions in 2006. After holding out the entirety of training camp, Jackson signed a monster contract extension and enters the season completely healthy; on the other hand he had zero practice time learning new OC Al Saunders' offense.

Backup RBs: Antonio Pittman enjoyed a modicum of success as a rookie in 2007. After making him a fourth-round pick, he was cut in the preseason by the Saints. The Rams moved quickly to snag the former Ohio State standout. Pittman waited his turn behind Brian Leonard when Steven Jackson was injured in Week 4, but by the end of the season it was Pittman who was being declared the team's official backup running back. The team slowly worked him into the mix starting in Week 10 as he saw at least three offensive touches in seven consecutive games. In 2008, Leonard will move back to fullback, which solidifies Pittman's place as the primary backup to Jackson. Should Jackson miss any more time this season, Pittman would suddenly have a lot of value as the primary back on a team that heavily utilizes the running backs. Travis Minor adds yet another productive player to the St. Louis backfield. Minor played six years with the Dolphins before joining the Rams last year. He's solid as a third-string back, but at this point in his career, he's nothing more than that.

Fullback: For a brief time last season, Brian Leonard was actually the featured back for St. Louis. He turned in a 100-yard performance in his second career start at halfback, though that was the high-water mark for his season. The former fullback seemed ill-suited as a halfback, so he'll return to his natural position this year. While Leonard is an outstanding, willing blocker, he's also got excellent receiving skills and a knack for getting tough yardage on the ground. So while he will most likely line up exclusively at fullback, he won't simply be used as a blocker. He will most certainly have some sort of offensive role within the team. It likely won't be enough to warrant fantasy consideration, but it could impact the stats of Steven Jackson some.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Torry Holt, Drew Bennett
Backups: Donnie Avery [R], Dane Looker, Dante Hall, Keenan Burton [R]

Starting WRs: Torry Holt has been remarkably consistent throughout his career and has solidified himself as one of the safest bets to perform year-in and year-out in all of football. He combines good speed with fantastic route-running and an ability to gain separation against just about any coverage. That's not to mention his fantastic hands. Holt put up eerily similar stats in 2006 and 2007 save for a few touchdowns. The drop in scores can mostly be attributed to an overall offensive problem with the Rams, which typically results when three of a team's four most important players get hurt. The Rams hope the healthy return of their key offensive players will help the entire offense, which could benefit Holt as well. He won't have his old buddy Isaac Bruce lining up alongside him anymore though. Bruce left as a free agent to sign with the division rival 49ers, opening up a starting gig for Drew Bennett. Bennett hasn't had a fantasy-relevant season since 2004, but he has established himself as a very solid complementary player who will look to become a deep threat. Nagging hamstring issues kept him off the field for awhile in 2007, but if he can remain healthy, he'll provide a very reliable target for Marc Bulger.

Backup WRs: The Rams used an early second-round pick in April's draft to take Donnie Avery out of Houston. Avery is a speed-merchant capable of stretching the field to keep defenses honest. The loss of Isaac Bruce opens up a spot for extra playing time in St. Louis, and Avery is in as good a position as anyone to claim that starting job eventually, but he missed too much time in camp to earn significant minutes at the beginning of the year. He's a tough player who could find time playing in the slot. For now, Dante Hall sits as the WR3 in spite of the fact he's done far more as an NFL returner than he's ever done lining up on offense. Dane Looker is in his sixth year in St. Louis. While his receptions have dwindled the last few years, there aren't a ton of experienced guys ahead of him on the depth chart anymore.

Tight Ends

Starters: Randy McMichael
Backups: Anthony Becht, Joe Klopfenstein

Reunited with former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, most expected Randy McMichael to return close to top-10 form last season. Instead, McMichael struggled to adjust to his new team and didn't even top 50 yards in a game until Week 16. He posted career-lows in receptions and yardage, and finished outside of the top 12 at his position for the first time in his career. It got so bad that McMichael was briefly benched in the middle of the season. To make matters worse, McMichael -- not known for his blocking skills -- was called on more than ever before to help out along the offensive line. This was due in large part to the injuries and general ineffectiveness of the line. The Rams hope those issues have been addressed to some extent, which could mean more opportunities for the tight ends in the passing game. With very little on-field experience from the receiving corps, McMichael could see a return to form if the blockers up front remain mostly healthy. With so many weapons in the passing game, Becht's role with the Rams will be that of a blocker. He's one of the league's top blocking tight ends, which will help greatly for a team that had a lot of trouble protecting the quarterback and opening up holes for the running game a year ago. Becht has never been an especially productive player from a fantasy standpoint, and with just five receptions a year ago, that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.

Place Kicker

Josh Brown : While Brown's field goal percentages fluctuated, his scoring during his first four with Seattle remained remarkably consistent: 114, 109, 110, and 111 points. Last year he had his highest scoring year with 127 points. He hit 28 of 34 (82.4%) on field goals. He was perfect from under 40 yards for the first time in career, meaning all his misses were from longer range (44B, 54WL, 44WL, 46WL, 52WR, 40WL). Despite the misses, Brown has the leg to hit long field goals, as evidenced the last three years by going 11 of 18 from 50+ yards. He has made significant improvements on his kickoffs in recent years, including averaging 63.3 yards with 13 touchbacks in 2007. Brown showed no hesitation in bolting during the early hours of free agency to division rival St. Louis.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Dante Hall; Donnie Avery

WR Dante Hall battled a sprained ankle last year and played in only seven games. His streak of five consecutive top five finishes in fantasy returns came to an end as he slipped to 12th. He averaged 25.1 yards on 29 kickoff returns. Several rookies should get a look on kickoff returns, too. Second round draft pick WR Donnie Avery averaged 28.3 yards and scored once for Houston last year. Fourth round draft pick WR Keenan Burton averaged 24.3 yards on 28 returns for Kentucky last year.

Punt Returners: Dante Hall; Dane Looker; Donnie Avery; Keenan Burton

In his abbreviated season, Dante Hall averaged 15.1 yards on 19 punt returns and scored once. He now has twelve career return TDs, trailing only Brian Mitchell (13). WR Dane Looker served as the primary backup on punt returns in 2006 (7 returns, 6.7 avg.). Although they have more experience on kickoff returns, the three rookies could also get a look on punt returns.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Orlando Pace, LG Jacob Bell, C Brett Romberg, RG Richie Incognito, RT Alex Barron
Key Backups: C Nick Leckey, OG Adam Goldberg, OT John Greco, OG Roy Schuening

Commentary coming soon.

Team Defense

The Rams were beset by injury last season and never threatened to become a viable fantasy option. They finished in the bottom third of the league in every category relevant to fantasy production. They should be much improved this season though. The team gets veteran pass rusher Leonard Little back from a severe toe injury. If fully recovered and back to his usual explosive self, Little has double-digit sack potential. Now paired with first-round pick Chris Long, who is technically sound being paid to make an impact immediately, the Rams should be able to generate a solid pass rush from both sides. DT Adam Carriker and MLB Will Witherspoon are also effective rushers. Long should also help the run defense, though the team did little else to improve against the run. The secondary will also start the '08 season healthy. Corners Tye Hill, Fakhir Brown and Ron Bartell can be beaten, but are opportunistic enough to pick off their share of passes. With big-play threat O.J. Atogwe playing a roaming free safety role, there's potential for marked improvement in the team's turnover numbers. If they can get off the field more often on third downs, the scoring and yardage against numbers should improve as well. The Rams may not be a top-15 defense yet, but they should be improved.

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Leonard Little, DE Chris Long [R], DT Adam Carriker, DT La'Roi Glover
Backups: DE James Hall, DE Victor Adeyanju, DE Eric Moore, DT Clifton Ryan

Starting DL: Little was one of the most dominant and feared edge rushers in the game from 2001-2006 (68.5 sacks and 29 FFs), but returns from an off year in which a a hobbling toe injury shut him down after just seven games. He turns 34 during the 2008 season, which is a concern. Little still plays fast, though, and health permitting, has the talent to rebound. It would be tough to genetically engineer a more promising DE prospect than second overall pick in the 2008 draft, Chris Long (and thanks to father Howie, the Rams didn't need to). Scouts have called him one of the most technically advanced and high motor DEs to ever enter the league. In addition to his Hall of Fame bloodlines and tutelage, he also inherited his father's legendary intensity and relentlessness. HC Scott Linehan wasted no time naming Long a starter, and should instantly provide a lift to a STL DE group with a feeble 5.5 sacks in 2007. With the athleticism and versatility to play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB, he provides DC Jim Haslett with enviable scheme flexibility. Expected to make the defense better and quickly emerge as a team leader, Long is a cornerstone player the franchise will build around. Carriker is a highly regarded 2007 first rounder, and his similar positional versatility (4-3 UT or 3-4 DE) and relentless motor dovetails with Long's. Glover in his prime was among the most prolific interior DL sack artists of his era, but is in the twilight of his career.

Backup DL: Hall had some up and down years in Detroit, and was mostly down in (what was to become a monotonous theme of the Rams 2007 season) an injury-plagued first year in St. Louis. On the wrong side of thirty (recently turned 31), he was cut in the off-season, than later re-signed to a cap-friendly contract. Somewhat of an afterthought in the wake of the addition of coveted rookie DE Chris Long, he will at least be used in rotation, and could be pressed into a larger role if Little struggles to return to form. Adeyanju is a limited pass rusher and more of a one-dimensional run defender. Ryan was a revelation as a far less heralded rookie interior DL than Carriker. He looks like a keeper and starting caliber player (2 sacks in limited action). While Glover is technically listed as a starter, the coaching staff wants to limit his snaps, so Ryan is expected to see plenty of action. His promising debut last season gives the team hope he can take over once Glover rides into the sunset.

Linebackers

Starters: WLB Pisa Tinoisamoa, MLB Will Witherspoon, SLB Chris Draft
Backups: SLB Quentin Culberson, MLB Tim McGarigle, WLB Chris Chamberlain, OLB David Vobora [R]

Starting LBs: Tinoisamoa played in 48 games in his first three years but has been a one man emergency room the past two seasons, missing 12 games. He is an enigmatic talent that has flashed some big play ability at times during his career, with 7 sacks, 7 INTs and 4 FFs in his five seasons with St. Louis. Tinoisamoa can be an effective open field tackler when covered up and protected, but doesn't have ideal size for his position. He does have good speed and athleticism, and could have surprising upside if the Rams DL improves. This could be a make or break season, and he needs to prove he can stay on the field to get his career back on track. Witherspoon was the Rams best player on either side of the ball in 2007. The ex-Panther has been a great free agent acquisition and a defensive team leader the past two seasons (averaging nearly 100 solo tackles). While he has been called undersized for the middle, he has the rare combo of speed and strength to play MLB at a high level with the right supporting cast. Witherspoon will never be a thumper against a punishing running attack that likes to pound the ball, but he compensates with his playmaking ability (6 sacks during a mid-season, five game outburst in 2007). Journeyman Draft is penciled in at the SLB position vacated by Brandon Chillar's departure in free agency to GB. He is a jack of all trades and also the primary backup at MLB and WLB.

Backup LBs: Don't be surprised if Culberson, a 22-year old former UFA from Mississippi State, emerges in training camp and the preseason as the favorite to start at SLB. The Rams are said to be high on him, possibly one reason they waited until the 7th round before drafting their first LB this year. McGarigle was a tackle machine in college but is limited athletically and won't see the field much as long as Witherspoon remains healthy. Twin 2008 7th rounders Chamberlain and Vobora (Mr. Irrelevant) were both very productive at the small college level, and at least one could stick. The LB unit has probably the most perilously thin depth on the roster (ominous, given how beat up Tinoisamoa has been in recent seasons, and the departure of Chillar). They will also probably take a look at later veteran cuts from around the league, as well as some UFAs. The Rams are in dire need of some core special teams demons.

Defensive Backs

Starters: SS Corey Chavous, FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, CB Fakhir Brown, CB Tye Hill
Backups: SS Todd Johnson, CB Ron Bartell, CB Jonathan Wade, S Eric Bassey

Starting DBs: Chavous is a crafty and wily veteran with a decade of NFL service under his belt. Probably the best thing that could be said about him at this time is that he is the QB of the secondary, a steadying influence responsible for getting everybody lined up right, and an invaluable mentor to the younger DBs. It is uncertain how much he has left in the tank beyond the upcoming season, but it is safe to say his his best days are in the rear view mirror. Atogwe had a breakout season in 2007. His 8 INTs led all safeties and were the second most in the NFL. Atogwe takes bad angles in run support at times and isn't always the most consistent and reliable open field tackler. When he manages to hit his target, he has a demonstrable knack for separating the ball from the ball carrier (an elite DE/LB-like 5 FFs in 2006). The front office and coaching staff recognize his upside, and are reportedly looking to extend him. Brown dodged a bullet when his appeal of a four game suspension was upheld (he was already suspended the first four games of 2007). Not an elite athlete, he is the team's most physical CB and experienced in coverage, and the defense is better when he is in the lineup. A promising 3 INT rookie season by 2006 1st rounder Hill was swallowed up by a disappointing, injury-riddled sophomore slump. The recent infusion of talent and youth on the DL (see Long and Carriker) could foreshadow improved secondary play.

Backup DBs: Ex-Bear Johnson has the versatility to play SS or FS, though he isn't exceptional at either. Bartell is an intriguing physical specimen that was both the biggest and fastest CB in his draft, and is somewhat of a CB/safety-tweener. He has flashed some ball skills and playmaking ability (5 INTs and 2 FFs past two seasons), but seems to have done his best work in a nickel role, where he may be better suited than on an island in isolation coverage. He could be a more physical tackler. Wade is a virtual clone of Tye Hill. Hill and Wade are early in the process of trying to raise their football skills to the level of their formidable athleticism, with so far mixed success. They are rough around the edges and need polishing (like most young CBs), but have significant upside if they reach their potential.

Last modified: 2008-09-01 08:14:44