The 2010 season should prove to be a testing ground for a dreadful yet promising St. Louis Rams team. The teams best player Steven Jackson did all he could last season in carrying the team in a futile one win season. This year Jackson will be in a better, yet similar situation. Jackson is coming off back surgery which could hamper him carrying 30+ times each game, but will be the teams go to threat for scoring opportunities. Also on offense the obvious attention is drawn to rookie QB Sam Bradford and the prospects he brings in reviving the days of the greatest show on turf. The young first round pick should get a lot of playing time this year as there is a lack of a veteran backup. With that Bradford will produce fluctuating statistics as the question marks at WR and his inexperience come into play. Receiving threats on the Rams aren’t eye catching. The best of the bunch is third year pro Donnie Avery who has had his issues with injuries and poor QB play. He has the potential to become a great target for Bradford over the middle and should be looked upon as the Rams number one guy. Other than that, the mix of youth presented by rookie Mardy Gilyard Brandon Gibson and Laurent Robinson, all have potential to step up and show sparks for the 2011 season when some of the maturity of the team grows. Offering a possibility for success for the Rams is their talented offensive line. Led by center Jason Brown and last year’s number two selection Jason Smith, the Rams are well equipped to give the fragile Bradford the dominant Jackson the time and protection they need to produce.
On the defensive side of the ball the picture is not as promising. No real talent exists other than outside linebacker James Laurinaitis and Oshiomogho Atogwe and even they are above average players at best. Former number two selection Chris Long has not panned out, and the rest of the line is built too much on speed than size. Where the Rams will lose many of their games this year will be because of dismal play in the secondary. They do not possess a respectable corner, and will not be able to rely on a strong pass. Any opposing QB facing the Rams this year will have a field day in putting up impressive stats as no ball hawk exists on the team.
Altogether for the Rams in 2010, the picture is bleak. The hopes of making the playoffs are out of the question and the year will be played as an audition for 2011 when a more competitive team can be established. The youth on offense is of intrigue. With a respectable offensive line and an all world player in Jackson, Bradford could make a big impact this year, laying the groundwork for a future contender in the NFC West. Look for a season full of shootouts as the Rams will fall behind early due to the poor play of the defense. Nevertheless like any team it should be an interesting year.
On the defensive side of the ball the picture is not as promising. No real talent exists other than outside linebacker James Laurinaitis and Oshiomogho Atogwe and even they are above average players at best. Former number two selection Chris Long has not panned out, and the rest of the line is built too much on speed than size. Where the Rams will lose many of their games this year will be because of dismal play in the secondary. They do not possess a respectable corner, and will not be able to rely on a strong pass. Any opposing QB facing the Rams this year will have a field day in putting up impressive stats as no ball hawk exists on the team.
Altogether for the Rams in 2010, the picture is bleak. The hopes of making the playoffs are out of the question and the year will be played as an audition for 2011 when a more competitive team can be established. The youth on offense is of intrigue. With a respectable offensive line and an all world player in Jackson, Bradford could make a big impact this year, laying the groundwork for a future contender in the NFC West. Look for a season full of shootouts as the Rams will fall behind early due to the poor play of the defense. Nevertheless like any team it should be an interesting year.
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