Hank Jones
2010 St Louis Rams Predictions
Things have not went well for the St Louis Rams over the course of the last three seasons, and it reached an all-time low in 2009, as the Rams posted their worst overall record in franchise history at 1-15. However even with the poor finish the Rams decided that they would keep head coach Stave Spagnuolo, as they trust he will get this team back into contention in the NFC West. Below is my 2010 St Louis Rams preview and my prediction on where they finish the season in the NFC West.
Offense:
Despite all the losing that has been going on in St Louis over the last three seasons (6 wins), one staple for this team has been running back Steven Jackson, who put up his fifth straight 1,000 yard season in 2009 rushing for 1,416 yards. Jackson however only found the endzone four times in 2009, but I still believe this is the most underrated back in the NFL, as I think he would be in the MVP talks on a better team.
Jackson could be getting some help, as the Rams selected Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the No.1 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. Bradford will likely start the season on the bench behind A.J. Feeley, but if he is as advertised he will keep opposing defenses from loading the box to keep Jackson in check.
The Rams are sticking with what they got at the wide receiver position, and they need a lot of players to step up this season, as Jackson led the way with 51 catches last season. Donnie Avery will come into the season as the No.1 target on the outside, after catching 47 passes for 589 yards and five scores in his second season. Keenan Burton, Laurent Robinson, Brandon Gibson, Danny Amendola, and rookie Mardy Gilyard will all fight for playing time in training camp, and at least one of these guys has to step and produce.
It’s almost as if the Rams are getting two new starters at the two tackle spots this season. 2009 first round pick Jason Smith started just five games last season at right tackle, but will make the switch to left tackle. The Rams used their second round pick on tackle Rodger Staffold and he is expected to start right away on the right side. Center Jason Bell lived up to expectations in his first season with the Rams, and enters into the 2010 season as the leader of this group. Jacob Bell is back at left guard, while Adam Goldberg, Hank Fraley, and John Greco fight for the starting job at right guard.
Defense:
The Rams are hoping for a breakout year for third year defensive end Chris Long, who was the team’s first round pick back in 2008. Starting opposite of Long at the other end spot will either be Victor Adeyanju or veteran James Hall. The Rams added some much needed depth at the two defensive tackle spots, as they welcome in veterans Chris Hovan and Fred Robbins to a unit that already features two promising young players in Darell Scott and Clifton Ryan.
At linebacker the Rams have added two new starters over the offseason, as they traded with Dallas for outside linebacker Bobby Carpenter and signed veteran Na’il Diggs to start at the other outside spot. James Laurinatitis led the team in tackles in his rookie season, and figures to be a stud here for years to come.
In the secondary the Rams will more than likely send Ron Bartell out at the left corner spot, but the other starting job is likely up for grabs during training camp with Justin King, Bradley Fletcher, and Jerome Murphy all fighting for playing time. The Rams will bring back the starting safety duo of Oshiomogho Atogwe and James Butler this season.
Prediction – 4th NFC West: While I don’t have the Rams finishing outside of the basement in the NFC West, I think this team has the potential of really turning things around this season and I look for them to be much more competitive than they have in years past. I think 4-5 wins would be a success for this organization.
For a complete look at the upcoming season check out our complete 2010 NFL predictions. Make sure you have the best odds for every game this season with our live NFL odds feed.
About the Author
Hank Jones: Willow Weep For Me
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