Solutions to Rams’ woes are clear-cut

By Steve Reynolds  |   Tuesday, November 21, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

St. Louis Rams
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Something is very wrong here.

It could be the absence of Orlando Pace, the terrible run defense or possibly the retro-chic white pants.

Regarding the Rams' 15-0 meltdown against the Panthers, running back Steven Jackson admitted, "For us to come in and put up a dismal performance like that is very humbling," as if this performance were some sort of recent anomaly.

Were the Rams collectively marveling at their talents during the previous four-game losing streak, and it took a butt-kicking of this magnitude to gain some perspective?

One thing is certain: The steady putrefaction of the Rams is hardly a recent event. It is simply the latest episode in the season-long tragedy that is the 2006 St. Louis Rams' season. Either head coach Scott Linehan simply does not have the talent to compete (a fact not supported by wins early in the season) or he does not know how to utilize said talent.

If Linehan can't put his finger on what's wrong, then he needs to turn over a tarot card or consult a local oracle quickly, because it doesn't take Charles Barkley to inform him that this is a "bad team, man." With this season all but lost, this soothsayer has a few humble suggestions for building toward next year:

The Problem: The Rams' defensive line can't pressure the quarterback or stop the run.

Linehan's probable solution: Address the problem with a draft pick or two and hope rookies Victor Adeyanju and Claude Wroten blossom into quality players. Will probably look to add a serviceable veteran to the rotation who comes cheap (à la Jason Fisk).

What Linehan should do: Cancel the Jimmy Kennedy experiment. Kennedy has failed to live up to expectations, showing only flashes of potential in his fourth year with the Rams. He should be jettisoned to another team (where he will, no doubt, blossom into an All-Pro). The Rams should aggressively pursue a young, talented, proven defensive lineman via free agency, and pay him big bucks to sign. Gamble yet another (what will probably be an extremely high) first-round pick on a defensive end or tackle.

The remaining portion of the season should be a try-out for La'Roi Glover, Wroten and Adeyanju, to see if they are worthy of being in the line rotation or relegated to backup duty. For certain, the Rams' D-line is the flash point for all of the defense's woes and it must be thoroughly addressed in the offseason, with Leonard Little the only player assured of a starting spot.

The Problem: The linebackers can't stop the run

Linehan's probable solution: Stand pat.

What Linehan should do: Sign a run-stuffing OLB to complement Will Witherspoon and Pisa Tinoisamoa. Although serviceable, Brandon Chillar is not an overpowering run-stopper, and is a liability in coverage. A linebacker who can take on blockers and disrupt plays before they develop, allowing Witherspoon and Tinoisamoa to fly to the ball carrier, is what the Rams need.

The Problem: Poor pass defense.

Linehan's probable solution: Add another corner via free agency and address the problem in the draft.

What Linehan should do: Stand pat, at least at the corner position. Tye Hill has shown that he has all the tools to become a standout corner and Fakhir Brown has proven solid as well. When the secondary gets torched, it's because the opposing quarterback has all day to throw. The Rams can allow Travis Fisher to defect via free agency and move Jerametrius Butler up the depth chart. Allow O.J. Atogwe to play out the season, and if he doesn't show measurable improvement, then the Rams should move Corey Chavous to free safety and seek a run-stopping strong safety in the mold of Adam Archuleta. However, if the Rams can address their problems generating pressure, then the coverage problem should rectify itself.

The Problem: A lack of offensive consistency.

Linehan's probable solution: Spend draft picks on offensive depth.

What Linehan should do: Stand pat. With a healthy line, the Rams have all the pieces in place to have an explosive offensive. The Rams should re-sign Kevin Curtis to a long-term deal and not waste draft picks better spent on defense. Consistency problems with the offense are a result of a first-year system and coaching, and should be addressed as such.

Linehan should make it clear from this point that his players are playing for their jobs and that no player's spot on the roster is secure. At the very least, it will insure the best possible effort from the players in the final third of the season.

As it stands right now, the Rams can't possibly get any worse.

Can they?
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