Rams’ lack of change puts league on notice

By Steve Reynolds  |   Thursday, May 17, 2007  |  Comments( 7 )

St. Louis Rams
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On paper, the St. Louis Rams' offense looks primed to explode. With the addition of tight end Randy McMichael, wide receiver Drew Bennett, and versatile rookie running back Brian Leonard added to a youthful O-line that was able to gain valuable experience as last season wound down, the NFL's sixth-ranked offense can only increase its potency. Adding this sort of weaponry to star mainstays Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt is akin to handing a blowtorch-toting arsonist a bag of bottle rockets.

On paper, the Rams' defense is disturbingly similar to last year's. The additions of linebacker Chris Draft, defensive end James Hall and rookie lineman Adam Carriker are the most notable names brought in during a seemingly unremarkable offseason on that side of the ball. To describe last year's defensive squad as underwhelming is an understatement comparable to saying that Paris Hilton has "loose" morals.

On paper, however, the Rams appear to like what they see on both sides of the ball. The coaching staff has made no effort to acquire any "name" players on defense, opting to pass on players such as DTs Kris Jenkins and Sam Adams. Additionally, the acquisitions on offense, though not marquee players, are proven veteran talents just entering their prime. As a result, the offensive roster is now arguably the most talent laden in the league.

So, what does all of this mean for Rams fans? It means you're either supremely confident in this year's club, bracing yourself for a rehash of last season's unrealized success, or your thoughts fall somewhere in the middle of the emotional spectrum.

Scott Linehan has opted for the confident posture, explaining, "I feel so much better this time of this year than I did last year. I think we were still working trying to find some answers that weren't there yet. Now I think we have addressed those needs and now we have to go out and prove it and do it on the field."

Of course, a head coach has no option but to appear confident at this point in the offseason; he couldn't exactly proclaim, "I've really made a mess of things," even if he believed that were the case. However, Linehan appears genuinely intrigued by the performance of his younger players, praising the likes of rookie Carriker's mini-camp performance as well as former doghouse resident Claude Terrell in recent interviews.

The fact that the Rams have only added complementary players rather than making wholesale changes is telling; it signals that Linehan believes that the core of the team is set and only needed a little fine tuning.

The defensive line was a problem, so potential starters Hall and Carriker were added. Dante Hall was added to the perennially problematic special teams, and although his electrifying days may be behind him, he need only show up to bolster the Rams' return game immeasurably. Outside of these changes, the Rams will basically field the same team as last season, the only difference being they will have a year in the system under their belts.

Perhaps there is a method to Linehan's madness, unlike his predecessor, who seemed to frequently have a madness to his method. Perhaps Linehan's confidence is justified after all.

When one looks at the awesome array of weaponry on offense and the potential of the young players on defense, it is hard not to share the head coach's confidence.

With a roster replete with proven veterans and young potential, the Rams appear at least the equal of any NFL team in terms of talent. They appear to have all the tools required to build upon last year's season-ending three-game winning streak. They now possess the talent and ability to push to the next level and into the playoffs.

On paper.

**You can e-mail Steve Reynolds at sreynolds@realfootball365.com.

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