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http://www.nfcnblog.com/2012/07/18/know ... ouis-rams/
The NFL season is a long, arduous journey. Although offseason discussions seem to be dominated by comparisons of teams and individuals players within a division, divisional matches only represent six of a team’s 16 regular-season games. There are plenty of other enemies out there of whom fans need to be aware. With the kind help of ESPN (known affectionately around these parts as “The Gulag”) and ProFootballFocus (PFF), let’s dissect some of the non-divisional opponents our favorite NFC North teams will be facing in 2012.
(Previously in this series, we have profiled the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tennessee Titans, the Houston Texans, and the Indianapolis Colts.)
It’s time for Know Your Enemy: St. Louis Rams edition.
St. Louis: Ram Tough?
The 2-14 St. Louis Rams lost out to the 2-14 Indianapolis Colts in the “Suck for Luck” contest, but the Rams may actually have been the luckier team. Although they didn’t draft quarterback Andrew Luck out of Stanford, they were in position to garner an incredible number of valuable draft picks — two future 1st-round picks and one 2nd-round pick to be exact — from Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder in exchange for the rights to Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Rams further stockpiled young talent by executing another trade with the Dallas Cowboys for an extra 2nd-round pick.
Incoming head coach Jeff Fisher and assistant head coach Dave McGinnis have their work cut out for them. The Rams ranked 23rd in rushing in 2011 (104 yards per game) despite fielding running back Steven Jackson; they were 30th in passing yardage (179 ypg), completing only 53 percent of their passes for six touchdowns and 6 interceptions with the 2010 first overall pick, Sam Bradford, at quarterback; and they were dead last in scoring (12.1 points per game). Their defense was a mixed bag, ranking 31st against the rush (152 ypg), 7th against the pass (206 ypg), and 26th in scoring defense (25.4 ppg) which was 26th.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is busy taking out bounties on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being suspended for a year, while the offense is in the hands of former New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
With so many young rookies, can the Rams rebound quickly and be a threat to the NFC North? Let’s take a closer look.
Strategic Threats
Steven Jackson
Despite the Rams’ rushing troubles, Steven Jackson can still get the job done. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry for 1,145 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Unfortunately, he has no support around him. In need of a one-two punch at the running back position, the Rams drafted Isaiah Pead of Cincinnati in the 2nd round.
Defensive end
Defensive end Chris long finally seemed to live up to his 1st-round billing in 2011.
Although the Rams defense struggled mightily, it was not for lack of pass rush from the defensive end position. The Rams have a potent mix of young talent and solid veterans and should not be overlooked.
Chris Long may have finally moved out from beneath his father’s shadow last year. Having posting an incredible 13 sacks, 12 hits, and 58 hurries, Long no longer looks like a 1st-round bust, although he did struggle in run defense (-10.5). Another 1st-round pick, rookie Robert Quinn, chipped in with five sacks, nine hits, and 21 hurries but slipped to a -7.3 grade in run defense. Former Detroit Lions veteran James Hall contributed an additional six sacks, four hits, and 35 hurries, scoring a respectable +6.9 run defense. The Rams also added former Tennessee Titans DE William Hayes in free agency; however, he doesn’t look to be much of a threat, grading out at -2.5 in pass rush and -0.7 run defense.
Cornerback
St. Louis may not have been strong at cornerback last year, but they have taken huge strides to fix that weakness in 2012. Courtland Finnegan rejoins Coach Fisher, bringing with him a great +9.6 grade in coverage and +6.4 run defense despite Tennessee’s weak pass rush. The Rams’ No. 1 cornerback, Bradley Fletcher, returns after missing most of the year with injury and grading only +0.1 coverage and +1.5 in run defense.
As if that were not enough, the Rams added two corners early in the 2012 draft: 2nd-round pick Janoris Jenkins, a 1st-round talent whose draft stock dropped due to off-field issues, and 3rd-round pick Trumaine Johnson.
Soft Spots
Offensive line
Quarterback Sam Bradford, a former 1st overall pick, struggled in 2011, largely due to his disappointing offensive line.
Despite struggling last year, the Rams’ offensive line is stocked with talent.
Left tackle Rodger Saffold III struggled last year, giving up 11 sacks, four hits, and 17 hurries before his injury for an overall rating of -9.5 in pass blocking and 0.0 in run. Saffold’s performance was stronger in his rookie 20120 campaign; he needs to rebound to protect Bradford’s blindside.
The Rams previously added former Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Harvey Dahl in free agency, who performed well in pass blocking (+9.0) but struggled in run blocking (-5.4). Their solution was to support Dahl with the addition of center Scott Wells from Green Bay, who should anchor the middle of the line with solid pass blocking (+7.5) and run blocking (+7.9).
After right tackle Jason Smith, a 1st-round bust, continued to struggle in pass blocking (-3.2) and run blocking (-1.5), the Rams forced him to take a pay cut from his ridiculous rookie salary dating back to the days before the rookie wage scale. Left guard remains an open battle between Robert Turner, Jose Valdez, and Rokevious Watkins.
Skill players
Other than Jackson, the Rams have few weapons, and their skill players are very young.
Leading receiver Danario Alexander, who went undrafted, had 26 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns in 2011. Brandon Gibson, a 6th-round selection picked up in trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, also had 431 yards on 26 receptions with one touchdown. Slot receiver Danny Amendola missed 15 games last year with injury, although in 2010, he hauled in 85 receptions for 689 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie draft picks Greg Silas and Austin Pettis failed to perform well, while 3rd-round rookie tight end Lance Kendricks was a disappointment with only 25 receptions for 352 yards and no touchdowns.
St. Louis continued to add wide receivers with mid-round picks in 2012. Brian Quick of Appalachian State, a 6’3″ receiver with speed comparable to that of the Minnesota Vikings’ Jerome Simpson, was drafted early in the 2nd round, while Chris Givens from Wake Forest was selected in Round 4.
Kendricks, Alexander, Gibson and the rookies need to step up if Sam Bradford is to have a successful 2012 campaign.
Run defense
To shore up their 31st-ranked run defense, the Rams added defensive tackle Michael Brockers in the mid-1st round after trading back twice. Brockers was rated a very good run-defending prospect and should prove a boon to the Rams. The other starting defensive tackle, Darell Scott, actually graded out at +4.7 in run defense.
The Rams brought in some linebacking talent to help out James Laurinaitis in run defense.
Aiding the run defense, James Laurinaitis (-1.6 in run defense; +6.8 in coverage) roams at middle linebacker, while linebackers Rocky McIntosh of the Redskins (-6.0 in run defense; -3.4 in coverage) and Jo-Lonn Dunbar from the Saints were added through free agency. McIntosh played in a 3-4 defense at Washington, so a change of scenery to a 4-3 formation may help his numbers.
Safety
Quentin Mikell struggled in coverage last year (-3.1) but played strong in run defense (+2.0) run D. Craig Dahl’s output also left something to be desired. The Rams are deep enough at cornerback that rookie Trumaine Johnson may switch from corner to safety.
Readiness Evaluation
The St. Louis Rams have added some serious talent lately, and they have extra 1st-round picks over the next 2 years to boot. Provided they draft wisely, they will become dangerous over time. If anyone can square this defense away, it’s Jeff Fisher and assistant head coach Dave McGinnis, and they have an influx of young talent to work with.
On the other hand, this team is still in dire need of weapons. Sam Bradford is a talented quarterback, but he cannot be expected to succeed unless other players besides Steven Jackson step up in a big way.
That being said, no one should ever sleep on a Jeff Fisher-lead team. The Rams did pull out a stunning upset of the New Orleans Saints last year, so opponents must remain wary. Detroit hosts the Rams opening day Detroit better be ready, and Chicago welcomes St. Louis in Week 3. Green Bay travels to St. Louis in Week 7, while Minnesota will follow suit in Week 15. Although no one should let down their guard against the Rams, expect the NFC North to go 4-0 against St. Louis in 2012.
The NFL season is a long, arduous journey. Although offseason discussions seem to be dominated by comparisons of teams and individuals players within a division, divisional matches only represent six of a team’s 16 regular-season games. There are plenty of other enemies out there of whom fans need to be aware. With the kind help of ESPN (known affectionately around these parts as “The Gulag”) and ProFootballFocus (PFF), let’s dissect some of the non-divisional opponents our favorite NFC North teams will be facing in 2012.
(Previously in this series, we have profiled the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tennessee Titans, the Houston Texans, and the Indianapolis Colts.)
It’s time for Know Your Enemy: St. Louis Rams edition.
St. Louis: Ram Tough?
The 2-14 St. Louis Rams lost out to the 2-14 Indianapolis Colts in the “Suck for Luck” contest, but the Rams may actually have been the luckier team. Although they didn’t draft quarterback Andrew Luck out of Stanford, they were in position to garner an incredible number of valuable draft picks — two future 1st-round picks and one 2nd-round pick to be exact — from Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder in exchange for the rights to Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Rams further stockpiled young talent by executing another trade with the Dallas Cowboys for an extra 2nd-round pick.
Incoming head coach Jeff Fisher and assistant head coach Dave McGinnis have their work cut out for them. The Rams ranked 23rd in rushing in 2011 (104 yards per game) despite fielding running back Steven Jackson; they were 30th in passing yardage (179 ypg), completing only 53 percent of their passes for six touchdowns and 6 interceptions with the 2010 first overall pick, Sam Bradford, at quarterback; and they were dead last in scoring (12.1 points per game). Their defense was a mixed bag, ranking 31st against the rush (152 ypg), 7th against the pass (206 ypg), and 26th in scoring defense (25.4 ppg) which was 26th.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is busy taking out bounties on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being suspended for a year, while the offense is in the hands of former New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
With so many young rookies, can the Rams rebound quickly and be a threat to the NFC North? Let’s take a closer look.
Strategic Threats
Steven Jackson
Despite the Rams’ rushing troubles, Steven Jackson can still get the job done. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry for 1,145 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Unfortunately, he has no support around him. In need of a one-two punch at the running back position, the Rams drafted Isaiah Pead of Cincinnati in the 2nd round.
Defensive end
Defensive end Chris long finally seemed to live up to his 1st-round billing in 2011.
Although the Rams defense struggled mightily, it was not for lack of pass rush from the defensive end position. The Rams have a potent mix of young talent and solid veterans and should not be overlooked.
Chris Long may have finally moved out from beneath his father’s shadow last year. Having posting an incredible 13 sacks, 12 hits, and 58 hurries, Long no longer looks like a 1st-round bust, although he did struggle in run defense (-10.5). Another 1st-round pick, rookie Robert Quinn, chipped in with five sacks, nine hits, and 21 hurries but slipped to a -7.3 grade in run defense. Former Detroit Lions veteran James Hall contributed an additional six sacks, four hits, and 35 hurries, scoring a respectable +6.9 run defense. The Rams also added former Tennessee Titans DE William Hayes in free agency; however, he doesn’t look to be much of a threat, grading out at -2.5 in pass rush and -0.7 run defense.
Cornerback
St. Louis may not have been strong at cornerback last year, but they have taken huge strides to fix that weakness in 2012. Courtland Finnegan rejoins Coach Fisher, bringing with him a great +9.6 grade in coverage and +6.4 run defense despite Tennessee’s weak pass rush. The Rams’ No. 1 cornerback, Bradley Fletcher, returns after missing most of the year with injury and grading only +0.1 coverage and +1.5 in run defense.
As if that were not enough, the Rams added two corners early in the 2012 draft: 2nd-round pick Janoris Jenkins, a 1st-round talent whose draft stock dropped due to off-field issues, and 3rd-round pick Trumaine Johnson.
Soft Spots
Offensive line
Quarterback Sam Bradford, a former 1st overall pick, struggled in 2011, largely due to his disappointing offensive line.
Despite struggling last year, the Rams’ offensive line is stocked with talent.
Left tackle Rodger Saffold III struggled last year, giving up 11 sacks, four hits, and 17 hurries before his injury for an overall rating of -9.5 in pass blocking and 0.0 in run. Saffold’s performance was stronger in his rookie 20120 campaign; he needs to rebound to protect Bradford’s blindside.
The Rams previously added former Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Harvey Dahl in free agency, who performed well in pass blocking (+9.0) but struggled in run blocking (-5.4). Their solution was to support Dahl with the addition of center Scott Wells from Green Bay, who should anchor the middle of the line with solid pass blocking (+7.5) and run blocking (+7.9).
After right tackle Jason Smith, a 1st-round bust, continued to struggle in pass blocking (-3.2) and run blocking (-1.5), the Rams forced him to take a pay cut from his ridiculous rookie salary dating back to the days before the rookie wage scale. Left guard remains an open battle between Robert Turner, Jose Valdez, and Rokevious Watkins.
Skill players
Other than Jackson, the Rams have few weapons, and their skill players are very young.
Leading receiver Danario Alexander, who went undrafted, had 26 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns in 2011. Brandon Gibson, a 6th-round selection picked up in trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, also had 431 yards on 26 receptions with one touchdown. Slot receiver Danny Amendola missed 15 games last year with injury, although in 2010, he hauled in 85 receptions for 689 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie draft picks Greg Silas and Austin Pettis failed to perform well, while 3rd-round rookie tight end Lance Kendricks was a disappointment with only 25 receptions for 352 yards and no touchdowns.
St. Louis continued to add wide receivers with mid-round picks in 2012. Brian Quick of Appalachian State, a 6’3″ receiver with speed comparable to that of the Minnesota Vikings’ Jerome Simpson, was drafted early in the 2nd round, while Chris Givens from Wake Forest was selected in Round 4.
Kendricks, Alexander, Gibson and the rookies need to step up if Sam Bradford is to have a successful 2012 campaign.
Run defense
To shore up their 31st-ranked run defense, the Rams added defensive tackle Michael Brockers in the mid-1st round after trading back twice. Brockers was rated a very good run-defending prospect and should prove a boon to the Rams. The other starting defensive tackle, Darell Scott, actually graded out at +4.7 in run defense.
The Rams brought in some linebacking talent to help out James Laurinaitis in run defense.
Aiding the run defense, James Laurinaitis (-1.6 in run defense; +6.8 in coverage) roams at middle linebacker, while linebackers Rocky McIntosh of the Redskins (-6.0 in run defense; -3.4 in coverage) and Jo-Lonn Dunbar from the Saints were added through free agency. McIntosh played in a 3-4 defense at Washington, so a change of scenery to a 4-3 formation may help his numbers.
Safety
Quentin Mikell struggled in coverage last year (-3.1) but played strong in run defense (+2.0) run D. Craig Dahl’s output also left something to be desired. The Rams are deep enough at cornerback that rookie Trumaine Johnson may switch from corner to safety.
Readiness Evaluation
The St. Louis Rams have added some serious talent lately, and they have extra 1st-round picks over the next 2 years to boot. Provided they draft wisely, they will become dangerous over time. If anyone can square this defense away, it’s Jeff Fisher and assistant head coach Dave McGinnis, and they have an influx of young talent to work with.
On the other hand, this team is still in dire need of weapons. Sam Bradford is a talented quarterback, but he cannot be expected to succeed unless other players besides Steven Jackson step up in a big way.
That being said, no one should ever sleep on a Jeff Fisher-lead team. The Rams did pull out a stunning upset of the New Orleans Saints last year, so opponents must remain wary. Detroit hosts the Rams opening day Detroit better be ready, and Chicago welcomes St. Louis in Week 3. Green Bay travels to St. Louis in Week 7, while Minnesota will follow suit in Week 15. Although no one should let down their guard against the Rams, expect the NFC North to go 4-0 against St. Louis in 2012.
