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http://nflspinzone.com/2012/01/30/nfl-draft-2012-st-louis-rams-team-needs-2/
NFL Draft 2012: St. Louis Rams Team Needs
Jan 30th by taylorhuestisSt. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams suffered a big set back this year after an 8-8 season only a year ago. The Rams looked absolutely awful on both sides of the ball. That might have had something to do with the multiple players on injured reserve, but that is not a good enough excuse for the major regression that happened this season.
St. Louis’ offense looked sloppy and out of sync all season. Sam Bradford couldn’t seem to stay on the field, suffering two high ankle sprains that sidelined him for 6 games this season and allowed him to only pass for 2,164 yards and 6 touchdowns — down considerably from his marks of 3,512 yards and 18 touchdowns from last season.
The problems for Bradford start up front with his offensive line. He seemed to be under constant duress from opposing defenses. To get back to the form of 2011 the Rams will need to upgrade and do player evaluations for every position along the line. They should draft some tackles and guards early in the draft to protect their 70 million dollar investment in Sam Bradford.
The Rams are lucky to have as deep of a backfield as they do. Steven Jackson is one of the most talented running backs in the league and Jerious Norwood is a good change of pace for Jackson. They also have Cadillac Williams as their 3rd string runner, who can come in and contribute when needed. Jackson was able to top 1,000 yards again and rushed for 6 touchdowns this season. He has been the main and sometimes only offensive weapon for the Rams the past few seasons and has taken quite a beating because of it. He is still able to come out every game and be hard-nosed runner and more than likely has 2-3 1,000 yard season left in the tank — giving the Rams a viable ground game for the upcoming season.
The team needs to address their wide receivers desperately this offseason. They brought in Brandon Llyod half way through the year, but he said he will follow Josh McDaniels to the Patriots. The loss of Llyod leaves the Rams with no clear number one receiver and puts even more pressure on Sam Bradford next season. With a lot of big name receivers hitting free agency this offseason and the number 2 pick in the draft, there is no better time to reload than this off season.
The Rams defense is just as suspect as their offense. They lacked consistant pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and a good enough secondary to cover up their lack of pressure.
The defensive ends were the only bright spot on the line. Chris Long recorded a team high 13 sacks and James Hall was able to contribute 6 0f his own. Rookie Robert Quinn had a good season, recording 5 sacks. The interior line was very bad, getting beaten often on runs and being manhandled on passing plays. Between Fred Robbins and Justin Bannan, they were only able to record 1 sack. They will need to drastically step their game up next season.
The Rams are blessed with one of the most talented inside linebackers in the league in James Laurinaitis. He had quietly one of the better seasons recording 142 tackles and 2 interceptions. Outside backer Chris Chamberlain had 80 tackles 1 int and 1 forced fumble. The weak spot in the Rams linebacker corp is Brady Poppinga. He only had 51 tackles and 1 forced fumble, an upgrade over him next season will make them one of the more talented linebacker corps in the league.
St. Louis’ secondary was riddled with injuries this season, but they were still able to finish ranked 7th in pass yards a game. Cornerback depth is a huge issue for the Rams next season. Left cornerback Roderick Hood turned 30 this year and could used to be replaced after only getting 1 interception this season. Josh Gordy fared a little better grabbing a team high 3 interceptions and at only 24 he has some good seasons left in the tank. Safeties Darian Stewart and Quintin Mikell both had solid seasons recording 84 and 91 tackles and 1 and 2 interceptions, respectively. Mikell is 31 now and could also use a replacement under him that he can tutor to eventually step up and take his spot.
The Rams need to take huge strides this off-season to sure up the multiple holes that are all over their roster. They need address their pitiful receiver situation and add cornerback depth to regain the form two seasons ago.
NFL Draft 2012: St. Louis Rams Team Needs
Jan 30th by taylorhuestisSt. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams suffered a big set back this year after an 8-8 season only a year ago. The Rams looked absolutely awful on both sides of the ball. That might have had something to do with the multiple players on injured reserve, but that is not a good enough excuse for the major regression that happened this season.
St. Louis’ offense looked sloppy and out of sync all season. Sam Bradford couldn’t seem to stay on the field, suffering two high ankle sprains that sidelined him for 6 games this season and allowed him to only pass for 2,164 yards and 6 touchdowns — down considerably from his marks of 3,512 yards and 18 touchdowns from last season.
The problems for Bradford start up front with his offensive line. He seemed to be under constant duress from opposing defenses. To get back to the form of 2011 the Rams will need to upgrade and do player evaluations for every position along the line. They should draft some tackles and guards early in the draft to protect their 70 million dollar investment in Sam Bradford.
The Rams are lucky to have as deep of a backfield as they do. Steven Jackson is one of the most talented running backs in the league and Jerious Norwood is a good change of pace for Jackson. They also have Cadillac Williams as their 3rd string runner, who can come in and contribute when needed. Jackson was able to top 1,000 yards again and rushed for 6 touchdowns this season. He has been the main and sometimes only offensive weapon for the Rams the past few seasons and has taken quite a beating because of it. He is still able to come out every game and be hard-nosed runner and more than likely has 2-3 1,000 yard season left in the tank — giving the Rams a viable ground game for the upcoming season.
The team needs to address their wide receivers desperately this offseason. They brought in Brandon Llyod half way through the year, but he said he will follow Josh McDaniels to the Patriots. The loss of Llyod leaves the Rams with no clear number one receiver and puts even more pressure on Sam Bradford next season. With a lot of big name receivers hitting free agency this offseason and the number 2 pick in the draft, there is no better time to reload than this off season.
The Rams defense is just as suspect as their offense. They lacked consistant pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and a good enough secondary to cover up their lack of pressure.
The defensive ends were the only bright spot on the line. Chris Long recorded a team high 13 sacks and James Hall was able to contribute 6 0f his own. Rookie Robert Quinn had a good season, recording 5 sacks. The interior line was very bad, getting beaten often on runs and being manhandled on passing plays. Between Fred Robbins and Justin Bannan, they were only able to record 1 sack. They will need to drastically step their game up next season.
The Rams are blessed with one of the most talented inside linebackers in the league in James Laurinaitis. He had quietly one of the better seasons recording 142 tackles and 2 interceptions. Outside backer Chris Chamberlain had 80 tackles 1 int and 1 forced fumble. The weak spot in the Rams linebacker corp is Brady Poppinga. He only had 51 tackles and 1 forced fumble, an upgrade over him next season will make them one of the more talented linebacker corps in the league.
St. Louis’ secondary was riddled with injuries this season, but they were still able to finish ranked 7th in pass yards a game. Cornerback depth is a huge issue for the Rams next season. Left cornerback Roderick Hood turned 30 this year and could used to be replaced after only getting 1 interception this season. Josh Gordy fared a little better grabbing a team high 3 interceptions and at only 24 he has some good seasons left in the tank. Safeties Darian Stewart and Quintin Mikell both had solid seasons recording 84 and 91 tackles and 1 and 2 interceptions, respectively. Mikell is 31 now and could also use a replacement under him that he can tutor to eventually step up and take his spot.
The Rams need to take huge strides this off-season to sure up the multiple holes that are all over their roster. They need address their pitiful receiver situation and add cornerback depth to regain the form two seasons ago.