St. Louis Rams 2008 Training Camp Update

After a dismal 2007-2008 season, the St. Louis Rams look to rebound in the upcoming season. Several question marks still remain as the first preseason game looms. Can the contract issue be resolved with star running back Steven Jackson? Will the offensive line be able to protect Marc Bulger this year? Who will step up to help Torry Holt in the receiving corps?

Head coach Scott Linehan, who has gone 11-21 in his first two seasons with the Rams, could be on the hot seat if the Rams do not improve this season. Jim Haslett ’ s defense improved last year from the previous season to rank 21 st in the league. The offense under Al Saunders, however, dropped from being the sixth most productive unit in the league during the 2006 season to 24 th last season. With the injuries to Jackson and Bulger last season and the poor play of the offensive line, it's easy to see why the offensive production plummeted.

With the addition of second overall draft pick Chris Long, defensive end out of Virginia, the front seven looks dangerous. If the secondary steps up, the Rams defense could improve even more during the upcoming season.

St. Louis Rams 2008 Position Updates

Quarterback – Marc Bulger is solidified as the starter. When healthy, Bulger is one of the most accurate passers in the league. Undoubtedly the leader of the offense, Bulger needs to have a solid season if the Rams hope to turn some heads this year. Bulger only played in 12 contests last season, starting all of those games. He threw for 2,392 yards and 11 touchdowns in his limited play last season while throwing 15 touchdowns. Bulger is just one year removed from throwing for 4,301 yards and 24 touchdowns in 16 games, however. Trent Green enters the season returning to the Rams as a backup. Green has his position as the number two quarterback locked up. Third-year man Bruce Gradkowski and and second-year player Brock Berlin are entangled in a competition for the third on the depth chart. The two have been receiving equal reps in training camp and will likely see the bulk of the action during the preseason. Berlin seems to have the inside track to winning this job right now, as he is familiar with Linehan ’ s offensive system. Gradkowski, however, has a scrambling ability that Berlin does not, which could factor into the decision.

Running Backs – The biggest storyline of the Rams’ training camp thus far has been the glaring absence of star running back Steven Jackson. Jackson led the league in yards from scrimmage during the 2006 season. The combination of injuries and poor play by the offensive line hampered Jackson’s numbers during the 2007 season. If the Rams can get Jackson to camp and resolve the contract issue, he could reclaim his spot as one of the premier running backs in the league. In his absence, however, Antonio Pittman will likely be the top back. Pittman received just 38 carries last season. The Rams would prefer to leave Brian Leonard as the team’s fullback. Leonard saw action last year at halfback during Jackson’s injury. Undrafted free agent Lance Ball out of Maryland is making a strong impression during training camp. Ball has seen a good amount of action during Jackson’s holdout. Ball could be a dark horse to make the team. Ball is in competition with Travis Minor for the third running back position. Along with Leonard, the Rams currently have three other fullbacks on the roster. Look for at least two of those to be cut. Dan Kreider and Richard Owens are currently battling for the backup fullback role.

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Wide Receivers/Tight Ends – Torry Holt has solidified himself as one of the most consistent receivers in the league. Holt sits atop the depth chart. Holt has eight straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. The number two receiver will be Drew Bennett. At 6-foot-5, Bennett was brought in last season to boost the Rams’ red zone offense, giving the team a tall target. Bennett was a disappointment in his first season in St. Louis, however, catching just three touchdown passes. A mix of young players and veterans are in competition for the remaining wide receiver positions. Speedsters Dante ’ Hall and rookie Donnie Avery are in competition for the third spot along with Dane Looker. Also in the mix at receiver are Marques Hagans, who is currently hampered by a hamstring injury, Reche Caldwell, rookie Keenan Burton, Brandon Williams, and rookie Derek Stanley.

The top tight end on the roster is Randy McMichael, who was also brought in last year to give the Rams another red zone target. Like Bennett, McMichael had a disappointing season, catching just 39 passes for 429 yards and three touchdowns. His 39 receptions and 429 yards were career-lows for McMichael. Joe Klopfenstein and the newly acquired Anthony Becht are competing for the second tight end position.

Offensive Line – The offensive line was more a detriment to the team last season than a help. The unit was unable to protect the man under center, no matter who it was. The unit has looked much better during training camp thus far. A big help has been a healthy Orlando Pace. While healthy, Pace is known as one of the best offensive tackles in the league. His health will likely determine how well the offensive line plays this season.

Defensive Line – The defensive line received a big boost from the selection of Virginia defensive end Chris Long second overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. Long gives the Rams another highly-touted end to go along with Leonard Little. Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett has said that the defensive line will likely use several different looks this season, including possibly playing Little at defensive tackle at times, leaving Long and James Hall to play the end positions. The defensive front also includes veteran La’Roi Glover at tackle and second-year man from Nebraska Adam Carriker at the other tackle position. Look for the defensive line to be a strong point of the Rams defense this season.

Linebackers – Another strong point for the Rams defense is the linebacking corps. Will Witherspoon led the team in tackles last season from the middle linebacker position with 110 tackles and also led the team with seven sacks. Strongside linebacker Chris Draft recorded 45 tackles last season while weakside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions. Haslett has said that the team will likely use Tinoisamoa less early on in the season in hopes of keeping him healthy for all 16 games. Quinton Culberson and Chris Chamberlain will also be in the mix at linebacker while undrafted rookie free agent Marc Magro has also impressed during training camp.

Secondary – The success of the defense could hinge on the success of the secondary. Tye Hill and Fakhir Brown will likely be the starting cornerbacks with Ron Bartell and Jonathan Wade backing them up. Rookie cornerback Justin King has a chance to make a splash this season as well. Corey Chavous and Oshiomogho Atogwe have the safety positions locked up.

Special Teams – The Rams could have one of the top special teams units in the league this season. The addition of former Seattle Seahawks kicker Josh Brown will make a seamless transition at the position after the retirement of Jeff Wilkins. Donnie Jones has established himself as one of the top punters in the league. The return game is also one of the best in the league with Dante ’ Hall returning both kickoffs and punts.

By Scott Vicker
ProFootball-fans.com St. Louis Rams Correspondent