Palmer says: 9-7 in 2005
It’s the defense that’s worrisome
For the St. Louis American
Before I give my prediction for the Rams in 2005, let’s take a walk down memory lane.
In the first preseason game against the Chicago Bears, the Rams looked okay. Nothing really stood out except the play of defensive tackle Brandon Green, who quickly found a place in the heart of Rams Coach Mike Martz with his all-out hustle.
Martz sent a message to the other players on defense, like Anthony Hargrove, who was demoted to the second team behind Green. The Rams’ offense was stoic and did not arouse the 66,000 hometown fans in attendance.
Then the Rams ventured west to face the San Diego Chargers. I thought my eyes were deceiving me. The defense was deplorable that afternoon. The run defense gave up more than 200 yards, a far too familiar scene from the last two seasons. The offense was still a little rusty, and the pass protection left many of us concerned. The special teams play was average. It was not a good day.
Okay, the Rams are in Detroit, and what did I and the rest of America see? The Greatest Show On Turf was back. Man, it was just like the good old days of Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. Steven Jackson looked like a stud in his new role as a starting running back. The offensive line was fantastic. Quarterback Marc Bulger could have completed passes from a lawn chair.
On defense, Hargrove got the message Martz was trying to send by causing a fumble on a pass rush. The secondary had a scare when cornerback Terry Fair bruised his spinal cord while trying to tackle Kevin Jones of the Lions. He is okay and is expected to return for Sunday’s opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Last Friday, the Rams played their last preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The starters did not play much as this became a last chance for some players to make the team.
Now, it’s time for me to put up or shut up.
The Rams offense will again score 500 points and soar to the top of the NFL. That will happen if the offensive line protects Bulger, Martz does a better job with the play calling, Marshall Faulk is used correctly, and the offense operates better in the red zone.
However, the defense still is very suspect. Can they keep the Rams close if the offense sputters? Can this defense improve on its hideous ranking in giveaway/takeaway? Will the special teams play with the fire that comes from the mouth of their new coach Bob Ligahesky?
My final prediction for the Rams is 9-7, and I’m sticking to it.
Any questions or comments, email me at Livnlegend@hotmail.com.
