As the St. Louis Rams prepare for their first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, you can almost get the sense that they are ready for some football.
Embattled head coach Scott Linehan is taking a much different approach to training camp than he did in the past couple of seasons. And with good cause, I might add. I will have to give him some credit for toughening up on some of the players not player through little injuries. His players have to knuckle up and play with nagging injuries.
What player in the NFL is not banged up and dealing with nagging injuries? So, I have to give Scott Linehan props on that one. Mainly, because I never give him much credit. Deservedly so in most cases. But, his tenure as Rams head coach hangs in the balance of a few things.
It starts with a healthy Orlando Pace at the left tackle position. I once had the audacity to think that you can put anyone at the left tackle position and it would work out perfectly. Wrong! His presence on the offensive line means more than you think. Just ask Marc Bulger about the presence of Orlando Pace and what it means to the offense. Having a healthy Orlando Pace does wonders for your passing attack. The gaping holes he was able to create in the running game gives the Rams a diverse offensive attack.
And speaking about the running game, I’m sure once Steven Jackson ends his holdout he would love nothing more to run through a lane provided by future Hall of Fame tackle Orlando Pace. But, in the meantime, backups Antonio Pittman and Brian Leonard are going to get that opportunity. In years past former Rams running backs who’s names looks like a who’s who’s list is a testament to the superior run blocking when Pace is healthy.
From an offensive standpoint, the addition of Al Saunders has been a tremendous boost for the offense. This team should do better than averaging a repulsive 11 points a game. The expectation level for the offense will be higher. Especially, since Scott Linehan will give Al Saunders the space to do what he does best. That is creating a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
When watching film on the St. Louis Rams from the glory days of the Greatest Show on Turf, one can only wonder what exciting things this team can do.
As I stated last week about the defense, I think the Rams could possibly have a very entertaining team on defense. The linebacker position is a bit of concern. Only because of the loss of Brandon Chillar to the Green Bay Packers. And the Rams were so impressed with the 14-tackle game of Quinton Culberson in the final game of last season, that they believe he can be just as good as Chillar was. Pisa Tinoisamoa has to stay healthy this season. He has probably broken almost every bone in his upper body. Pisa has yet to play a full season since 2005.
As far as the secondary goes. There is a Hall of Fame type-player out there that can make an immediate impact. He goes by the name of John Lynch. It would be a welcome addition to the St. Louis Rams. It makes so much sense. There is not a smarter player in the league at the strong safety position than John Lynch. It would take a lot of pressure off O.J. Otogwe and Ron Bartell. He could very well give the young guys a tremendous boost as Aeneas Williams did when he joined the Rams back in 2001. Who knows? It may just increase Scott Linehan time as head coach. Just let the games begin.
Questions or comments email me at Livnlegend@hotmail.com.
