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A devastating 2-14 season has provided the impetus to bring in a new coaching staff and shake up player personnel by weeding out some familiar faces as a new era dawns underneath the Gateway Arch.
Enter defensive mastermind Steve Spagnuolo, who in his brief time as head coach has already planted the seeds for a bigger, tougher, and meaner squad.
The additions of rookie tackle Jason Smith and veteran center Jason Brown are expected to bring an infusion of much-needed of athleticism on the part of Smith and a touch of nastiness from Brown, who formerly started for the Ravens.
Spags has also beefed up the spine of the defense, acquiring big safety James Butler as an intimidating force and drafting linebacker James Laurinaitis to fight through blocks in the pursuit of shutting down the opponent’s running game.
Holdover Marc Bulger likes what he’s seen so far and expressed his wish for the Rams to make a long-term commitment to Spagnuolo and company.
“I think when you look at teams that are successful there’s some sort of stability,” said the grizzled quarterback. “Obviously, New England had some changeover. Yet, when you’re successful guys leave, but at the same time the ground work is set. That’s what we’re doing right now. We’re building a foundation. We can go through the whole thing that he (coach Steve Spagnuolo) is preaching right now, but it’s true. Once we have that foundation set we can lose myself, we can lose a coach, we can lose a player here and there. It’s a culture you form and I think that the Patriots showed how in the NFL you can win if you just get the right culture.”
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks: Bulger’s meager 2008 stats (2,720 yards, 11 TDs/13 INTs ) don’t begin to tell you how awful he was throughout most of the season. Shoddy pass protection made him a nervous Nellie in the pocket. This often caused him to precipitously throw passes into coverage, resulting in far too many interceptions. The Pittsburgh native is very much a player that needs a credible running game and strong protection upfront to prosper. A revamped line and added speed at wide receiver should portend at least a mild, if not considerable, improvement for the 32-year-old. Backup Kyle Boller takes over for the ancient Trent Green. The former Raven’s physical attributes have never translated to consistent on-field success. Boller’s inability to process the action before him negates his huge arm. Rookie third-stringer Keith Null is a classic dropback passer, who set school records at West Texas A&M with 4,134 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes in 2007.
Running Backs: There are big plans forthcoming for Steven Jackson. He will be the unquestioned centerpiece of the offense. In an effort to help Jackson’s cause, the Rams have finally answered his pleas for a hard-nosed lead blocker by signing fullback Mike Karney. The one-dimensional blocker should help create running lanes that number 39 will be looking to explode through. The danger with being overly dependent on Jackson in the past has been the numerous injuries that the heavily-muscled back is prone to given his upright, smashmouth running style. If “Action” Jackson were to miss any time, third-year back Antonio Pittman would be first in line to pick up the pieces. The 5’11” Pittman is a between-the-tackles grinder with little burst. The prior coaching staff had some issues with the former Buckeye’s stone hands and questionable work ethic. Kenneth Darby’s performance as a pass-catching third-down option was a pleasant surprise for the Blue and Gold last season. Seventh-round pick Chris Ogbonnaya didn’t see lots of action as a runner in college with only 66 carries in his first three years at Texas and 73 totes during his senior campaign. He is an excellent receiver and special teams player though, and will be used as such if he makes the team.
 Wide Receivers: Second-year wide out Donnie Avery took the league by storm in his rookie year and despite a late-season swoon, he still ended up with 53 receptions for 674 yards and three scores. The electrifying, if inconsistent, game breaker has the acceleration to leave most corners gasping for air, and should improve his numbers in a more stable offense. St. Louis will try to replace the legendary Torry Holt with the youthful combination of Laurent Robinson and Keenan Burton. Acquired in a trade with Atlanta, the 6’2” Robinson offers soft hands, breathtaking speed, and leaping prowess, but couldn’t find consistent playing time with his old team. Burton, on the other hand, is a more physical target that can get open in tight coverage. However, the former Wildcat needs to avoid getting nicked up and minimize his dropped passes. Derek Stanley is a limited speed demon that hasn’t shown much in the way of route running. Rookie Brooks Foster may have an opportunity to become an immediate contributor in multiple-receiver sets thanks to his agility, long arms, and straight-line speed. The North Carolina product can also make plays in the open field after the catch.
Tight End: Randy McMichael is once again penciled in as the number-one tight end after his 2008 season was cut short by a broken tibia and torn leg tendon. As hard as it is to believe, McMichael is still only 30 years old and has actually been looking pretty spry in recent practices. He’s never been the most physical of tight ends, but his speed and fluidity as a pass catcher remain. The lackluster Joe Klopfenstein is far from being a vertical weapon. In fact, he recorded a modest 11 receptions in 10 starts last season and has never developed into an effective blocker. The Rams expected a lot more out of the former Colorado Buffalo when they made him a second-round pick in 2006. Knee and wrist injuries might have had something to do with his dismal season, but his time is running short. Daniel Fells, who was picked up off Tampa Bay’s practice squad, probably has the best hands of the group. Billy Bajema is nothing more than an extra blocker.
Offensive Line: Jason Smith has all the ingredients to be the next Orlando Pace at left tackle and flat out dominate opposing outside defenders for the next decade. The coaching staff, though, doesn’t seem inclined to reward the rookie with blindside duties just yet. Alex Barron is slated to start on the left side in the early going, but it would be insane to envision Spags tolerating an entire season of the technically flawed and generally disinterested Barron at the most important position on the offensive line. Smith’s superb balance and lateral agility make him natural left tackle. When healthy, Richie Incognito is a first-rate mauler with the strength to move people off the ball. The emotional Incognito gave an uneven performance last season, primarily due to a rotator cuff injury. Jacob Bell and John Greco will look to get it on for the left guard spot in the starting lineup. Bell’s lack of girth prevented him from establishing himself in his first season in St. Louis. The ex-Titan has recently checked into OTAs 15-pounds heavier at just under 300 pounds. Greco is a second-year pro who combines a superior punch in the running game with excellent footwork. Free agent signing Jason Brown adds some major beef at center. The 6’3” 320-pound widebody should provide better penetration in the running game than guys like Brett Romberg and Nick Leckey, who shared the position in 2008.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line: While St. Louis’ defense was a middle-of-the-road squad in terms of sacks, the true indicators of how inept this unit truly was were its next-to-last ranking in points allowed per game (29.1) and the fact that the Lions were the only team worse than the Rams in surrendering both rushing yards and rushing scores to the opposition. Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan did next to nothing in making plays against opposing running backs. Carriker, a highly-regarded first-round pick out of Nebraska in 2007, fought through ankle and leg injuries in his second year, but hasn’t been very stout versus the run. Ryan is nothing more than a space eater. Fourth-round pick Dorell Scott delivers the size that was lacking along the defensive front with his massive 320-pound frame. The large tackle showed the ability to quickly close running lanes as a collegiate at Clemson. Smaller tackles like La’Roi Glover are no longer with the team. Chris Long and Leonard Little are the starting ends. Long only totaled four sacks as a rookie, but generated 16 pressures. The former Cavalier began coming on when he stopped thinking and started playing on instinct, but faded a bit down the stretch. Little’s torn hamstring made him a non-factor for much of 2009, but he is still a highly-skilled speed rusher that can rip through blockers when healthy. James Hall has been re-signed, although he’s done nothing to warrant it. Victor Adeyanju is a diligent worker, but has no discernable pass-rushing ability.
 Linebackers: Rookie James Laurinaitis takes over at middle linebacker, and based on his college career, seems to be the physical and instinctive player the Rams need to shore up their run defense. Although Laurinaitis lacks the quick-strike lateral movement of a young Ray Lewis, he can ably engage blockers and plug running lanes without taking any false steps. Flanking him on the weak side will be Will Witherspoon. ‘Spoon is a sure tackler who can rush the passer and make plays all over the field. The Rams don’t have many options on the strong side, and will have to probably go with the versatile Chris Draft at that spot. The 33-year-old won’t make a ton of highlight-reel plays, but is a disciplined run defender. The aggressive Quinton Culberson and David Vobora will challenge Draft for the starting spot.
Secondary: Ron Bartell is a shining star in the secondary; an outstanding cover man who is also solid in run support. The Detroit native deflected an astounding 19 passes in 2008, and could turn into a Pro Bowl performer if he turns a few more of those tips and knockdowns into interceptions. The Rams have recognized his talent and willingness to play through injury by rewarding him with a new four-year contract in the off-season. Tye Hill isn’t quite as reliable on the other side. In fact, the fragile corner gave D’Angelo Hall a run for his money in providing some of the worst coverage during the early part of the season. Receivers often take advantage of his smallish frame. Former Nittany Lion Justin King showed positive signs in last year’s training camp before succumbing to a toe injury. Rookie Bradley Fletcher possesses the quickness and body control to turn on balls, as well as long arms at 6’1”. Fletch also supplies some serious pop as an open-field tackler. O.J. Atogwe is a complete safety with ballhawking skills, while N.Y. Giant import James Butler is a 6’3” enforcer who takes over for the departed Corey Chavous at strong safety. Butler packs a wallop in run support, but isn’t as trustworthy against the pass. Safety Todd Johnson will primarily be a special teams guy.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Rams are set at kicker with Josh Brown, whose booming leg converted six of eight field goal tries from 50 yards or more. The 6’3” Donnie Jones was no slouch at punter, averaging 50 yards per attempt. Chris Massey is an impeccable long snapper. Derek Stanley and Laurent Robinson will get first dibs on replacing the fading Dante Hall in the return game.
ST LOUIS RAMS OFF-SEASON TRACKER
Acquired
QB Kyle Boller
FB Mike Karney
WR Laurent Robinson (trade)
WR Tim Carter
TE Billy Bajema
OC Jason Brown
DT Gary Gibson
DT Orlen Harris (trade)S James Butler
S Craig Dahl
Drafted
QB Keith Null, West Texas A&M
RB Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas
WR Brooks Foster, North Carolina
OT Jason Smith, Baylor
DT Dorell Scott, Clemson
LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
CB Bradley Fletcher, Iowa
Undrafted Free Agents
FB Jerome Johnson, Nevada-Reno
WR Jarrett Byers, Northeastern State
WR Quentin Chaney, Oklahoma
OT David Oswald, Brigham Young
OG Roger Allen III, Missouri Western
OG Ray Feinga, Brigham Young
OC Daniel Sanders, Colorado
DL Mike Newkirk, Wisconsin
DE Kirston Pittman, LSU
DE Ian Campbell, Kansas State
LB Ekenemchukwu Asiodu, Central Oklahoma State
LB Dominic Douglas, Mississippi State
CB Cordelius Parks, Northeastern
S Mark Rubin, S, Penn State
Re-Signed
QB Brock Berlin
OG Richie Incognito
OG Adam Goldberg
OG Mark Setterstrom
DE Victor Adenyanju
DE Eric Moore
CB Ron Bartell
S Oshiomogho Atogwe
Departures
QB Trent Green (released/failed physical)
RB Brian Leonard (traded Bengals)
OT Orlando Pace (released)
OT Brandon Gorin: UFA Broncos; terms unknown
OC Brett Romberg: UFA Falcons; terms unknown
OC Nick Leckey: UFA Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown
WR Torry Holt (released)
WR Drew Bennett (released)
TE Anthony Becht (released)
LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (released)
S Corey Chavous (released)
Unsigned
RB Travis Minor
WR/KR Dante Hall
WR Dane Looker
OT Anthony Davis
OT Rob Petitti
OC Cory Withrow
DT La'Roi Glover
LB Gary Stills
CB Fakhir Brown
CB Jason Craft
CB Ricky Manning
PROJECTION
Despite some obvious flaws at quarterback, linebacker, and the defensive line, the Rams aren’t as woeful as they looked last year. With a new commitment to pound the ball and protect Bulger on offense, along with added size on defense, St. Louis may have enough to be one of the most improved teams in the league. The Rams’ projected record is 8-8.
Photo Credit: College Press Box (UNC, OSU)
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