Well Rams fans here we go again. New coaches, new outlook, new expectations.
The Rams have hired head coach Steve Spagnuolo as their head coach. Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator for the N.Y. Giants the last two years. In 2007 the year the Giants won the Superbowl, they were ranked 7th overall in the NFL in total defense. This past year they were ranked 5th in total defense.
It's about time the Rams looked to someone to help the defensive side of the ball. The Rams haven't hired a defensive minded head coach since Ray Malavasi. Yes, it's been that long.
If you read this column on a regular basis, you know how I preach defense. I'm not saying that my prayers have been answered, but it is a step in the right direction. Rams fans have to realize that this is no longer "the greatest show on turf". It hasn't been that way for 5 years. Get over it and move on please!
Spagnuolo has hired Ken Flajole as defensive coordinator and Pat Shurmer as offensive coordinator. Flajole came from the Carolina Panthers as a linebackers coach. Linebackers? What are those? The Rams haven't had a good corp. of linebackers for years. I expect a lot of focus on this area from Flajole.
Pat Shurmer's offense will be a shock to Rams fans that still live in 1999. Get ready for a vanilla offense with a heavy dose of Steven Jackson.
As Spagnuolo settles in as head coach, he will be putting the remaining touches on his coaching staff. It will be interesting to see who he targets in the free agent area. Whatever he decides, I think it will be a huge change from their offensive mentality, and I think that change will be what the Rams need.
"See you on the hit side" #21
