It has been fun writing for Planet Rams. Over the years it has been my pleasure to give my opinion on the St Louis Rams. Being a die hard fan for 40+ years, I have seen the good times and the bad. Lately, as Rams fans know, it has leaned towards the bad. I've seen this before. The Rams had the worst record for the whole decade of the 1990's before they won the Superbowl. If anything, I have learned that the NFL is cyclical. The old adage "what goes around, comes around" is true in the NFL. The Rams might be one of the worst teams in the NFL now, but they won't be that way for long.
I believe the coaching staff and management have them pointed in the right direction. A few "tweaks" here and there, and the Rams will be competitive again.
Here are my final thoughts on this, and unlike my previous writings, it will not be "defensive heavy". As you will see, it is all connected.
First, make a decision at QB. Bulger is not the answer anymore. I have always liked him as a QB, but the Rams made a big mistake by signing him to a long term contract. He is getting up in years and he is fragile. The reason he is fragile and has been injury prone, is the play of the offensive line. This needs to be addressed immediately in free agency or the draft. Another reason Bulger gets banged up, is his receiving corps. There's not enough experience in this area. Blown routes and miss-communication, lead to a lot of hits on your QB.
As Rams fans, we could all agree that Steven Jackson is a stud. With no threat of a passing game, this allows defenses to put 8 or 9 in the box to stop him. The hits and chances of injury will mount up and will take it's toll on Jackson. If the Rams don't address the QB situation, Jackson will age before his time.
The defense is another thing all together. Over the last few years there seems to be a lack of leadership. Maybe Laurinaitis will take on that role. Time will tell. The secondary needs a complete overhaul. The defensive line is average, the line backing corps. needs help. Saying all of this, if I was in a position to make decisions for the Rams, here is what I would do. I'd look at free agents for any veteran help, especially at the QB position, maybe even offer a trade for a respectable veteran QB.
In April, I would draft (not necessarily in this order, but the best available player) offensive linemen, wide receivers, defensive backs, & linebackers. That's all I would draft. No running backs, tight ends, defensive linemen (after the Rams draft Ndamukong Suh first pick of course), kickers or specialty players. That's it in a nutshell, seems pretty simple to me.
Since this is my final article, I would like to thank the great Rams fans that started and run Planet Rams. Also thanks to all the diehard Rams fans that read this. It has been an experience that I will never forget. So, for my last entry all I can say is GO RAMS!!!!!
"See you on the hit side" #21
You will be missed Randy!! Hate to see you leave us!
