ST. LOUIS RAMS OVER 6.5 WINS

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong last season for the St. Louis Rams. They suffered a ton of key injuries throughout the season, including Quarterback Marc Bulger who was injured in week-one, and dealt with broken ribs and concussions throughout the rest of the season. The offensive line was an absolute mess, but is expected to be a strength in 2008. Bulger is a gifted pocket-passer, and improved blocking could lead to a season like he had two years ago, when he threw for 24 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Three additions to this team will make Bulger a better QB this season. Al Saunders is back as offensive coordinator. Saunders was one of the key minds of the "Greatest Show on Turf" back in the late '90s, and early ought’s. While Saunders prefers many of the same receiver shifts that the Rams ran under Mike Martz, Saunders is much more determined in the running game. Great news, when you consider Stephen Jackson lines-up behind Bulger. The second addition will be quarterback coach Terry Shea. He's best known for working on a QB's footwork. And, it will only help to have QB Trent Green back in the roster. He knows the Al Saunders' offense from his time with the Rams and the Chiefs, and will put some pressure on Bulger in preseason action, not to mention a great backup if Bulger gets injured.

Stephen Jackson will be trying for his fourth straight one-thousand yard rushing season. He reached that mark despite missing four-plus games last year, while running behind a so-so offensive line when he was healthy. He'll love the addition of OT John Greco and OG Roy Schuening in this year's draft. And, despite some departures, I believe this year's receiving corps will put up bigger numbers than last year's group. The main reason will be the stressing of the running game, which will help out all other offensive units.

Defensively, the Rams will end up in the upper half of the NFL this season...mark my words. I like Jim Haslett's aggressive nature as a defensive coordinator. He will take chances with multiple blitz-schemes and throws a variety of mix-look-packages at opposing quarterbacks. The addition of Chris Long gives the defensive front more versatility. I also expect a much sturdier stop unit against the run. Adam Carriker no longer has to learn on the job, now that he's in his "sophomore" season, which will lessen the burden on veteran La'Roi Glover. The linebackers are extremely quick and the secondary will be quite capable as long as Tye Hill stays healthy.

BOTTOM LINE:

Head Coach Scott Linehan is firmly planted on the proverbial hot-seat. But let's be honest. He inherited an aging team that has suffered decimating injuries, especially in 2007. He'll finally have some talented "new-blood" to mix with his returning veterans. Most importantly, he'll have an offensive mind who'll utilize Stephen Jackson to his fullest! Add in a schedule that includes home games again Buffalo, Arizona, Miami, and San Francisco, along with winnable road games at Washington, the Jets, San Francisco, and Atlanta, and it's no wonder the Rams can be one of the most improved teams (wins-wise) in the NFL in 2008. We don't need the Rams to make leaps-and-bounds types of improvements. They don't need to seriously challenge the Seahawks in the NFC West. The fact that they're healthy should be enough to top last year's win total by at least three games, while the improvements and reasons mentioned above, should get us over the top. I'll be surprised if St. Louis finishes with less than eight wins this season, making OVER 6.5 wins the way to go.

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