2006 St. Louis Rams Preview

2006 season preview of the St. Louis Rams NFL football team from MadduxSports.com. Once the preseason gets underway be sure to purchase Maddux's Winning NFL Picks. We have also setup a live NFL lines feed so all visitors can compare multiple odds from the best sportsbooks on the net.

The Rams are probably off of most people’s radar screens. After a horrible season, which saw the firing of longtime head coach Mike Martz and a 6-10 record, it was time to turn the corner. New coach Scott Linehan came in immediately and started to mend fences and revitalize the team.

Mark Bulger (287 ATT, 192 COMP, 2,297 YDS, 14 TDs, 9 INT) returns with 4 years of pro experience. A healthy Bulger equals an accurate passer. But under Martz, Bulger threw to excess and missed numerous games due to shoulder injuries. He’s healthy and looks ready to lead the attack.

In his second season, RB Steven Jackson (254 ATT, 1,046 YDS, 4.1 AVG, 8) put in a strong performance. Jackson possesses power and speed, but he’s also vulnerable to injuries. Marshall Faulk (65 ATT, 292 YDS, 4.5 AVG, 0 TDs) is still effective in certain situations.

Productive and dependable receivers include Tory Holt (102 REC, 1,331 YDS, 13.0 YDS, 9 TDs) and Kevin Curtis (60 REC, 801 YDS, 13.2 AVG, 6 TDs). The team hopes tight end woes will me ameliorated by the drafting of Joe Klopfenstein (Colorado) and Dominique Byrd (USC).

With two rookie starters last season, the offensive line did a whole lot of learning. This year, they should put that knowledge to work and cut down on the 46 sacks allowed.

The defense was lacking in 2005. They were 31st in points allowed, 30th in total “D” and 28th against the rush. Major changes in the front four and a slew of draftee backups make them thin but, perhaps, more talented. St. Louis was weakest at linebacker last season. The signing of free agents Raonall Smith (Minnesota) and Will Witherspoon (Carolina) will help a lot.

Cornerbacks Jerametrius Butler and Travis Fisher are both back after injuries terminated their seasons in 2005. Corey Chavous (Minnesota), a free agent signing, will help greatly at safety.

2006 St. Louis Rams Predictions

The Rams are much better this year than they were last season. They are certainly not assured a playoff spot especially with Arizona’s major improvements. But they will compete and a light non-division schedule will help. Call it 3rd place behind the Cardinals in the weak NFC west in 2006.

For more info on the Rams NFC West division rivals check out the 49ers, Seahawks, and Cardinals team previews that Maddux Sports has completed for the NFL sports fan and bettor.

For more info and news on the 2006 St. Louis Rams football team visit the St. Louis NFL.com page.