2008 St. Louis Rams Season Preview

2008 St. Louis Rams preview from MadduxSports.com. The NFC West could be one of the best divisions or one of the very worst's. There are a lot of unanswered questions for all 4 teams so having an expert like Maddux that can forecast winners with their NFL spread picks can mean a very profitable football season for the client. So what are you waiting for?

2008 St. Louis Rams Predictions
By Adam Barone

Rundown
Last season was a disaster in St. Louis, as the Rams finished 3-13. A large part of the problem was having 12 players on injured reserve by the end of the season.

Franchise mainstay Isaac Bruce went to division foe San Francisco as a free agent, but there were no other major losses.

Running back Stephen Jackson, one of the NFL’s best players, played in just 12 games last season because of injury. That could actually be a positive for the Rams this season, as Jackson carried the ball only 237 times in 2007. He’s averaged over 4.0 yards per carry in each of his four seasons as a pro and should do so again this season.

New offensive coordinator Al Saunders brings a balanced offense that should utilize both Jackson and the Bulger/Holt connection. Last season the offense became too simple and predictable. Wide receiver Reche Caldwell was signed as a free agent and will add much needed depth on the outside.

Former Saints head coach Jim Haslett is the Rams’ defensive coordinator, and will need to make major improvements with his unit this season. Last year the Rams gave up the second most points in franchise history, 438.

Haslett and the Rams hope they can manufacture more of a pass rush this season, as they managed just 31 sacks in 2007. They also ranked 20th against the run, allowing 115.2 yards per game. First round pick Chris Long could go a long way on both fronts.

Nose tackle Clifton Ryan is young, but if he continues to develop this season the Rams could find themselves with one of the better young front lines in the league.

Draft Analysis
A lousy record brought the Rams the second pick in April’s draft, which they used to select Virginia defensive end Chris Long.

Long is a hard worker and fantastic pass rusher who will fit well opposite left end Leonard Little. Last year’s first round pick Adam Carriker can now settle in where the Rams like him best—in the middle. Expect Haslett to utilize the versatility of all three, as Carriker could play some outside and Long may stand up and play outside linebacker on occasion.

Offensive line and receiver were also priorities for St. Louis. Donnie Avery, a receiver out of Houston, was the Rams’ second round selection. Avery is a speed receiver, running a 4.34 forty. A nice compliment to Torry Holt, Avery could remind Rams’ fans of the “greatest show on turf.”

The Rams used their third round pick to select Toledo offensive linemen John Greco, who could play guard or right tackle.

Now that you know about the 2008 St. Louis Rams football team see how they stack up against the rest of the NFC West division rivals Cardinals, Seahawks, and 49ers.

Related Pages:
Rams Official Site
NFL Sports Betting