Feature Article
Training Camp & Pre-Season
GeezerRam
Staff Writer
As this article is being written, we are just a few days away from the start of 2007 Rams training camp. We still have some substantial question marks which will likely not be answered until well into the regular season, but I think we have a head coach and a personnel director in place who really know what they are doing, and I’m optimistic they will turn most of the question marks into exclamation points.
Question mark #1 has to be How quickly can Adam Carriker develop as an NFL defensive tackle and be the force we so desperately need to stop the run? It is CRUCIAL that he be signed and in camp ready to go from the very first day. He’s been given a huge task in moving to a new position while also having to make the transition to the NFL from the college game, and he needs to be there each and every day for the coaches to have the maximum possible time to help him get ready for his adventure at defensive tackle.
Question mark #2 is will James Hall be able to stay healthy? If he can, expect to start seeing some #96 jerseys on the shelves of you favorite sports apparel store. Leonard Little’s play will jump up another level once offenses have to pay attention to James whistling into the backfield from the other side.
Question mark #3 will be how much of an effect Fakhir Brown’s suspension will have during those first 4 games? Some young guys like Bartell have a golden opportunity to step in, turn heads and make it difficult to take them out of the lineup once Fakhir returns. I do think Fakhir plays a big role as a mentor to the younger players and he will be missed on and off the field.
Lastly, will we be more more efficient in the red zone in 2007? I think Bennett and McMichael were key acquisitions who will make a huge difference in the red zone offense, one area in which the offense needed to improve.
The coaching staff and front office took steps to shore up each problem area and we’ll soon see how well the fixes hold up. I particularly like Linehan’s MO. He addresses problems quietly and directly whether they are football skill judgements, or players personal problems. I think we are in for a Ram resurgence starting in September.
GO RAMS !!!
