Feature Article
It All Counts Now
Lovemyrams
Staff Writer/Editor
A lot of people weren't too happy with some of the things they saw or didn't see during the preseason. They didn't like the lack of production by the offense and they still came away feeling suspect of the defense. But perhaps had these four games been games that counted against the season, there might be true reason to be worried, heck to be at your wits end. But it was the preseason and that's all it was.
Coach Linehan has shown to everyone that the preseason is of no real importance to him when it comes to his veteran starters. The only purpose it holds for him is for the new and young players to have an opportunity to showcase their talents in a game situation, therefore making his decisions on cuts somewhat easier.
Linehan has proven that he's a man of his word and that he's not going to candy coat the truth so unlike a different coaching era we went through. He's not going to come out and tell the public the team is ready if he truly doesn't believe that they are. It's obvious that what he's seen during training camp has been enough for him to feel comfortable enough about the team to not push any “panic buttons” before the season even starts.
There's absolutely no reason for any of us to believe that the potency of this newly tweaked offense is going to sputter coming out of the starting gate. Marc Bulger is firmly secured as the leader of the team and has a year under his belt in Linehan's system. He has an arsenal of weapons that should be able to light up the scoreboard nearly at will as long as the offensive line stays healthy and does it's job. Jackson, Holt, Bruce, McMichael, and Bennett are enticing targets and throw in Leonard and Hagans, who showed that a year on the practice squad paid off, should add some nice change ups in the offense and could have opposing defenses head spinning. There should be absolutely nothing wrong with this offense at all.
Yes, the defense may be still a little suspect but remember, they don't have to be great to get the job done. As long as they can move themselves up to an average ranking that should be all the offense needs for help in winning. Adam Carriker himself is well beyond average and he alone should take the defense up a notch or two over last year. And no one is even giving James Hall a second look. If this guy can stay healthy he should be nearly as disruptive as Little on the other side of the line. Carriker and Hall alone could make the defense move up in stature.
The Rams should have the advantage their opening game, being at home, having now become completely comfortable with Linehan's system, and still flying low under the radar, the Panthers probably believe like most up to this point that the Rams are just another mediocre team going nowhere. If the Rams use all of this to their advantage, they should be able to come out of the starting gate with a bang.
This is it, the first game of the season and although it's only one game, it's probably going to be one of the most important games for the Rams. If they come out with guns a blazing and pull off a big win their first game, people will take notice immediately, not to mention the confidence that will build within the ranks.
It all counts now, let's get down to business and show the world what you're made of Rams!
GO RAMS!!!
