Training Camp Buzz

Well we are finally mere days before the Rams open up training camp and the Spags era. Most believe that the rebuilding of the Rams is/was so massive that one offseason could not fix all the issues. So many questions on players, depth, coaching, scheme, experience vs youth. Interestingly enough a few articles, blogs etc in the mainstream outlets have labeled the Rams as a potential breakout team, ala the Dolphins and Falcons of 08.

My humble opinion remains that if the Rams stay healthy we should see closer games, players in position to make plays, and progress in most key areas. How that translates into wins and losses, who knows.

The Rams have on paper made some good moves:

1. Resigning Bartell
2. Signing FA Jason Brown
3. Drafting Jason Smith, and James Laurinaitis
4. Signing FA Mike Karney
5. Moving on from the past

The Rams have revamped the front office (which should be #1), hired football people to handle the football operations, and new business people to handle that area. Also this offseason has been DRAMA-FREE!!!!!

Draft picks are getting signed, players are attending offseason workouts, and I for one am getting a sense that we finally have folks that know what they are doing. We shall find out how quickly they can find answers to all the question marks this team still has.

Future ?'s

News is about as slow as you can get in the NFL. Some questions surround this team for success now and down the road.

How will a first time head coach do in a rebuilding team with uncertain ownership and player leadership?

Will Marc Bulger emerge from injury plagued years, and pick up the West Coast system, while developing timing and trust with inexperienced WR's?

Will having a true FB make Steven Jackson the back we all thought he would be?

Does the defense have enough of a pass rush to generate turnovers, key stops, and sacks?

Can the new coaches develop young talent on both sides of the ball?

When do some of these high round draft picks live up to their draft status?

In a bad economy and a horrible few years of football, will St Louis fans show up to the dome?

Will Stan Kroenke get his wish to purchase controlling interest of the Rams even though his other pro ownerships are currently forbidden by the NFL?

These questions and certainly many more will come to the forefront, and will need to be answered for the Rams to be successful.


Lastly, I must congratulate my LSU Tigers for winning the National Championship in Baseball in 2009.

Geaux Tigers
Geaux Rams!

OTA

If one believes newspapers, blogs, and fan blurbs the Rams new head coach seems to be ready thus far to be a head coach. Spags doen't appear paranoid, media shy, or too positive or too negative. Things can and surely will change once the games begin, but it is refreshing as a fan to be able to listen to an interview with your head coach and come away feeling that you are glad he is in charge.

If the Rams have done their homework on the coaches and the players better times should be right around the corner.