Q.I. Sports St. Louis Rams Preview

St. Louis Rams Preview!

2003-2004 Record: 12-4

2004 Prediction: 10-6 (Playoffs)

QB Preview:

QB Outlook: Marc Bulger comes in this season as the clear cut starter now that Kurt Warner is in a Giants uniform. Bulger should have a very good season because of all the weapons that is still around him. Chandler is an excellent backup just incase Bulger goes down. Jeff Smoker has talent to develop into the QB of the future especially under the coaching of Mike Martz

Starter: Marc Bulger

Back Ups: Chris Chandler & Jeff Smoker

Overall Strength Rating: **** 4 out of 5

RB Preview:

RB Outlook: Marshall Faulk is still a playmaker at RB but has not been able to stay healthy over the last few years, rookie Steven Jackson should get his share of carries to help take some of the load off of Faulk. Lamar Gordan is a solid RB as well and should see plenty of action also.

Starter: Marshall Faulk

Back Ups: Lamar Gordon & Steven Jackson

FB Outlook: Martz offense does not use a Fullback much but Joey Goodspeed is a solid blocker and a pretty good receiver out the backfield.

Overall Strength Rating: ***** 5 out of 5

WR Preview:

WR Outlook: Torry Holt is one of the best WR's in the NFL and Isaac Bruce although he is not the same player he once was is still a playmaker. This is still one of the best WR duo's in the NFL! As for depth, Dane Looker showed last season that he can be a very reliable 3rd WR but Kevin Curtis will also be returning and is expected to compete for that 3rd WR spot also.

Starters: Torry Holt & Isaac Bruce

Overall Strength Rating: **** 4 out of 5

There is some talent on the bench if Bruce or Holts was to go down but most of them do not have much experience.

TE Preview:

WR Outlook: Brandon Manumaleuna could be the answer at TE but will have to prove it. Overall, the TE position could still be a the Rams weakest position on offensive side of the ball.

Starter: Brandon Manumaleuna

Overall Strength Rating: **1/2 2.5 out of 5

OL Preview:

OL Outlook: OL could be a huge concern with Orlando Pace holding out again and Kyle Turley already having back problems even before the season has starts. The interior part of the OL was not upgraded this off season so that is still a huge concern.

Overall Strength Rating: *** 3 out of 5

With Pace and Turley and the OT positions the OL should be able to hold up but the interior part of the OL is still a huge concern.

DL Preview:

DL Outlook: Everyone is returning besides Grant Wistrom who is expected to be replaced by Brice Fisher who has talent to work with but is also unproven, the rest of the DL with Little, Lewis and Pickett should be fine.

Overall Strength Rating: **** 4 out of 5

LB Preview:

LB Outlook: Overall the Rams are very solid at LB, Tinoisamoa, Polley and Thomas all have plenty of speed and should be a very solid corp. once again in 2004.

Overall Strength Rating: **** 4 out of 5

LB Preview:

DB Outlook: As long as the Rams stay with the cover 2 system the secondary should be fine. Travis Fisher is very solid at CB and Jerametrius Butler will also be return at the other CB position. Rookie Kevin Garrett should be able to contribute at Nickel CB. The Rams should be able to get another season out of Aeneas Williams at FS but rookie FS Jason Shivers should see plenty of playing time also. Adam Archuleta is the Playmaker in the secondary and should put together another very good season also.

Overall Strength Rating: **** 4 out of 5

Overall Analysis:

The Rams should be a playoff team once again but the Seahawks are now the team to beat in the NFC West!

2004 Prediction: 10-6 (Playoffs!)