The Rams went 10-6 last season even though quarterback Kurt Warner and
halfback Marshall Faulk missed games due to injury and the defense game up an
NFL-high 471 points. Imagine what this team could do if it stayed healthy and
actually stopped somebody. Heck, it would probably win the Super Bowl -- just
like it did in 1999.
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CAMP AT A GLANCE
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| Kurt Warner is coming off an injury-plagued 2000 season. |
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Location: Western Illinois, Macomb, Ill.
Rookies report: July 29
Veterans report: July 29
Preseason schedule:
Aug. 6: Miami (Canton, Ohio)
Aug. 12: at Buffalo
Aug. 17: Tennessee
Aug. 25: at San Diego
Aug. 31: Kansas City
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The goods news is Warner has recovered from a concussion that was more
severe than first thought and Faulk's knee is 100 percent. A more pressing
offseason concern is the defense, which underwent a complete overhaul. Coach
Mike Martz infused the unit with eight new starters, a new coordinator and a
new scheme in hopes that it won't again sabotage the unstoppable offense,
which scored a league-high 540 points. The only potential problem on offense
is backup quarterback, where capable Trent Green was traded and only unproven
Joe Germaine remains.
Man in the spotlight
Aeneas Williams cost the Rams two high draft picks,
but the team expects the six-time Pro Bowl cornerback to be worth the
investment after it surrendered 32 touchdown passes last year. Although the
new defensive philosophy uses mostly zone coverage, there is still a need for
a cornerback who can cover top receivers man-to-man. The Rams didn't have
that last year. Now they do. Williams, a consummate pro, will also provide
leadership for a young defense.
Key position battle
If the Rams were replacing the Kevin Carter of 1999,
it would be difficult. As it is, they must only replace the Kevin Carter who
sleepwalked through the 2000 season and was nowhere near the dominant end he
was before. First crack at the job goes to Leonard Little, a converted
linebacker who has bulked up 20 pounds to 260. The Rams think he could be a
Jevon Kearse-type pass rusher. If Little can't handle playing every down, the
team will turn to free agent Cedric Jones, who started for the Giants in the
Super Bowl. The fifth player taken in the 1996 draft, Jones' resume lacks
only one thing: production. If new line coach Bill Kollar can tap into his
potential, Jones could be the full-time end the Rams are seeking.
Biggest adjustment
When Lovie Smith moved to St. Louis, he brought the
Tampa Bay defense with him. Well, the scheme if not the players. Smith, the
Rams' new defensive coordinator, is a Tony Dungy disciple, which means the
Rams will be fast, aggressive and uncomplicated in the front seven and play
zone in the secondary to prevent the long ball. Only three starters return
from the defense that disintegrated last fall, which is a good thing. The
replacements include first-round rookies Damione Lewis at tackle and Adam
Archuleta at safety. Free agents who will start are safety Kim Herring
(Ravens) and linebacker Mark Fields (Saints). Smith has two jobs: Bring the
rookies up to speed quickly and get all the newcomers to blend together by
the opener.
Rookie report
The Rams had five picks in the first three rounds and used
them all for defense. Lewis and Archuleta are expected to start even through
Archuleta must make the transition from college linebacker to NFL safety. The
other picks -- first-round tackle Ryan Pickett, second-round linebacker Tommy
Polley and third-round linebacker Brian Allen -- might be a year away from
starting. In the fourth round, the Rams landed more weapons for the offense:
Milton Wynn, a tall, fast wide receiver, and Brandon Manumaleuna, a 280-pound
tight end who can catch. There's no room for either one now, but they'll
provide valuable depth on offense.
Rams' complete offseason moves
