The next team up on our Gridiron Blitz is the St. Louis Rams
Music to listen to: Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix
I had a major fail yesterday when I did a post on the Seattle Seahawks and didn’t post a song from arguably the best guitarist of all-time Jimi Hendrix.
I could put some Nelly in this spot because he’s from St. Louis, but screw that dude. Hendrix was the man!
Current State: The Rams went 2-14 in 2008 and trumped that with a 1-15 campaign in 2009. Normally, this would be a sign of a franchise that is destined for failure in the near future and the Rams aren’t going to make a playoff appearance for a few years.
However, with the selection of Sam Bradford and a variety of other draft picks over the past two years, the Rams actually have optimism coming into this season. There is unrest in the ownership situation for the team but on the field for this season, the plan is to develop players and hope that Bradford can develop into an elite player.
Biggest Offseason Change: Quarterback Marc Bulger has departed leaving the spot open for Bradford to start immediately.
Outside of that, there were no major roster changes of note and head coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Bill Devaney are still in the front office.
Uniform Grade: The dark blue and gold are nice compliments and the Rams helmet is one of the classic looks in the NFL. Grade: B
Best Player: The one thing that the Rams can hang its hat on is the services of one of the best running backs in the NFL, Steven Jackson.
He had 324 carries last season along with 51 catches, which is way too much of a workload for your top offensive player. However, when you look at the other options on offense, you can’t blame the Rams. Hopefully the addition of Bradford will allow the Rams to throw more to its receivers this season and take pressure off of Jackson.
Most important player: When you give $50 million guaranteed to your rookie starting quarterback who has injury issues, the offensive line, especially the left tackle becomes the second-most important player on the team.
The Rams are hoping that the number two overall pick of the 2009 draft, Jason Smith, can be the left tackle to do this. He has the physical attributes and the potential to do it.
Best Case: Bradford goes through his growing pains but has a decent rookie season. Jackson doesn’t get injured and the defense continues to improve.
Worst Case: The last two seasons.
Coaching: The coaching staff has been OK but it hasn’t had much to work with. The Rams may have the least talented team in the NFL.
First memory of team: The Rams beat the Giants in the 1990 playoffs on the road and in overtime. I still have bad memories of seeing Flipper Anderson catching the game-winning touchdown pass.
Schedule: The Rams will have to deal with San Francisco, Arizona and Seattle in the division.
The home games are against Washington, San Diego, Carolina, Kansas City and Atlanta. The away games are at Oakland, Detroit, Tampa, Denver and New Orleans.
City Nicknames: The Gateway City is a solid choice.
Fantasy Focus: Run away from this squad. Jackson is a good running back but he’s going to get beaten up in that offense and not put up the numbers you would want from your top running back.
Overall Outlook: The hope for the Rams is that they don’t lose 14 or 15 games again in another season. Single-digit losses this year would be a nice plan but is lofty.
Final Record: 3-13
Gridiron Blitz 2010 Season Previews:
AFC East:
AFC North:
AFC South:
AFC West
NFC East
NFC North
NFC South
NFC West
The Sports Inquirer 
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