2007 St. Louis Rams Picks & Predictions
May 22, 2008
Not many offenses across the NFL go to battle each game with a Pro Bowl backfield, but a lackluster defense, especially against the run, kept the from breaking the .500 mark yet again. Find out Dave Price’s thoughts on this year’s team in his 2007 St. Louis Rams predictions and season preview.
50% IN BONUSES FROM BETUS AND FREE NFL PICKS FROM OUR HANDICAPPERS FOR TELLING THEM WE SENT YOU!
Not only do the Rams feel confident that they can put together their first winning season since the 2003 team coached by Mike Martz, but after ending the 2006 season with a three-game win streak, second-year head coach Scott Linehan believes his team has a legitimate shot at a division title in 2007. I’m not sure which part of his NFC worst run defense gave him that idea, but I suppose optimism is never a bad thing unless you grossly bounce all the checks your mouth couldn’t cash. That’s how head coaches end up fired and back in announcing booths and coordinator positions.
There’s no denying that the Rams’ offense has playoff potential, with Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson, Pro Bowl quarterback Marc Bulger and five players who caught at least 45 passes last season, including newcomers Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael. Linehan may have to loosen the reigns just a little more with all of this talent as his “playing it safe” approach cost his team scoring opportunities each week.
Jim Haslett’s defense flat out needs to be a lot better, especially against the run. Saying they underachieved against the run last season might be the understatement of the century. The Rams are also going to have to come up with a way to get some more pressure on opposing quarterback’s off the corner.
In Scott Linehan’s safety-first system, running back Steven Jackson’s considerable all-around talent was maximized both rushing and receiving. He seems to be the perfect takeover for Marshall Faulk. A turning point came when Linehan turned the play-calling duties over to offensive coordinator Greg Olson after the Rams’ worst loss of the season — a 15-0 Week 11 shutout in Carolina. With Olson calling the shots, the team averaged 27.5 points in the final six games. If the Rams can come out of the gats with this type of explosion, we can expect their games to be high-noon shootouts.
The Rams allowed an NFC-high 145.4 yards per game rushing last season, as teams particularly picked on the right side of the defense. Their outside pass rush left a great deal to be desired. Other than Leonard Little who was the only player to play bigger than his name, the team got only two sacks from the defensive end position. That’s only two more sacks than the offensive tight ends came up with. Little came up with 13 sacks and six forced fumbles while operating against endless double teams. The Rams hope James Hall can come in and take some heat off Little.
As the rest of the West gets better, the Rams drop a game off their 2006 season which was really saved by three straight wins to finish the year. We’ll chalk the Rams up with seven wins as they continue to build a consistent defense.
Related News
- Giants vs. Rams Predictions
- St. Louis Rams Predictions 2008
- 2007 NFC West Predictions
- Odds Win NFC West
- Rams vs. Eagles Picks
- NFC West Predictions 2008
- Week10 NFL Predictions
- Week6 NFL Predictions
- Week8 NFL Predictions
- Week7 NFL Predictions
Latest Headlines
- Free NCAA Basketball Pick for January 6, 2009
- Free NBA Pick for January 9, 2009
- Free NBA Pick for January 4, 2009
- Free College Basketball Pick for January 3, 2009
- Free NCAA Basketball Pick for January 2, 2009
- Free NCAA Basketball Pick for December 31, 2008
- Free NBA Pick for December 30, 2008
- Free NBA Pick for December 29, 2008
- Free NBA Pick for December 27, 2008
- Free NBA Pick for December 26, 2008
