ProFootballCentral.com

By PFC Rams Writer Don Ackerman

Three preseason Rams games have me excited and confused. The Rams have promise, many players have potential, but we have yet to see results.

Defensive Death and Rebirth
In the three games involving starters (this is written before the 4th and final preseason game against Kansas City Chiefs which will not feature Rams starters), the Rams looked bad, good, and good. The defense looked like matadors against Tennessee but locked down against San Diego and Baltimore.

The worst was the 340 rushing yards allowed against the Titans. When not running, the Titans were able to pass as well. After that embarrassment, the defense looked solid. I am teased by the hope that the defense can be that good in the regular season. The D recovered against San Diego holding on 1st and goal from the 4-yard line then against the Ravens the D locked down with the only touchdown scored because of two good plays by Derrick Mason. In two games, the Rams gave us 16 points. Solid.

Offense Looked Deeper But…
The offense continues to tease with the P word: Potential. Potential, but the Rams still cannot get it all together. It’s easy to say that the lack of Steven Jackson is the reason, but the Rams running game wasn’t the problem. The passing game shows some promise, but too often it doesn’t connect. The worst seems to be Bulger and Bennett. The only word I can use is “confusion”. Together, they seem confused on what’s happening. In the pocket, I still want (and I think the team needs) Bulger to throw the ball away when it isn’t there. He will be killed if he cannot learn that critical NFL quarterbacking skill. For the offense, I think DeMarco Farr summed it up too well when he said during the second preseason game, “Everybody wants to see this Rams offense score a touchdown in August.” Actually DeMarco, we’d like to see a touchdown in September and not just one touchdown, either!

On the promising side of Rams life, McMichael looks like part of the offense. Also, two new Rams receivers look very promising! Rams rookie Donnie Avery (2nd round) and Keenan Burton (4th round) look to join a solid group of ballhawks: Torry Holt, Drew Bennett, Dane Looker, and Randy McMichael (a TE who plays like a wide receiver). Oh, and let’s not forget X-Factor Dante Hall. I like the potential air attack.

The running game looked solid despite Steven Jackson’s holdout. Running back Antonio Pittman looked good and even Lance Ball scampered about. As I watched the running game succeed, I thought of two items:
1. Kudos to the offensive line. The line makes a running back look good.
2. The NFL stands for “Not For Long” if all you have is a good running game. The Rams have to pass to win.

Special Teams Might be Special
Dante Hall is still an X-Factor in the return game. He’s not the man that became famous. Meanwhile, Brandon Williams looked pretty good returning kicks. To boot the ball, the Rams have solid kickers in place kicker Josh Brown and punter Donnie Jones. Defensively, in the Baltimore game, the Rams contained Ravens kick returner Yamon Figurs who last year returned a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown. In recent years, I think the Rams special teams would make him a very happy player. My opinion is that the Rams looked good on special teams. Based on previous lack of performance, I’d say that average really is special.

After Further Review…
One item I really liked was featured during the Ravens broadcast on NFL Network. Typically, the preseason is preseason for the teams, the announcers, and the camerapeople. You miss some action & info because the cameras and talking heads are not NFL quality. It’s just the way it is and you don’t get the best. That’s fine. But the Ravens did something I really liked called, “The Competition”. For each position, the Ravens showed all the Baltimore players (name and pictures) fighting for each position. It’s great because it’s happening and it’s worth noting. Thanks to Baltimore. Nice work, Baltimore.

Now, it’s time for the regular season. After last year’s surprising 3-13 season, I’m trying not to be too high or too low on what could happen. If the Rams repeat with 3 or 4 wins, major changes will occur. Hopefully, the Rams improve and build in 2008-2009.
Ram on,
Don
Rampager, SaintLouisRams@juno.com