PERFECT PRE-SEASON

Rams Look Like Contenders for 2011
By James Ingram/OhhMyOnline.net Sports Reporter

The term “perfection” and St. Louis Rams have not been used in the same sentence for nearly a decade, going all the way back to the “Greatest Show on Turf” glory days.

However, the Rams have done an exceptional job of fixing many of their problem areas just in time for the 2011-2012 NFL season, making them a, potentially, very exciting and competitive team to watch.

For the first time, since 1979, the Rams completed a perfect 4-0 preseason record, handing defeats to the Colts (33-10), Titans (17-16), Chiefs (14-10) and Jaguars (24-17). And while pre-season means nothing in the grand scheme of things, it can mean a lot in terms of creating confidence and momentum for a team that, frankly, has underachieved for several consecutive seasons.

With the addition of Running Backs Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood, the Rams have added depth to their backfield, giving the Rams options and Steven Jackson some relief, in terms of having to carry the team on his back.

Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis had an impressive pre-season and, if Rams coaches have been paying attention, may have earned the number two QB slot behind Sam Bradford.

The Rams also have a wealth of wide receivers in their arsenal in 2011-2012, with Mark Clayton returning to the fold after being injured last season. And with the likes of Denario Alexander, Mardy Gilyard, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson and newly acquired WR Mike Sims-Walker, the decision of who stays and who goes will be a tough one.

Then there’s the rookie TE Lance Kendricks who, at 6-3 and 243 pounds, has been extremely impressive all preseason and should add a whole new dimension to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel’s offensive scheme for the Rams.

As for defense, the answer to what happens after the exit of O.J. Atogwe question came in the acquisition of former Eagle Quintin Mikell, who brings experience and leadership to the defensive side of the ball.

So the Rams now have a solid team which should prove to be exciting to watch and, potentially, win their division as well be competent playoff contenders.

Email:jtingram_1960@yahoo.com