2008 St. Louis Rams
Written August 14, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Get ready NFL fans, as we are fast approaching another exciting season, and Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 St. Louis Rams season predictions. The Rams were suppose to have a great season a year ago led by running back Steven Jackson and quarterback Matt Bulger, but things never got going and the Rams would up finishing the season just 3-13, and were not only last in the NFC West, but the worst in all of the NFC. This year they are thinking a big turnaround in St.Louis, and to get a good idea of just how good this team will be lets take a look at who they will be sending to the field on all sides of the ball in 2008.
Offense:
The Rams offense really needs a big year from Jackson in the running game, as this guy can put up MVP type numbers. Jackson wasn’t at full health for most of the season, and coming into this season healthy is a big lift for this team. Bulger remains one of accurate passers in the game, and if given enough time he could be ready for another big season. With Isaac Bruce no longer with the team, that means Torry Holt could see even more balls come his way. The Rams really need Drew Bennett to live up to the hype he had coming to this team a year ago. The offensive line needs to be solid as both the running and passing game need their help. Orlando Pace remains the focal point of this line, and they really need him to be healthy after he has missed plenty of action over the last two seasons. Fellow tackle Alex Baron is entering his 4th season, and they really could use this guy to play to his full potential.
Rams +3000 odds to win NFC Championship at Sportsbook.com
Defense:
The Rams defense remains pretty solid this season, and the addition of rookie defensive end Chris Long could really bring this unit to the next level. He should do well learning from the veteran Leonard Little who is scheduled to start opposite of Long. in the middle the team is looking at some solid players in La’Roi Glover and Adam Carriker. At linebacker the team is looking pretty good and the main reason for that is the emerging play of middle linebacker Will Witherspoon. There is still some pressure on fellow linebackers Quinton Culberson and Pisa Tinoisamoa to come out perform well this season. In the secondary the Rams can really use both corners Tye Hill and Fakhir Brown to stay healthy as the really help this team when they are on the field. At safety teams better keep an eye on Oshiomogho Atogwe, as he should only get better after a breakout season a year ago.
Rams +6000 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com
Special Teams:
The Rams have quite the special teams unit coming into 2008, and the main reason for that is the addition of Josh Brown to the kicking game from Seattle, also they have a pretty solid punter in Donnie Jones. In the return game they still have the veteran Dante Hall, but his best days are likely behind him. There could be a good battle in the return game from Derek Stanley, Donnie Avery, and Keenan Burton.
Rams Over/Under 6.5 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com
Prediction: 2nd in the NFC West
We really think that the Rams are going to bounce back and be back near the top of the West once again. We aren’t quite sure if this team is good enough to overtake the Seahawks for first in the division, but we do feel they will be able to beat out both the Cardinals and 49ers. If Jackson can return to his 2006 form, and the defense really improves, this team could be good enough to win the West.
If you want to get a bet in on the Rams upcoming season, head over to Sportsbook.com and get an account started today. Also if you are looking for up to date info on the Rams this season, be sure to check out these great Rams predictions.
