Some GOOD Articles in the St. Louis Post Dispatch...the MOST negative is the last one I read in Dispatch...from The Cow...I attached it last. (continued)
Cardinals vs. Rams: Five Things To Watch
By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
09/11/2004
After holding out for all of training camp and preseason, Orlando Pace will get the start after reporting to the team on Monday.
Pace vs. Berry
Ready or not, here comes the regular season for Rams LT Orlando Pace after just four practices this week. Pace reported at his normal playing weight (325 pounds) and in very good shape. But how will he hold up in the fourth quarter, or during a long drive?
In theory, new acquisition Bertrand Berry will line up over Pace. Berry, who was in Rams camp in 2000, registered 11 1/2 sacks last season for Denver.
"He's a shifty guy," Pace said. "He's going to keep coming, and he plays with a lot of heart. So you just have to stay on him the whole game."
Although listed as the Cardinals' starting right end, Berry moves around. He'll be on the left side, over Grant Williams at times, and occasionally will be used as a stand-up pass rusher.
What's up front
Berry will help an Arizona pass rush that has been pathetic in recent seasons. The addition of rookie DT Darnell Dockett also helps the Big Red's front four. Dockett is very quick and has potential as a playmaker. He could present problems for Rams interior blockers, particularly LG Chris Dishman, the former Cardinal who still is working his way into shape.
Nose tackle Russell Davis is durable, but doesn't make many plays. Recently acquired Peppi Zellner starts at left end, but gives way to Kyle Vanden Bosch in passing situations. At linebacker, injuries will keep two projected starters out of the starting lineup. Second-round draft pick Karlos Dansby is coming off a hamstring injury, and at best will limited to spot duty at OLB, and special teams. A knee sprain will sideline weakside LB Raynoch Thompson, an effective blitzer and one of the Big Red's best overall defenders.
Secondary opportunities
Duane Starks, David Macklin and Renaldo Hill give the Big Red three solid corners. Starks missed the entire '03 season with a knee injury, but seems to get up for challenges against elite receivers and had two interceptions against the Rams in '02. The Rams should have opportunities over the middle if they can exploit the Arizona safeties. Strong safety Adrian Wilson is a big hitter who has a tendency to blow coverages. Free safety Quentin Harris has marginal speed at best, and could be replaced in the starting lineup if Ifeanyi Ohalete is recovered from an ankle injury.
Wither Emmitt?
The underrated Marcel Shipp is out for the season because of a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle. That makes the great Emmitt Smith, in the twilight of his career at age 35, the Cardinals' feature back. Smith has looked OK in limited preseason action, and still has some gas in the tank. It's no longer realistic to expect Smith to carry the football 25 times a game for 16 weeks.
What the Big Red would like to do is give him 15 carries and three or four catches a week, and then have recently-acquired Troy Hambrick handle the rest of the ball-carrying chores. Hambrick is way overweight - about 260 pounds - so he may be limited to short-yardage duty Sunday against St. Louis.
Where's the sizzle?
The knee injury to 2003 rookie sensation Anquan Boldin robbed the Big Red receiving corps of much of its explosiveness. In addition, '04 first-round draft pick Larry Fitzgerald (ankle) may be limited Sunday. The same holds for '03 first-rounder Bryant Johnson, who missed all four exhibition games because of a stress fracture.
Arizona's best hope against the Rams may be to nibble away with possession passing, mixing in an occasional run behind an offensive line that did not have an impressive preseason.
Veteran tight end Freddie Jones, a so-so blocker with good hands, could see a lot of passes come his way. With Fitzgerald and Johnson not yet at full speed, Karl Williams and Nathan Poole could see a lot of duty in the three-wide receiver packages that coach Dennis Green likes to employ. Neither Williams nor Poole has great speed, but Poole has great hands.
At quarterback, Josh McCown has better than average arm strength and is a very good runner. Rams pass rushers must stay disciplined in their rush lanes or McCown will burn them with a scramble. McCown has been coached to minimize mistakes and play it safe. He had no interceptions during the preseason; but no touchdown passes, either.
Rams Position Analysis
By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
09/11/2004
Courtesy
St. Louis Rams
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Marc Bulger.
Reserves: Chris Chandler, Jeff Smoker.
For the first time in his career, Bulger enters an NFL regular season as a starting quarterback. He actually got a lot less work in exhibition games this preseason as opposed to his previous three campaigns with the club. After averaging 75 throws in the 2001, '02, and '03 preseasons, he threw only 36 times this preseason.
After a rocky game against Kansas City, and a few erratic tosses against Washington, Bulger closed strong against the Redskins and looked sharp in his only series against Oakland. He must cut down on his interceptions, improve his deep touch and avoid rushing through his reads. If he does that, he will make the jump from a good NFL quarterback to an elite one.
Veteran Chris Chandler outplayed Bulger in the preseason, with a 97.9 passer rating and a 65.9 completion percentage, easing concerns about his ability to be an effective QB at age 38. He looks like a good fit for this offense, and can still zing the deep ball.
The third QB, rookie Jeff Smoker, isn't close to being ready to play in an NFL game.
The Stat: Bulger's .818 winning percentage (18-4) is the best among active NFL quarterbacks with a minimum of 10 regular-season starts.
RUNNING BACKS
Starters: Marshall Faulk (RB), Joey Goodspeed (FB).
Reserves: Steven Jackson (RB), Arlen Harris (RB/FB), Chris Massey (FB), Stephen Trejo (FB/TE).
Faulk says he feels better entering this season than he has in a few years. But who knows how his right knee will hold up in this, his 11th NFL season? Faulk doesn't have the burst he displayed three years ago. But his vision, intelligence, pass-receiving skills, and competitive fire appear to be as good as ever. It's unrealistic to think he can get 20-25 touches a game and hold up for most, or all, of a 16-game season. That's where rookie Steven Jackson comes in.
Jackson led the NFL in rushing during the preseason with 323 yards, and is a good pass catcher. How he handles a regular-season game plan remains to be seen. The same goes for his blitz pickup and pass-blocking in general, an area in which Faulk excels.
Slowed for part of the preseason with a hamstring injury, Joey Goodspeed has shown that he can at least be a competent fullback. He's a willing blocker, with decent pass-catching skills.
Although no game breaker, Arlen Harris can do a solid job running the ball and also may be used at fullback in certain formations. Once again, Chris Massey is a good insurance policy at fullback. Trejo just joined the club on Thursday, so his role is uncertain.
The Stat: Only Jerry Rice (205), Emmitt Smith (166), and Marcus Allen (145) have scored more career TDs than Faulk (131).
TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Brandon Manumaleuna.
Reserve: Cam Cleeland.
In matching Carolina's five-year, $8.3 million offer sheet to Manumaleuna last March as a restricted free agent, the Rams made a commitment to him as their TE of the present and future. Manumaleuna dropped about 15 pounds during the offseason, and looks rather nimble at about 275. This should make him more effective as a receiver, while leaving him plenty big to do what he does best - block at the line of scrimmage. The key with Manumleuna is eliminating - or at least minimizing - mistakes in blocking and blitz pickup.
Cleeland missed half the preseason with a hamstring injury, but has been impressive blocking and receiving when healthy. He caught four passes for 72 yards in the preseason finale against Oakland. After catching just 10 balls last season with the Rams, he should be more of an option in the passing game in '04.
The Stat: Manumaleuna established career highs in catches (29) and reception yards (238) last season.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt.
Reserves: Dane Looker, Shaun McDonald, Kevin Curtis, Mike Furrey.
As he enters his 11th NFL season, Bruce has shown no signs of slowing down at age 31. If the league is serious about enforcing the illegal contact and defensive holding rules throughout the season, Bruce should be even more effective. There might not be another receiver in the league who gets grabbed and tugged as much as Bruce.
Although Holt has yet to match Bruce as a big-game receiver, he has surpassed him as the team's go-to receiver over the past couple seasons. Holt led the NFL in catches (117) and reception yards (1,696) last season, and at age 28, is in his prime athletically. Besides the obvious talents of Holt and Bruce, what potentially makes this receiving corps special is its depth of talent.
Looker established himself as a viable No. 3 receiver with 47 catches a year ago. After injury-plagued rookie seasons, second-year men Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald had impressive preseasons. McDonald could provide the kind of open-field elusiveness in the slot not seen since Az-Zahir Hakim was on the club. Mike Furrey plays aggressively and isn't afraid to go over the middle.
The Stat: Bruce enters the season ranked 15th in reception yards (10,461) and 20th in receptions (688) in NFL history.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Starters: Orlando Pace (LT), Chris Dishman (LG), Andy McCollum (C), Adam Timmerman (RG), Grant Williams (RT).
Reserves: Darnell Alford (G), Tom Nutten (G), Blaine Saipaia (G), Scott Tercero (T/G), Larry Turner (C)
The return of Pace after another contract stalemate helps stabilize this unit, which was jolted by the loss of '03 starters C Dave Wohlabaugh (hip) and RT Kyle Turley (back). Dishman, who came out of retirement to play left guard, looks like a good addition. Quick moves will give him trouble, he plays with an attitude and can be a road grader in the running game.
The Rams won't miss a beat at center, where the savvy McCollum returns after spending '03 at left guard. Timmerman has been an anchor on the right side since joining the team in 1999 as a free agent from Green Bay. He is technically sound and still moves well. Williams replaces Turley as the starting right tackle. He's nearly 30 pounds trimmer than a year ago, which has helped his footwork and quickness. Although not as athletic as Turley, Williams' height (6-7) and wingspan make him difficult to get around.
The depth situation is questionable, although Nutten should help once he gets over a turf toe injury and gets back into football shape. He also came out of retirement, and was out of football last season. Tercero's play leveled off in the final two exhibition games, but still was one of the pleasant surprises of camp.
The Stat: Including playoffs, Timmerman has played in 159 consecutive games.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Starters: Leonard Little (LE), Ryan Pickett (DT), Damione Lewis (DT), Bryce Fisher (RE).
Reserves: Erik Flowers (DE), Anthony Hargrove (DE), Brian Howard (DT), Jimmy Kennedy (DT), Tyoka Jackson (DT/DE).
Even with the loss of Grant Wistrom via free agency, the Rams should be fine at end. Not only is Little a premier pass rusher, his run defense and pursuit make him one of the league's top all-around ends. Little's drunken-driving trial isn't expected to be heard until January at the earliest, so his availability shouldn't be a question - at least not in the regular season.
Bryce Fisher replaces Wistrom at right end. Fisher matches Wistrom in effort, but lacks Wistrom's speed. Rookie Anthony Hargrove and Erik Flowers are speedy backups. Defensive captain Tyoka Jackson also will be in the mix at DE, but might be used more at DT early in the season where the Rams are shorthanded because of Jimmy Kennedy's broken foot and Brian Young's free-agent departure.
It is imperative the team get solid play from starting DTs Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis, or it's going to be a long year for the defense. Pickett has rounded into shape after reporting heavy to Macomb. Lewis has had a good camp and preseason, but must transfer that play into games and must stay healthy. Undrafted rookie Brian Howard is a high-effort player who will be part of the rotation at DT.
The Stat: Only Michael Strahan (52) and Simeon Rice (41 1/2) have more sacks over the past three seasons than Little (39).
LINEBACKERS
Starters: Pisa Tinoisamoa (OLB), Robert Thomas (MLB), Brandon Chillar (OLB)
Reserves: Trev Faulk (MLB), Tommy Polley (OLB).
In one of the major surprises of camp, it looks as if Chillar has beaten out Polley for the starting job at stronside LB. If that's the case, the Rams will start a rookie at linebacker for the third straight season. This is a very fast, but very young LB corps, with Polley - a fourth-year player - the graybeard of the group. Chillar has shown good range and instincts, plus some blitzing ability. Thomas is growing into his job as one of the leaders of the defense, and could be poised for a breakthrough year.
An offseason in the system should help Tinoisamoa make fewer mistakes and become more disciplined in the system. It's difficult to imagine Polley not making a significant contribution over the course of the season, particularly in pass coverage - which is his strength. Backup Faulk is expected to be a major contributor on special teams.
The Stat: Tinoisamoa became the first rookie in franchise history to lead the team in tackles (121) in 2003.
SECONDARY
Starters: Jerametrius Butler (LCB), Adam Archuleta (SS), Aeneas Williams (FS), Kevin Garrett (RCB).
Reserves: Zack Bronson (S), Rich Coady (S), Travis Fisher (CB), DeJuan Groce (CB), Jason Shiver (S), Dwight Anderson (CB).
Fisher's broken forearm has left the Rams one corner short, and puts the onus on second-year players Garrett and Groce to hold down a starting spot for most, or all, of the season. Garrett has superior speed, which gives him the "recover" ability many CBs lack when a wide receiver gets a step or two on them. But Garrett isn't as polished as Groce, who was slowed by a knee injury late in the preseason.
Butler, who was pursued in the offseason by Washington as a restricted free agent, returns for his second season as a starter. Butler has good range and athleticism, has been more physical in run support, and is playing with more confidence. At free safety, Williams looks more comfortable in his second season there since switching from corner. Once again, he will move up to cover the slot receiver - in cornerback fashion - when the Rams go to their five- and six- defensive back packages.
At strong safety, Archuleta has had a quiet preseason. But he is one of the team's top defenders, particularly in run support. Coady will be the fifth defensive back, and Lucas enters the season as the No. 6 DB.
The Stat: Including playoffs, Williams has 15 TD returns on interceptions, fumble recoveries, and a blocked field goal.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker: Jeff Wilkins.
Punter: Sean Landeta.
Kickoff returns: Arlen Harris, Mike Furrey.
Punt returns: Shaun McDonald, Mike Furrey.
Holder: Dane Looker.
Deep snapper: Chris Massey.
Under new special teams coach Mike Stock, the coverage units were noticeably improved in the preseason. Punt coverage was excellent. There were a few leaks on kickoff coverage, most notably Ahmad Merritt's 87-yard return for Chicago. But overall, these units have been sound. It looks as if McDonald gets the first crack at the punt returner's job, and he showed flashes of being an effective one in the preseason. On kickoff returns, Harris is steady, but lacks breakaway ability.
Wilkins is one of the best kickers in the league, and is coming off one of the best seasons for a kicker in NFL history. As he enters his 20th season as an NFL punter, Landeta remains better than most.
The Stat: Wilkins is tied with Mike Lansford for the franchise record for points scored (789).
