7/9/08

Things are quiet for the Rams as training camp approaches.  Chris Long has not signed a contract yet.  In fact, things are very quiet as far as his contract goes.  The biggest difference during this offseason from the past two appears to be the arrival of Al Saunders and the optimism that the Rams offense will return to the good ole days of something approaching the "best show on turf" as compared to the last two seasons where the offense under Scott Linehan and Greg Olson was ultra conservative and relatively unproductive.  It appears that Saunders is going to be much more "attack oriented" and that pleases players like Randy McMichael, Torry Holt, Drew Bennett, and others.  Saunders is also very excited about the Donnie Avery and his potential impact on the team at wide receiver.  

5/12/08

The Rams had what they called a very successful draft as they feel they have filled some needs.  From what we hear, it was a very tough decision for them to pick Chris Long in the first round over Glenn Dorsey.  Their second round pick is the one which raised the most eyebrows throughout the league as they selected Donnie Avery, wide receiver from University of Houston.  He is exceptionally fast (he has run sub 4.3 40 times), but he was still projected by many to be the tenth or so best WR available.  Billy Devaney maintains that he believes that if the Rams did not draft him when they did he would not be available at the beginning of the third round.  The Rams filled other needs at OG, LB, and CB with their other picks, but I was hoping they were going to also select a QB in one of the later rounds.  

2/18/08

The Rams have hired Billy Devaney as their new pro player personnel director.  At one time, he worked under Bobby Beathard.  Most recently, he was with the Atlanta Falcons.  Rams fans have been concerned about the Rams management's ability to accurately evaluate free agents and draft prospects and are hopeful that Billy Devaney will help the Rams to make better selections. 

2/8/08

The Rams have made some coaching moves during the offseason with the hopes of reinvigorating their stagnant offense.  Greg Olson was relieved of his offensive coordinator duties and accepted a position as QB coach in Tampa Bay.  Al Saunders was hired as offensive coordinator and Rams players and fans are excited about the prospects of Saunders making the Rams offense more innovative and exciting than it has been since Linehan was hired. 

In other Rams news, some Rams fans are growing concerned that 2008 is Steven Jackson's last year of his contract.  Last offseason, the Rams made it a priority to sign  Bulger to a contract extension as he was beginning the last year of his contract, and Bulger had a mediocre season.  Hopefully, the Rams have learned that it is best to let the players earn the big contracts.  After 2008, if the Rams and Jackson cannot agree on a contract, the Rams still have the ability to put the franchise tag on him. 

Season ticketholders are being sent letters by John Shaw indicating that the team will spend to the salary cap limit this offseason on free agents and draftpicks.  Let's hope so as there is much room for improvement in many areas.