Team Spotlight: St. Louis Rams (1 Viewer)

[Maurile Tremblay]

See the pinned thread for links to each team spotlight.

I'll start off by posting my projections to get us going. The idea is for others to post their own projections as well, or to comment on the projections posted by others.

Overall

498 pass attempts for 295 receptions, 3090 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions; 455 rushes for 1889 yards and 11 touchdowns.

QB

Sam Bradford: 224 of 374 passing for 2352 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions; 22 rushes for 80 yards and 1 touchdowns.

A.J. Feeley: 71 of 125 passing for 738 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions; 7 rushes for 13 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Keith Null: 0 of 0 passing for 0 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Mike Reilly: 0 of 0 passing for 0 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

RB

Steven Jackson: 347 rushes for 1463 yards and 8 touchdowns; 51 receptions for 387 yards and 1 touchdowns.

Chris Ogbonnaya: 29 rushes for 120 yards and 1 touchdowns; 16 receptions for 120 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Ken Darby: 21 rushes for 89 yards and 0 touchdowns; 2 receptions for 17 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Mike Karney: 13 rushes for 47 yards and 1 touchdowns; 2 receptions for 10 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Chris Massey: 8 rushes for 34 yards and 0 touchdowns; 6 receptions for 44 yards and 0 touchdowns.

WR

Donnie Avery: 39 receptions for 484 yards and 3 touchdowns; 6 rushes for 35 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Brandon Gibson: 18 receptions for 199 yards and 1 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Laurent Robinson: 59 receptions for 707 yards and 4 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Mardy Gilyard: 3 receptions for 42 yards and 0 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Keenan Burton: 32 receptions for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Danny Amendola: 4 receptions for 36 yards and 0 touchdowns; 2 rushes for 9 yards and 0 touchdowns.

TE

Daniel Fells: 25 receptions for 285 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Billy Bajema: 19 receptions for 201 yards and 1 touchdowns.

Michael Hoomanawanui: 12 receptions for 123 yards and 1 touchdowns.

Fendi Onobun: 6 receptions for 62 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Eric Butler: 0 receptions for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

 

[scottmaui]

TEMichael Hoomanawanui: 12 receptions for 123 yards and 1 touchdowns.

I heard Cecil struggling with the pronunciation of this name (and Sigmund not even try lol) on their draft review podcast, so I figured being from Hawaii I'd offer a little pronunciation guide.You pronounce both of the Os as long O sound, with a break (glottal stop) in between them, kind of like "uh oh" or "go over".And the W is pronounced like a V.Emphasis on the Na and NuiSo it's: Hoe-oh-mah-NAH-vah-NOO-ee(noo = new)It means to be patient, patience or patient perseverance in Hawaiian.Would appreciate if someone can bring this to their attention so they don't have to struggle with it (who-manawanui?) next time

 

[Lott's Fingertip]

Scott, are you an SLP?

 

[TheWick]

I think your projections look pretty good. I would hope for more out of Bradford, I think he'll start from Day 1. I would also give all Keenan Burton's numbers to Mardy Gilyard. Burton is left over from Linehan and I think they'll want to get "their" guy Gilyard on the field quite a bit.

 

[scottmaui]

Scott, are you an SLP?

hmm, probably not since I'm not even sure what an SLP is

 

[lyon812]

Last year: 543 passes, 411 rushes.

Projection: 499 passes, 418 rushes

The Rams had a putrid offense. In attempts, they were 16th passing, 22nd rushing. If their line is healthy and the talent they drafted pays off even minimally, I find it hard to believe they throw 44 fewer passes. I can see them holding steady, sure, but getting that much worse? Can’t see it. I figure you should count on 540 pass attempts again, making another 26 completions for Bradford (at 60% comp rate).

I anticipate more interceptions for Bradford. He's a rookie QB working with young WR and an inconsistent offensive line. I wouldn't go as far as the 20 that Stafford and Sanchez had, but still, 12 interceptions is low.

Like TheWick said above, I think Gilyard will get on the field sooner rather than later. Burton is a one-trick pony that offers no RAC ability or dynamism. Gilyard's a playmaker that will relegate him to the bench. Really, I think the distribution will be more equal than you have listed:

Jackson 40

Ogbannaya 10

Darby 10

Robinson 50

Avery 45

Gibson 45

Gilyard 40

Amendola 25

Burton 10

Fells 25

Hoom 10

Jackson's receptions will likely drop, because although I think the OL is inconsistent, that Bradford won't be checking down as often as "omgthey'recoming!Bulger" and "don'thurtme!Boller". Jackson's the #1 threat and they picked up zero RB help, so I suspect that he'll get more breathers on passing downs and that his receptions will go to Ogbannaya or Darby. They're interchangeable, it doesn't really matter.

Gibson and Amendola are good possession guys. Gibson showed some real promise and some nifty YAC ability, as well as a tenacity that had been lacking. Both of them play harder than Burton, who is the odd man out. He’s nothing more than depth. The three WR to watch for are Robinson, Avery, Gilyard. The problem is that you can’t rely on any of them. Avery’s constantly dinged up: Hamstring strain, bruised ribs, ankle, stress fracture in his foot, stress fracture in his hip. Seriously, the guy can’t stay healthy, and he doesn’t exactly have a frame that inspires confidence. When he’s on the field, he has a severe case of the dropsies. I don’t think he offers enough consistency to guarantee that he’ll get the targets ahead of Gilyard and Gibson.

Also, I don’t think Onobun gets on the field much at all.

 

[Lott's Fingertip]

Scott, are you an SLP?

hmm, probably not since I'm not even sure what an SLP is

You sounded like my wife, who is a Speech Language Pathologist and throws around terms like "glottal stop" all the time. I have never heard that term outside of her conversations. That's all.

 

[heidbrink]

Gotta say the Rams projection has got to be among the hardest at this point, doesn't it? I mean... We know about where to begin with Stephen Jackson but who knows what Bradford will do.

As to the WR projection:

WR

Donnie Avery: 39 receptions for 484 yards and 3 touchdowns; 6 rushes for 35 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Brandon Gibson: 18 receptions for 199 yards and 1 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Laurent Robinson: 59 receptions for 707 yards and 4 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Mardy Gilyard: 3 receptions for 42 yards and 0 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Keenan Burton: 32 receptions for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Danny Amendola: 4 receptions for 36 yards and 0 touchdowns; 2 rushes for 9 yards and 0 touchdowns.

This looks like a complete Which I would agree is about all we can do with the Rams WR situation at this point. I actually think this young group has excellent potential. Burton, Gibson and Robinson have all shown me flashes of brilliance. Gilyard at 3 recs seems low even for a rook. How this all shakes out? Who knows. It has been really hard to tell what you've got in the way of talent amongst the train wreck. It will be interesting to see which receivers Bradford meshes with best. Rams WR will be one of the more dynamic pre and early season situations to monitor this season.

 

[scottmaui]

Scott, are you an SLP?

hmm, probably not since I'm not even sure what an SLP is

You sounded like my wife, who is a Speech Language Pathologist and throws around terms like "glottal stop" all the time. I have never heard that term outside of her conversations. That's all.

oh lol, no, it's just that in Hawaiian it's kind of like the 13th letter in Hawaiian alphabet (called an 'okina, a reverse apostrophe), and occurs in a lot of words (including in the word 'okina, altho I'm still not sure how to pronounce it at the start of a word!), so if you study Hawaiian you kind of have to know what a glottal stop is. His name is actually Ho'omanawanui with the 'okina between the Os.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Pretty solid job Maurile considering the uncertainties of doing projections for a team with a rookie QB. The one thing I see is a weak group of WRs and with Bradshaw having to learn a pro style offense, I see him with 4-5 more interceptions than TD passes. But if he "gets it" sooner, then you're numbers are probably close. I just think the adjustment will take some time.

 

[rowdywalker]

So Ogbonnaya is SJax backup?

Might be a nice one to have on my watch list as SJax is a bit fragile.

I am interested in the TE spot here also. I heard Fells has struggled in camp so far so one of the rookies may emerge.

I know the rams are not the saints and in normal leagues rams other than SJax mean nothing, but in deep leagues that start 4-5 WR's and 2 TE's its picking these contributors that can lead to a title.

 

[bulger2holt]

So Ogbonnaya is SJax backup?Might be a nice one to have on my watch list as SJax is a bit fragile.I am interested in the TE spot here also. I heard Fells has struggled in camp so far so one of the rookies may emerge.I know the rams are not the saints and in normal leagues rams other than SJax mean nothing, but in deep leagues that start 4-5 WR's and 2 TE's its picking these contributors that can lead to a title.

Steven Jackson and the word fragile should never be used in the same sentence, never. He is the epitome of not fragile. The dude is a monster of epic proportion.

 

[bulger2holt]

Gotta say the Rams projection has got to be among the hardest at this point, doesn't it? I mean... We know about where to begin with Stephen Jackson but who knows what Bradford will do.As to the WR projection:WRDonnie Avery: 39 receptions for 484 yards and 3 touchdowns; 6 rushes for 35 yards and 0 touchdowns.Brandon Gibson: 18 receptions for 199 yards and 1 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.Laurent Robinson: 59 receptions for 707 yards and 4 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.Mardy Gilyard: 3 receptions for 42 yards and 0 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.Keenan Burton: 32 receptions for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.Danny Amendola: 4 receptions for 36 yards and 0 touchdowns; 2 rushes for 9 yards and 0 touchdowns.This looks like a complete Which I would agree is about all we can do with the Rams WR situation at this point. I actually think this young group has excellent potential. Burton, Gibson and Robinson have all shown me flashes of brilliance. Gilyard at 3 recs seems low even for a rook. How this all shakes out? Who knows. It has been really hard to tell what you've got in the way of talent amongst the train wreck. It will be interesting to see which receivers Bradford meshes with best. Rams WR will be one of the more dynamic pre and early season situations to monitor this season.

Gilyard and Amendole will be fighting for the starting slot wr. 7 rec combined for both ? Give me $10,000 on the over, please.

 

[rowdywalker]

So Ogbonnaya is SJax backup?Might be a nice one to have on my watch list as SJax is a bit fragile.I am interested in the TE spot here also. I heard Fells has struggled in camp so far so one of the rookies may emerge.I know the rams are not the saints and in normal leagues rams other than SJax mean nothing, but in deep leagues that start 4-5 WR's and 2 TE's its picking these contributors that can lead to a title.

Steven Jackson and the word fragile should never be used in the same sentence, never. He is the epitome of not fragile. The dude is a monster of epic proportion.

I am not knocking the guy I am a huge fan and own him in many leagues.I suppose fragile was the wrong word but with a suspect back I would expect him to miss 1-2 games. I think he is a tough fella and he will battle through most injuries but he takes a battering and eventually he will need a break. I suppose I am more interested in who will give him a break because my feeling is Spags wont run him into the ground as much this year.So is it Ogbonnaya, Darby, Totson?

 

[TheWick]

So Ogbonnaya is SJax backup?Might be a nice one to have on my watch list as SJax is a bit fragile.I am interested in the TE spot here also. I heard Fells has struggled in camp so far so one of the rookies may emerge.I know the rams are not the saints and in normal leagues rams other than SJax mean nothing, but in deep leagues that start 4-5 WR's and 2 TE's its picking these contributors that can lead to a title.

Steven Jackson and the word fragile should never be used in the same sentence, never. He is the epitome of not fragile. The dude is a monster of epic proportion.

I am not knocking the guy I am a huge fan and own him in many leagues.I suppose fragile was the wrong word but with a suspect back I would expect him to miss 1-2 games. I think he is a tough fella and he will battle through most injuries but he takes a battering and eventually he will need a break. I suppose I am more interested in who will give him a break because my feeling is Spags wont run him into the ground as much this year.So is it Ogbonnaya, Darby, Totson?

I'm not sure if there is a clear favorite to be his back-up right now. I suspect if he went down if would be such a RBBC that none of them would be worth a start. If you have Sjax just let him fly solo on your roster and keep your fingers crossed.

 

[pantherclub]

See the pinned thread for links to each team spotlight.

I'll start off by posting my projections to get us going. The idea is for others to post their own projections as well, or to comment on the projections posted by others.

RB

Steven Jackson: 347 rushes for 1463 yards and 8 touchdowns; 51 receptions for 387 yards and 1 touchdowns.

You are projecting Jackson to get 350 carries and 51 receptions after he is coming off back surgery? Seems a bit high and optimistic to me. Jackson is a beast and produces but St Louis has the makings of being a really bad offensive team to say the least. With Bradford starting then teams will simply load up and wait for Jackson. I have a feeling their defense will give up a ton of points as well so they will be playing from behind in the majority of the games as well. If you want that as your headache this year then God Bless but it scares the crap out of me.

 

[RedZone]

I won't presume to guesstimate any production out of this year's team. There are so many question marks for me that I find there are only two players I would target, both likely to go before I find value in them.

SJax is not fragile, he is a very big person and runs like an athlete with a place to be on the field. However, his herniated disc repair in May/late April concerns me greatly. A disc is an impact absorber for the spine which is a series of jointed heavy bones. A disc includes a gel like middle that absorbs that is contained within a multi-layer "wrapping." Herniations occur as layers of the wrapping are torn, allowing the gel to push out until the remaining layers cannot maintain the structure. The herniation is a weak spot that bubbles into the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord. The herniation presses against these nerve roots like a Vulcan nerve pinch or a submission hold in jujitsu. It is debiliatating if it becomes severe and even in mild stages affects normal daily activity.

Can't comment on the procedure or Jackson's outcome. I attended the first practice at the Earth City, MO complex and of course it was light activity with no contact. Jackson ran well, but I just saw routes and basic play walkthroughs at about 3/4 speed. If he gets jammed or starts having problems making sudden accelerations, it would be something to watch for. There was a fullback that was catching everything out of the backfield and ran north south real well. Number 48 I think. It was about 110 temp-humidity so I wasn't up to really analyzing the situation.

I watched a couple years ago and was really impressed with Madson Hedgecock (FB - NYG) and was really surprised he was let go. The running back that year, rookie, that went to Cincinnnati, may have been a powerful player, but he ran on his toes and ran with a "where can I go" attitude, rather than Jackson's "I'm going there."

WR - Avery was the only one who ran crisp patterns, caught everything, had to drop into a squat to catch one pass and smoothly burst into a run afterwards. Guy is healthy and the only wr I would pick on this team.

QB - Bradford was there shiny as a new penny. All the qbs were in red no contact jerseys, but no deep passes or opportunity to evaluate the crowd. No command presence with any of those guys. It is Jackson's team, and if he gets hurt, it will hurt the team mentality a lot.

Have to wonder how this weather is going to allow the Rams and other teams in the swampy soup of Midwest weather to condition. It is miserable this year.

Wasn't able to evaluate the O line and the D didn't go at it either, but it was only the first full team practice.

My advice, let someone else take Jackson, look for Avery, and stay away from Bradford. I hope he doesn't get "Carr" syndrome with a tough first season or two. I hear he is a good kid and has developable tools.

As far as Jackson's backup, that practice, it seemed like Darby was running with the 2's.

Of course, it all could have been a mirage that day.

 

[Sabertooth]

How is the wideout situation looking as far as depth chart. Laurent Robinson looked very good last season which is no mean feat considering how terrible that team was. Who is looking better option between Robinson and Avery for this season and for dynasty.

 

[Team ROFLCOPTERS]

I don't see any positive pattern, nor do I see anything extra in Jackson that leads me to believe that Steven gets such a huge bump in TD's. He had a relatively injury free year last year and didn't come close. Smart money is on him missing time based off his history. Second, while Barron may not have been great at tackle it's a bad bet to assume a rookie second round pick (Safford) will jump in and improve. They also lost one of the best run blocking guards in football to the Bills. Goldberg is a career back up.