Countdown - 6th Seed in the NFC

The Countdown – Team 12

12 - St Louis Rams (Last year: 8-8) - Projected record this year = 9-7

- Summary - In 2006, the Rams were one of the most explosive teams in the league under the leadership of new head coach Scott Linehan. QB Marc Bulger, RB Steven Jackson, and big play WR Torry Holt lead - year in and year out - one of the most powerful offenses in the league. But the St Louis Rams' hopes are not dependent on the likes of the offense. It is the defense that will control the Rams' destiny. Last year in games against Seattle – where the Rams saw their 28 point lead disappear in the fourth quarter, Chicago - where the troubled Rex Grossman faired exceptionally well, and many of the other games which the Rams lost (and even some of the games that the Rams won). The Rams defense and special teams will need to do a much better job eliminating big plays in order to get the ball back for their high powered offense.

- Star to watch: One of the most underrated players in the league is Pisa Tinoisamoa, one of the best cover linebackers in the league. Very reminiscent of Derrick Brooks in the way he runs and reads plays, the Hawaiian Tinoisamoa will be key for the success of St Louis’ defense.

- Player to watch: As always, notable names such as Orlando Pace, Leonard Little, Bulger, Holt, and Jackson will have a huge impact on the success of St Louis. But be sure to watch Brian Leonard - the backup running back to Steven Jackson - who was very impressive at Rutgers catching the ball out of the backfield this past year. Leonard will serve QB Marc Bulger well out of the backfield, and will allow Steven Jackson to defer a portion of the beating that he took pounding the ball against opposing defenses last year. Also be sure to watch rookie first round pick NT Adam Carriker, who will be instrumental in stopping the run.

What I expect to see throughout the year:

- A familiar name to the people of south Florida is Randy McMichael. McMichael had a down year – as did most of the Dolphins offensive players – and was looking for a change in offensive schemes, which is why he relocated to the midwest. While the tight end has not been the focal point for St Louis’ in past seasons, McMichael – like Leonard – should serve as a security blanket for Bulger when facing the pressure he is bound to face with weaknesses at the guard positions for the Rams.

- I expect St Louis to continue to move away from “the greatest show on turf” vertical passing approach that had become their trademark in the Rams' glory days. To do this, offensive cordinator Greg Olsen will look to pound their stud running backs Steven Jackson, and second round draftee Leonard to control time of possession. With that being said, the Rams continue to bolster their passing games with the likes of the aforementioned tight end Randy McMichael and newly signed wide receiver Drew Bennett.

- I expect there to be inconsistency from St Louis’ secondary. The aging Corey Chavous anchors a secondary that includes former first round draft pick Tye Hill, CB Fakhir Brown, and safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. This unit, more than any other, will decide the fate of the Rams. With the aide of a stellar pass rush anchored by Leonard Little and La’Roi Glover, the Rams secondary must prove that it can eliminate big plays from opposing offenses. This will prove to be extremely difficult, considering that the Rams have three very strong passing attacks in their own division.

How St Louis will fare - 9-7, and the 6th seed in the playoffs (But this could improve with the development of their defense).