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| Can the Rams get over the hump? Photo Credit: Pat Lovell/USA Today Sports |
Many people have viewed the St. Louis Rams as a team on the rise. After consecutive seven-win seasons, they are looking to make a splash into the upper half of the league and finally become a playoff team in the third season under Jeff Fisher. Following the draft in May the Rams have set a good foundation on offense to be successful heading into the 2014 season.
By: Niqko Marshall
Unlike many people, I believe he can do that. Outside of recovering from an injury he will be in a position to be successful with a solid defense and valuable options to throw to. The Rams believe in Bradford let see if he believe in his self just as much. Time to put up or shut up.
The Rams are a young team who will be banking on a lot of development this season from young guys. As far as talent goes the Rams have plenty to be successful this year mentally is where the Rams will have to grow up. On the offensive side of the ball you have the speedster Tavon Austin, who was a late bloomer his rookie season, you also have Jared Cook a dynamic tight end once he finds consistency are two top producers in the Rams offensive last year.
At receiver the Rams also have Kenny Britt, Chris Givens, who is looking to bounce back from a underachieving sophomore year, Brian Quick who is being looked at to make the leap, Stedman Bailey and Austin Pettis. The receiving core is still young but talented hopefully they put it together this year. Austin has a chance to be a star because of his versatility; the other receivers have the ability to be very good as well.
With the addition of Greg Robinson through the draft, the Rams look to have tightened up their Offensive line. The Rams are expecting a full recovery for Jake Long, who tore his ACL last season. With that being said if the Rams O-Line stays at least 90 percent healthy this year they could make for a top ten unit in 2014. A starting unit of Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Jake Long and Scott Wells is very intriguing.
Zac Stacy and Tre Mason look to provide a solid one-two punch out of the backfield for St. Louis. In 2013, Stacy finally got a chance to shine when he started week 5 for the Rams and nearly notched 1000 yards, but finished the season with 973 yards he will look to build on that. Tre mason was a highly decorated running back in college and was viewed by many as the best running back entering the draft this year the Rams snagged him in the third round. With a combination of power and speed from both Stacy and Mason the Rams could make some serious noise from their backfield. Don't forget about Benny Cunningham, who did a great job backing up Stacy last season.
Last but not least we have QB Sam Bradford. Bradford was on his way to his best start last year before he went down with his injury. That injury happened to be an ACL tear which is one of the more difficult injuries to return from in any sport. With that being said, the Rams are going to go as far as Bradford takes them. Unlike many people, I believe he can do that. Outside of recovering from an injury he will be in a position to be successful with a solid defense and valuable options to throw to. The Rams believe in Bradford let see if he believe in his self just as much. Time to put up or shut up.
