Cheers: The Rams will once again have a great, balanced offense. Stephen Jackson has emerged as an elite back and he could be producing Tomlinson-like numbers very soon. As always, they’ll have a dominant passing attack led by QB Marc Bulger. Torry Holt is Torry Holt, and although Isaac Bruce is aging, he’s still a pretty good player and Drew Bennett provides good depth. Jim Haslett will do what he can to get the most out of the defense, which is still retooling.
Jeers: They just don’t have the players on defense to get the job done yet. Tye Hill is developing into a decent corner, but they still have a weak secondary. Their Linebackers are solid and some bad picks and moves on the D-Line have set them back a bit there. Their Offensive Line is going to have to be more disciplined this year. They commit too many penalties and they have to cut down on their mistakes.
On second thought… they’re definitely contenders in a watered-down NFC West. No team has an elite roster, and the Rams should be right up there with the 49ers and Seahawks. They have a great offense and enough playmakers on defense that could swing the division balance back into their favor for the first time in a few years.
New guy who won’t meet expectations: Randy McMichael. He’s probably already hit his peak, and he’s not as good of a player as he used to be. He’s not much of an upgrade over Joe Klopfenstein or Dominique Byrd, who they drafted just last year.
New guy who will meet expectations: Brian Leonard. It’s kind of puzzling that they drafted a RB this high in the draft, but they should be able to get good use out of him. He’s a versatile player that can block and catch, and he could become a valuable weapon spelling Steven Jackson.
Cheers: Jon Kitna may not throw for 50 TDs, but they still have an explosive offense. Roy Williams is emerging as an elite playmaker at receiver, and even though they don’t have Charles Rogers and Mike Williams anymore, they have good depth with Mike Furrey and top draft pick Calvin Johnson. Without Kevin Jones, they’re going to have to make due without their very good back, but Tatum Bell should be a decent fit for them.
Jeers: Although Rod Marinelli is a defensive coach, he’s going to have a tough time getting something out of his unit this year. They have a solid line that can get to the QB, but besides Ernie Sims, their LBs are lacking. After trading Dre Bly, they’re also missing a playmaker in the secondary. Their Offensive Line has to grow and get better to help make the offense work again.
On second thought… Jon Kitna’s prediction of 10 wins is probably off base. The Lions still have some work to do, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They have the playmakers on offense, but now they need to put everything together and execute on a consistent basis. Marinelli needs to continue to bring in new defensive personnel until they get 11 guys who can play.
New guy who won’t meet expectations: Calvin Johnson. I know he has better physical attributes than any other receiver since maybe Moss, but he’s going to be the slot receiver this year. Rookie receivers tend to struggle, and as good as Johnson will probably be, I don’t see him busting out and having a huge year like a lot of people think.
New guy who will meet expectations: Dewayne White. I have no choice but to say this, I couldn’t pick out any other of their new additions. He was a pretty good pass rusher in
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