Rams News

Rams: Talent must translate into results By Tom Oates
Special to ESPN SportsZone

Now that he's brushed off the cobwebs from a 14-year layoff, coach Dick Vermeil promises to be more demanding and more involved in the offense in his second year with the Rams. He'd better, because there's too much young talent on hand to go 5-11 again.

CAMPING WITH THE RAMS

Camp site: Western Illinois University (Macomb, Ill.)
Camp dates: July 18 to Aug. 19
Preseason opener: Aug. 8 vs. Denver
1997 record: 5-11
Key additions: LB Eric Hill, DT Joe Phillips, DT Ray Agnew, WR Ricky Proehl, OL John Flannery.
Key losses: DE Leslie O'Neal, WR Keith Crawford, DT Bill Johnson, QB Mark Rypien, WR Torrance Small.
Top rookies: DE Grant Wistrom, RB Robert Holcombe, DE-LB Leonard Little, WR Az-Zahim Hakim, TE Roland Williams.

Key position battle

Vermeil wanted the Rams to run more last season, but troubled halfback Lawrence Phillips proved to be a colossal mistake and he was let go. Jerald Moore replaced Phillips and showed decent running ability, but he has had a lot of down time with injuries. As a result, Moore will have a difficult time holding off second-round pick Robert Holcombe, a tough runner who was very durable at Illinois. Neither will be an every-down player because third-down back Amp Lee is the best in the business.

Big issue to settle

After two seasons as the starting quarterback, Tony Banks hasn't changed. He still has all the physical tools to be great, and he's still the most erratic quarterback this side of Scott Mitchell. Assistant coach Mike White spent the offseason tutoring Banks on mechanics such as footwork and dropbacks. The coaches also put in wrinkles such as rollouts and the shotgun formation that will play to Banks' strengths. If Banks shows improvement -- and that is a big if -- the Rams could be a playoff team. If not, they will be looking for a quarterback next winter.

Man in the spotlight

Venerable coordinator Bud Carson milked a solid performance out of the defense last year, then retired. Vermeil named linebacker coach John Bunting and secondary coach Peter Giunta as co-coordinators, a division of power that could undermine the defense.

Bunting and Giunta will continue to play aggressive defense and the three new faces on the front seven should be an upgrade, but Carson's role as a consultant won't allow him to interject the creativity and unpredictability that marked the defense last year.

Rookie report

Defensive end Grant Wistrom, the first-round pick, is the only sure starter among the rookies. Holcombe will have an impact on the offense, as will fourth-round wide receiver Az-Zahim Hakim, especially if Eddie Kennison's sophomore slump stretches into his junior season. Linebackers Leonard Little (third round) and Jason Chorak (seventh) have great upside.

Tom Oates of the Wisconsin State Journal is an NFL columnist for ESPN SportsZone.

ARCHIVE

HOME