Rams News

ST. LOUIS RAMS

The Rams failed to answer most of the burning questions surrounding the team during the preseason.

Is Tony Banks ready to turn the corner as a starting quarterback in the NFL?

Will the Rams' running game finally shift out of first gear?

Is the Rams' young offensive line bonding together as a unit?

Will the Rams' defense stop springing leaks at inopportune times?

None of those mysteries will be solved until the Rams open the regular season against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Trans World Dome.

That didn't stop Rams coach Dick Vermeil from declaring the 1998 Rams team head and shoulder pads ahead of the 1997 Rams team.

"It's nice to have the preseason behind us," Vermeil said after the Rams' 10-6 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last Friday night. "We are better than we are last year going into the regular season. How much better? I don't know."

After beating the Dallas Cowboys and Chiefs in back-to-back weeks, the Rams will take an unofficial two-game winning streak into their season opener.

"I would much rather go into the league opener with two wins in a row than two losses in a row," Vermeil said. "So I feel good about it. I think the momentum of our two wins will help the confidence of our people."

Banks had his best outing of the preseason against KC, completing 10 of 14 passes for 120 yards.

"I thought he was super," Vermeil said. "I thought he was poised, I thought he and I communicated real well on the sideline. He knew exactly what he was doing. I felt more comfortable with him tonight than I have any other time."

Banks wasn't sacked in the preseason. But, he didn't throw a touchdown pass, either.

"I've been a little off-target this whole preseason," Banks admitted.

Banks said his confidence hasn't been shaken by the rocky preseason.

"My confidence has been pretty high," he said. "I feel in control of this offense. I've talked to Vermeil about how sometimes I feel a little too comfortable and take things for granted, and that's when I get myself in trouble."

Banks has no more excuses.

Banks enters his third NFL season with 29 NFL starts under his belt. He is no longer a raw rookie learning on the fly.

"My rookie season is only three years ago, but it seems like so long ago," Banks said. "I feel like a wily vet. I have been here a long longer than a lot of guys we have."

The 1998 season is a make-or-break year both professionally and financially for Banks. He is entering the final season of his three-year contract with the Rams.

"I feel like it is a make-or-break year every year for me," Banks said. "I have always had high expectations for myself. I think this is my best opportunity for success because we are in the same offense for two years.."

Banks threw for 3,254 yards -- fourth-best in the NFC -- last season despite hamstring injuries to wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Eddie Kennison, the lack of a consistent running game and a porous offensive line.

Banks is the most sacked quarterback in the NFL over the past two seasons. He has been sacked 91 times, eight more than Mark Brunell of Jacksonville and Jeff Blake of Cincinnati.

The Rams are trying to take some of the heat off Banks this year by installing the shotgun, going to more short passes and placing a greater emphasis on the tight end in the passing game.

COACHING: Dick Vermeil, 9th year, 2nd with Rams (59-58)

REMEMBERING: 1997 record: 5-11 (5th in NFC West)

PREDICTING: 1998 regular-season record 7-9, missing playoffs for ninth straight year.

The loss of LB Roman Phifer, the team's defensive captain last season, put a damper on the Rams' victory over the Chiefs.

Phifer pulled the hamstring muscle in his left leg sacking Chiefs backup quarterback Rich Gannon in the second quarter.

"It takes the edge off winning," Vermeil said. "We're not very deep at outside linebacker anyway. He's the Rock of Gibraltar over there."

Phifer will miss at least two weeks. Lorenzo Styles will start in his place. Rookie Leonard Little will be used in passing situations.

--RB Greg Hill scored the Rams' only touchdown in his return to Kansas City, where he played the previous four seasons.

Hill scored on a 3-yard run around right end in the first quarter. He dove just inside the end zone marker.

Hill, the Chiefs' first-round draft pick in 1994, blew kisses to the 69,501 fans at Arrowhead Stadium after the touchdown. The gesture drew a cascade of boos.

"Kansas City is the best place in the NFL to play football," Hill said. "If you are lucky enough to either play with them or against them, you get the sense that this town loves football."

Hill gained 21 yards on nine carries. He showed some toughness on several runs into the heart of the Chiefs' defensive line.

"I thought Greg ran well, but we didn't block anything clean for him," Vermeil said. "A guy with that kind of speed deserves an opportunity to break into the secondary every once in a while and show that he can fly."

--The Rams' 24-game sellout streak is in jeopardy.

There are 2,000 tickets remaining for their game against the Saints.

Of the Rams' eight homes, only their Oct. 25 matchup against San Francisco is a sellout.

The Rams have sold out every regular-season home game since moving to St. Louis in 1995.

TOP THREE REASONS RAMS CAN WIN

No. 3 -- Defense is still stout enough to keep games close.

No. 2 -- Their schedule has only six games against opponents who had a winning record last season.

No. 1 -- Tony Banks blossoms during his third year in the NFL.

TOP THREE REASONS RAMS CAN LOSE

No. 3 -- Defense has been weakened by the retirement of coordinator Bud Carson, the defection of DT Bill Johnson and the holdout of CB Ryan McNeil.

No. 2 -- Offensive line is too young (John Flannery is the oldest lineman on the team at 29) to be effective yet.

No. 1 -- Banks doesn't have what it takes to be a starting quarterback.

BY THE NUMBERS: Offensive tackle Wayne Gandy has more NFL starts (57) than the rest of the projected starting line of Orlando Pace, Fred Miller, Mike Gruttadauria and Zach Wiegert combined.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The first thing we are going to do is execute the simple things. I don't care if we stand up on the line of scrimmage and yell, `This is what we are going to do.' We are going to do certain things well. That was my approach in Philadelphia, and that's more-so my approach now." -- Rams coach Dick Vermeil, on his offensive philosophy for the 1998 season.

The Rams have acquired defensive end Mike Jones from the New England Patriots for a fifth-round draft choice in 2000.

Jones (6-4, 280 pounds) is in his eighth season in the NFL, having played the last four seasons with New England after beginning his career with the Arizona Cardinals from 1991-93.

Jones -- who has played in 108 games with 57 starts in his career -- played in 16 games with seven starts in 1997. He recorded 30 tackles, four sacks and one fumble recovery.

A second-round selection (32nd overall) out of North Carolina State in the 1991 NFL draft, Jones gives the Rams more depth on the right side, where first-round draft choice Grant Wistrom and third-year pro Jay Williams have been playing.

"Our pro scout service from a year ago had him rated as one of the top 10 defensive ends in football," said Vermeil of Jones, who may be used as a defensive tackle in St. Louis' nickel package.

Vermeil said the acquisition of Jones -- a college teammate of Rams defensive tackle Ray Agnew -- shouldn't be seen as a sign the Rams are losing faith in Wistrom, the two-time All-American out of Nebraska.

"Obviously, he's not where we'd like him to be," Vermeil said. "But he did some good things in the ballgame the other night. Plus, it's going to take some time before he is the equivalent to what we think is a real fine defensive end, which doesn't surprise me.

"If you have a chance to upgrade your football team with a character player and a good guy that's a proven player -- especially at the defensive end position -- you better do it."

The Rams now have two players named Mike Jones on the roster. The other is linebacker Mike Jones.

--The Rams cut running back David Thompson, wide receiver Malcolm Floyd, tackle Jeremy McKinney, linebacker Jason Chorak, defensive tackles Jeff Zgonina and Chris Maumalanga and defensive end Bryan Robinson. Tight end Mitch Jacoby was released with an injury settlement.

Thompson was the Rams' 1997 Rookie of the Year and their top kickoff return man.

The Rams kept Tyji Armstrong instead of Jacoby because they felt he would be more useful in the passing game.

The release of Zgonina, a six-year veteran, was a mild surprise. He got heavy duty as a reserve in 15 games and had two sacks and 22 tackles, but had fallen behind free-agent pickups Agnew and Joe Phillips.

PLAYER TO WATCH: WR Tony Horne, an undrafted rookie out of Clemson. He showed a burst on kickoff and punt returns that enabled him to make the team. He averaged 20.1 yards per kickoff return and 7.0 yards per punt return in the preseason. He also had three receptions for 30 yards.

DRAFT PICKS TO STICK:

Rd 1/6, DE Grant Wistrom, Nebraska -- Will probably be limited to pass-rushing situations until he gets fully acclimated to the NFL. Might be a little light (267 pounds) to play against the mammoth tackles in the NFL.

Rd 2/27, RB Robert Holcombe, Illinois -- Holcombe's ability to dodge defenders in traffic could earn him a starting job before the end of the season.

Rd 3/65, DE Leonard Little, Tennessee -- A physical specimen who will be used as a pass-rushing specialist. Has a nasty side that makes him potentially a standout special teamer.

Rd 4/96, WR Az-Zahir Hakim, San Diego State -- Has great after-the-catch elusiveness. His biggest impact as a rookie will be as a punt and kickoff returner.

Rd 4/98, TE Roland Williams, Syracuse -- A punishing blocker whose hands are suspect. Was a standout wedge breaker on special teams in college.

VETERAN ADDITIONS: DT Ray Agnew (UFA-N.Y. Giants) -- Adds experience to the Rams' young defensive line. Will probably rotate into the game on passing downs.

QB Steve Bono (T-Green Bay) -- A 13-year NFL veteran who has a 28-12 record as a starter. Is a good insurance policy if Banks should falter or get hurt.

C-G John Flannery (UFA-Dallas) -- Started at guard in Dallas, but his more natural position is center. Will be the starter at center until Mike Gruttadauria returns from arthroscopic knee surgery.

LB Eric Hill (UFA-Arizona) -- A proven run defender who has registered 90 or more tackles in all nine of his previous NFL seasons.

RB Greg Hill (UFA-Kansas City) -- Has great speed and can stretch a defense on the outside. Was criticized for not being a strong inside runner with the Chiefs.

P Rick Tuten (UFA-Seattle) -- A very consistent punter who has a stronger leg than Mike Horan.

WR Ricky Proehl (UFA-Chicago) -- A smart, possession-type receiver who has a knack for getting open. He will complement speedsters Isaac Bruce, Eddie Kennison and Az-Zahir Hakim nicely.

VETERAN LOSSES:

WR Keith Crawford (UFA-Atlanta) -- Will be missed on special teams where he was the captain.

RB Craig "Ironhead" Heyward -- His days with the Rams appear over after he failed to show up for a team-mandated weigh-in. He was a solid blocker who was underused as a ballcarrier.

LG John Gerak (Waived) -- A tough guy who started 16 games with one healthy elbow. The injury hurt his performance

DT Bill Johnson (UFA-Philadelphia) -- Led the Rams' defensive tackles in sacks with four last season. He was solid, but not spectacular.

MLB Robert Jones (Waived) -- Was the team's leading tackler last season, but many of those were soft tackles five or six yards down field.

QB Mark Rypien (UFA-Atlanta Falcons) -- A good backup who opted to sit out this season due to the illnesses of his wife and infant son.

UNIT BY UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS: Starter -- Tony Banks. Backups -- Steve Bono, Kurt Warner

Banks' quarterback rating was a respectable 81.0 over the final nine games last season. However, his completion percentage of 51.7 was the third-worst in the NFL and he still fumbled too much.

If Banks falters, the Rams have a proven performer in backup Steve Bono. The 13-year NFL veteran has a 28-12 record as a starter.

RUNNING BACKS: Starter -- Jerald Moore. Backups -- Amp Lee, Robert Holcombe, Greg Hill, June Henley.

The starting job is Moore's to lose, and he could lose it with both Holcombe and Hill waiting in the wings.

Moore's durability is a question mark. He has missed 12 games over the past two seasons due to injuries.

Hill has the speed to turn the corner on the outside, while Holcombe has the ability to dodge defenders in traffic up the middle.

Amp Lee is a hybrid who is more of a threat as a receiver than as a running back. He led the Rams with 61 catches for 825 yards last season.

TIGHT END/H-BACKS: Starters -- Ernie Conwell and Derrick Harris. Backups -- Tyji Armstrong, Roland Williams.

The Rams had added a set of plays to their passing game designed at getting the ball in Conwell's hands more often.

The 6-1, 265-pound Conwell possesses punishing after-the-catch running ability.

Harris is the only true H-back/fullback on the team. He's not a great runner or receiver, but the Rams don't ask their H-back to do much else other than block.

Jacoby, who was working at both tight end and H-back, will miss the Rams' season opener against New Orleans after having surgery on his thumb.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters -- Isaac Bruce, Eddie Kennison. Backups -- Ricky Proehl, J.T. Thomas, Az-Zahir Hakim, Tony Horne.

Bruce is healthy and poised for a return to the Pro Bowl.

Bruce caught 56 passes for 825 yards despite missing five games due to a hamstring injury last season.

The addition of Proehl should take some of the pressure off Bruce. Proehl also should push Kennison, who suffered a horrendous sophomore slump -- he went from scoring 11 touchdowns in 1996 to scoring no touchdowns in 1997.

Hakim could make an impact this season as return man.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Starters -- LT Orlando Pace, LG Fred Miller, C John Flannery, RG Zach Wiegert, RT Wayne Gandy. Backups -- G Ryan Tucker, C Mike Gruttadauria, G-T Ethan Brooks, C-G Tom Nutten

The Rams will lean to left side with the 6-7, 320-pound Pace at left tackle and 6-7, 315-pound Miller at left guard.

Pace looks like a new man. He became a workout warrior during the off-season, dropping 15 pounds and adding upper body strength.

Flannery will start at center until Gruttadauria returns from knee surgery.

It's time for right guard Wiegert and right tackle Gandy, who will be a free agent after this season, to live up to their potential.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Starters -- LE Kevin Carter, LDT Joe Phillips, RDT D'Marco Farr, RDE Jay Williams. Backups -- RDE Mike Jones, RDE Grant Wistrom, LDT Ray Agnew.

The Rams lost half their front four on defense after Leslie O'Neal was waived and Bill Johnson sought greener pastures with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Rams drafted Wistrom to fill O'Neal's spot, but he will share playing time with Jones and Williams until he's ready to be an every-down player.

The Rams will rotate three players -- Farr, Phillips and Agnew -- at their two defensive tackle slots.

The Rams expect Carter, who was second on the team in sacks with 7 1/2 last season, to emerge as a premier pass rusher this season.

LINEBACKERS: Starters -- RLB Roman Phifer, MLB Eric Hill, LLB Mike Jones. Backups -- OLB Charlie Clemons, OLB Leonard Little, MLB Lorenzo Styles, MLB London Fletcher

This group needs to be more consistent. The Rams have given up too many big plays over the middle, especially to opposing tight ends.

Jones was the Rams' steadiest linebacker last season. He also was their best coverage guy.

Hill plugs a big hole in their run defense after coming over from Arizona.

Phifer, who is the final year of his four-year contract, still has above-average speed. He wasn't allowed to roam as much last season and his tackle total suffered as a result.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters -- LCB Todd Lyght, RCB Ryan McNeil, SS Toby Wright, FS Keith Lyle. Backups -- LCB Taje Allen, RCB Dexter McCleon, RCB Willie Clark; SS Billy Jenkins Jr., FS Gerald McBurrows, FS-SS Mike Scurlock.

If McNeil continues to hold out, McCleon will be the starter at right corner.

McCleon has been burned often in the preseason, but the Rams are confident he will come around.

Lyght remains one of the top corners in the NFL. He got burned more often last year, but he also saw more passes thrown his way and got less free safety support than McNeil.

Wright, a real head hunter, is trying to comeback from reconstructive knee surgery. If Wright can't go, Jenkins proved he can play strong safety with 17 tackles against the Bears last season.

Lyle is a solid and steady. He has 17 interceptions over the past two seasons.

SPECIAL TEAMS: P -- Rick Tuten, PK -- Jeff Wilkins, Holder -- Rick Tuten, LS -- Jeff Robinson, KR - Tony Horne, AzZahir Hakim, PR -- Eddie Kennison.

After being Mr. Automatic early, kicker Wilkins had a stretch where he missed nine of 16 field-goal attempts late last season.

The Rams were so confident that Wilkins would regain his old form that they didn't even bring another kicker into training camp.

Veteran punter Tuten is known for his consistency.

Kennison will continue to return punts even though his return average was cut in half from 14.6 yards in 1996 to 7.3 yards in 1997.

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