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Game #1 Preview: Saints at Rams |
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9/06/98
Mike Ditka brings his New Orleans Saints into the TWA Dome this Sunday for the 1998 regular season opener. Last year, these two teams opened against each other and the Rams played one of their best games of the year, coming back from a halftime deficit to blow out the Aints in the 4th quarter behind the running of Lawrence Phillips and the receiving of Ernie Conwell.
The Rams enter the game on a bit of a high note after playing a good game to finnish the preseason against a very good Chiefs team. Vermeil claims that this year's team is light years ahead of where it was a year ago in preparation for the start of the season. The Rams young offensive line has exceeded all expectations during the preseason. It did not yield a single sack in all four games. That protection has allowed QB Tony Banks to steadily improve, finnishing with a strong effort against KC. The defense has been mediocre, but expect it to round into the shape that was in the top third of the league a year ago, as the games begin to count and the schemes become more complicated.
The Saints, on the other hand, are in disarray. Mike Ditka is facing the possibility of a full scale player revolt against his hard practices, disrespectful treatment, and continued losing returns. The Saints young offensive line includes 3 first round picks and former all-pro left tackle Willie Roaf... nonetheless, the line has been horrid throughout the preseason and has failed to open many holes for new Saints starting RB Lamar Smith. Starting at quarterback will be NFL journeyman backup Billy Joe Hobert. Hobert has looked mediocre at best through the preseason and many doubt whether he has the smarts or the talent to be a starting QB in this league. The Saints defense finnished 4th ranked in the league last year, but has lost ALOT. They lost their leading tackler, MLB Winfred Tubbs and their best defensive lineman, Joe Johnson is still holding out.
All things considered, Rams fans have every right to expect a very good game from our team this weekend. And as is the case with any divisional game at home... the Rams need to win this one and start off '98 with a bang.
GAMETIME: Sunday, 9/06/98 12:01 PM CST
LOCATION: The Trans World Dome, St. Louis, MO
LINE: RAMS by 4
Eddie's Prediction: RAMS 31, Saints 6
GO RAMS!!!
Peace, FastEddie
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