ST. LOUIS RAMS
Cast of Characters Evolving For 'Greatest Show on Turf'
The Rams' Steven Jackson rushed for 1,046 yards in his second season, and he should get more carries now that Marshall Faulk is out.
(By Ed Zurga -- Associated Press)
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
The key characters in what was formerly known as the "Greatest Show on Turf" are unproven, aging or missing. Marshall Faulk is out for the season and perhaps done for his career. Wide receiver Isaac Bruce is no longer a primary threat at his position. Quarterback Marc Bulger has been trying to develop as Kurt Warner's successor, but he's missed time with injuries.
But there are signs the organization can bounce back from a 6-10 season in which the only entertaining show was the off-the-field soap opera staged by then-coach Mike Martz and team management.
The relationship ended acrimoniously, as Martz was replaced with Scott Linehan, who hopes to rid the squad of those distractions. Linehan most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins.
On the field, running back Steven Jackson emerged as a 1,000-yard rusher. Jackson will have the backfield all to himself this season now that Faulk is in the analyst's chair at NFL Network.
Wide receiver Torry Holt remains among the league's best, catching 102 passes for 1,331 yards last season. And Bruce isn't a bad guy to have as a No. 2.
Ex-Saints coach Jim Haslett takes over as defensive coordinator and should tighten up what's been a weak unit the last couple of years. Some free agent additions should help as well.
Defensive tackle La'Roi Glover, who was released by the Cowboys, will team with Leonard Little to anchor the line. The addition of safety Corey Chavous should help ease the loss of Adam Archuleta, now with the Redskins.
