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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Rams Fantasy Report - Unofficial
        
(Message started by: rickgpin on Sep 9^th, 2005, 1:59pm)

Title: Rams Fantasy Report - Unofficial
Post by rickgpin on Sep 9^th, 2005, 1:59pm

This is my first post so i hope it is not too messed up.

St Louis Rams Season Overview:

If the offensive line avoids injuries and the addition of rookie Alex Barron at right tackle pans out, this offense could take off. Though they are beginning to show signs of age, 4/5ths of the offensive line was together during the Super Bowl years. If Mark Bulger gets time to throw and Steven Jackson gets running room, the sky is the limit. Third wide receiver, Kevin Curtis, may no longer be a sleeper fantasy player as he has contributed in the Rams recent successes.

During the preseason the offense began to click on all cylinders. 3rd string quarterback, rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick from Harvard, turned some heads.

The defense still has trouble stopping the run and avoiding the big play. The secondary has limited depth and excluding Travis Fisher at cornerback, is suspect. Jerametrius Butler opted for season ending surgery. Key additions are Chris Claiborne and Dexter Coakley at linebacker. The Rams ranked 29th among 32 teams against the run, 25th in average yards allowed per run, 25th in points surrendered, 22nd in sack percentage and last in takeaways. One would think there is no where to go but up. The success of the Rams overall is squarely placed on the defense improving in 2005.

2004 RAMS LEADERS: Offense - Bulger, 3,964 passing yards and 21 passing TDs; Faulk, 774 rushing yards; Jackson, 4 rushing TDs; Holt, 94 receptions, 1,372 receiving yards and 10 receiving TDs. Defense - Bryce Fisher, 8½ sacks; Butler, 5 INTs.

Fantasy Football Slant:

Week 1 at San Francisco should give us a good indication about a number of Rams players from a fantasy perspective. We need to get this straight up front, Torry Holt is a lock, and a must start every week. The Rams should be heavy favorites (spread is only 4.5 points at this writing) and all key offensive players should have big games. If the Rams defense steps up, it could get ugly quick. However a word of warning is in order, I do not trust this defense.

San Francisco, after its worst season since 1979 and with a new coach in Mike Nolan, is in a rebuilding mode and is a team trying to overcome the death of Thomas Herrion.

The last meeting on December 5, 2004 in St Louis was won by the Rams 16-6. Steven Jackson rushed for 119 yards on 26 carries.

This week, Rams over 49ers 24-14.

Week #1 Player by Player Review:

QB
Mark Bulger
Low #1
300 yds, 2 tds
Solid starter, will need protection in pocket or may run into injuries down the line.

RB
Steven Jackson
High #2
90 yds, 1 td
He should have a break out year.

RB
Marshall Faulk
Low #3
50 yds R&R
Showing signs of old self, but uncertain fantasy value.

RB
Arlen Harris
No Value.

WR
Torry Holt
High #1
110 yds, 1td
All I can say is Torry Big Game Holt.

WR
Isaac Bruce
Low #2
70 yds, 1td
Consistent and at times appears ageless. Precise patterns, always motivated, consummate pro.

WR
Kevin Curtis
Low #2
50 yds
The next Brandon Stokley or Az-Zahir Hakim?

WR
Shaun McDonald
10 yds
No Value.

TE
Roland Williams
#3
5 yds
I expect Roland to contribute at some point this season.

TE
Brandon Manumaleuna
High #3
25 yds
If he could only make the clutch catches. Only fantasy value is in desperation during bye week.

K
Jeff Wilkins
Low #1
4 PAT, 1 FG
Solid starter. May score more PATs instead of FGs this year as offense improves execution.

DEF/ST
2 Sacks, 1 Int
Bench until further notice.

by rickgpin

Title: Re: Rams Fantasy Report - Unofficial
Post by Philly on Sep 10^th, 2005, 12:04am

Welcome to the Gridiron Forums! That may be the best first post I've seen here - and from member #500 too!

I have a question regarding your rankings. Are they just for this week or for the entire season? The reason I ask is that you have Isaac Bruce as a low #2 FF starter, but you project 70 yds and a TD. You also have Kevin Curtis ranked as a low #2, but he's only in line for 50 yds with no scores...?

Title: Re: Rams Fantasy Report - Unofficial
Post by StegRock on Sep 10^th, 2005, 1:32am

Yes, AWESOME work, Rick!!! [smiley=yes.gif] And, [smiley=welcome.gif] to "the Gridiron", my friend!!! I think you have found the right place and we have been blessed with the right person! [smiley=angel.gif] You are going to fit in here perfectly!

...

Just to give you guys a little inside info,... Rick and I are currently in "negotiations". [smiley=deal.gif] ... ;) ... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Title: Re: Rams Fantasy Report - Unofficial
Post by rickgpin on Sep 12^th, 2005, 11:08am

Philly - thanks for the feedback. the rankings i listed for the rams was for week #1. your comment on kevin curtis was valid and he probably should have been listed as #3 receiver at best.

in light of the giant egg the rams laid in san francisco, i am a bit depressed this morning. some decent stats but terrible execution in the red zone.

Title: Re: Rams Fantasy Report - Unofficial
Post by Callie on Sep 12^th, 2005, 7:29pm

Great report!

[smiley=welcome.gif]