June 3, 2008

Mission accomplished: Recognizing the need for major change following a disastrous 2007 campaign, beleaguered head coach Scott Linehan added six new coaches to his staff, led by offensive coordinator Al Saunders, who has created a positive buzz with his ties to the “Greatest Show on Turf” era when he coached under Mike Martz. Energetic new executive V.P. of player personnel Billy Devaney has also helped to lighten Linehan’s load. First-round draft pick Chris Long fills a major need at defensive end and looks like a good fit in coordinator Jim Haslett’s multi-look scheme. Free-agent additions Jacob Bell and Josh Brown appear to be very solid fits at left guard and placekicker, respectively.

Unfinished business: It has been a long time since the Rams have had to worry about the WR position, but they do now with Torry Holt forced to deal with a chronic knee injury and Isaac Bruce signing with the 49ers. The onus will be on disappointing ’07 free-agent addition Drew Bennett and second-round pick Donnie Avery, a selection questioned by many, to pick up the slack. In addition, a wide-open competition exists at center, and it remains to be seen how effective two longtime stars on different sides of the ball — OLT Orlando Pace and DLE Leonard Little — will be coming off serious injuries suffered in ’07. The Rams need Pace, who has only been able to play nine games the past two seasons, to be back at full strength.