_2.gif "Time.com 50 Best Websites 2008")
We got an early start on the Preseason Power Rankings because we knew we’d fall behind once camps opened.
But we’re still trudging along.
No. 27? The St. Louis Rams.
Like the Baltimore Ravens, the Rams are a team that could finish much, much higher. Injuries ravaged a team with Super Bowl potential in 2007, sinking the Rams to a dreadful 3-13 record. If they can keep their guys healthy this time around, they can climb out of the hole and win the NFC West.
They also need to get Steven Jackson into camp. Jackson wants to get his payday now, before he faces the physical risks of a fifth NFL season. And we don’t blame him.
The defense is improving, Marc Bulger is still one of the better quarterbacks in the NFC, and Torry Holt still has something left in the tank at receiver.
But if the wheels come off again, the Rams will be dwelling once again in the basement, and it likewise could be the end of the road for coach Scott Linehan.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Hey Mr. Mike,
I’m shocked. I thought I saw some reasons to expect the Rams to improve. But I don’t watch them so close that I know for sure. I thought maybe they would do a 7-9 and flirt with a playoff berth.
What worried me though, as you point out, is the Steven Jackson holdout. I keep thinking about Larry Johnson and the Chiefs last year. After Johnson’s hold out, he didn’t really make a difference for about 7 games. By then the season was over.
Anyway, a sluggish start for the Rams is good for my Eagles in the season opener. So I hope you are exactly correct with the 27 slot….
F2B
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
August 4th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Florio is awesome at what he does in the Rumor Mill, but his rankings are always awful. He’s already starting to make excuses for them by saying they could finish higher, etc. He hasn’t listed the 49ers yet, who I think will probably pick 1st or 2nd next year. He’s listed the Raiders, who I think have at least bought themselves a near .500 finish, and also the Ravens and the Rams, both of whom I see as middle-of-the-pack teams.
With #26 I’d go…..Jets.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
August 5th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Colinito……no offense man, but you’ve got to be an idiot. First, you critize Florio for his rankings. Second, you make the case that my 49ers will be picking first or second next year, which translates to having the first or second worst record in the league. But then finally, you pick the Jets as #26 in your preseason rankings. Do you see the irony there? I’m not sure which is worse right now, Alex Smith’s management of the offense or your logic in picking the “worst” teams.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
August 6th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Totally concur with NYniner. The 49ers have a hungry defense and an improving offense with a couple questions marks (qb and offensive line). They will flirt with .500 and if Alex Smith comes through they may even get the playoffs … 1st or 2nd pick? I would like to hear your logic on that one. No way are the Niners worse then the Dolphins or Falcons. Mr. Willis (which is what we should be referring to him as) will not let them finish that low.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
August 7th, 2008 at 11:12 am
The Jets should do slightly better with Favre. Still not great.
As for the 49ers, let’s just wait and see. Camp reports I read are akin to the camp reports I read of the Raiders back when Art Shell and Bed N’ Breakfast ran the place. It’s not looking good. It’s a shame– I like Nolan, but it’ll take patient owners next Spring to keep him aboard.
I just hope you 49ers fans come back and apologize when your team tanks, that’s all. And, though I don’t like to bash Florio, since he brings so much joy to my life via this website, I wish he’d stop doing these rankings and stick to what he does best. Now, discover your strengths.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
August 8th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
the window of oppourtunity for this team has closed indeed Bulger Holt, and Jackson (if he plays all year) are a nice tadum on offense but last time I checked this team couldnt stop the run for shit I didnt see any significant improvement on the defensive side aside from drafting Chris Long but he alone will not make this defense better
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated