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NFC West
Many fantasy owners mourned the firing of Mike Martz in early January but thanks to the hiring of the offensive minded Linehan there might be hope for the high powered offense in St. Louis. Also, the hiring of Jim Haslett could turn around what was a horrid defense into a formidible foe. In this story I will cover the top position battles on offense and defense. Plus, you'll receive the latest news on which players will thrive in the newest regime in St. Louis.
Thanks to all the moves on defense, many fantasy owners are wondering how their players on the St. Louis Rams will do next year. With the signing of Fakhir Brown and Tye Hill, Jerametrius Butler and Travis Fisher's days as starters in St. Louis could be over. Fisher and Butler both ended their 2005 seasons with injuries and both of them must prove they can play up to their potential to be worthy of starting next year. Brown's experience in Haslett's defense gives him an inside track to earn a starting spot and the Rams didn't draft Hill with their 1st round pick for nothing. Considering Hill's speed, Fisher and Butler will have an uphill battle to earn the other spot alongside Brown.
With 07 being a contract year, expect Leonard Little to cash in this season. Owners who have Little on their roster shouldn't trade this proven veteran unless they need to fill a major hole on their team. If La'Roi Glover can provide an inside rush, teams might not be able to provide a consistant double-team on Little like they did last year. It will also be a make or break year for Anthony Hargrove. The Rams have been touting this young stud as the next coming but so far he has provided as many sacks in his career as Paris Hilton has been laid in this week.
For the Rams to be more successful on defense next year, their linebacking core has to be able to shoot the gaps and stuff the run. Will Witherspoon's move from the outside to inside linebacker is the key. The Rams DTs are small,and Witherspoon must be able to shed blockers and tackle opposing RBs. If he fails, the Rams might be forced to move Tinoisamoa to the inside and put Witherspoon back to his natural position of weakside linebacker. Fantasy owners who have Pisa on their teams must pay close attention to Witherspoons play during training camp. If there are signs that he will not be up to the challenge,Tinoisamoa's production might drop, so take that into consideration before the season starts. It might not be a bad decision to trade him while his value is high.
On offense the buzz has been that Linehan will commit to a run-orientated offense this season. Many mags have been projecting that Steven Jackson will have a breakout season. While Jackson has shown flashes of brilliance, don't get caught with your pants down like Pee Wee Herman. Fantasy owners should make sure they have a proven back on their roster just in case Jackson falters. This also might be a perfect time to sell high. I bet there is an owner in your league that is dying at the chance of catching the next best thing. It wouldn't be a bad move to find that owner and see if you can swing a deal where you can get a player you have been coveting off their roster for many years. If you currently have a team that is in the rebuilding mode, you might want to see if you can grab a slew of quality draft picks in a deal.
One position battle to keep an eye on is the tight end position. Since training camp hasn't started yet, info on who has the edge for the starting position is few and far between. Some reports claim Klopfenstein is leading and some reports claim Byrd has a slight edge. All I can guarantee you is that Linehan has heavily included the use of his tight end in every offense he has been a part of during his career. Both of the rookies have plenty of talent and from what the reports from the St. Louis Post Dispatch, it will be decided primarily by who has the best blocking skills. Scouting reports have shown that Byrd is a slightly better blocker, so it might be a good idea to sign him if he wasn't drafted in your league and wait to see if he wins the job. This race could be as close and exciting as a race between Kristie Alley and Rush Limbaugh over the last Tripple Whopper at Burger King.
One last bit of info, if the opportunity arises where Kevin Curtis is available, keep in mind that Isaac Bruce is on the downside of his career and had injury problems during 05. If you can buy Curtis low, you might be thanking yourself for many years. If you pass on the opportunity, then you might be kicking yourself in the butt for many years.
To be the man, you've got to beat the man. Woooooooooo!!
Brian Rickert
EFSports Fantasy Football
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