Hello from Germany by a Rams fan since 1990 !

While in my country soccer (or here named football) is far more favoured, it is even harder to be a Rams fan (especially the last years). By the way I have only met one other Rams fan throughout the years of playing myself (defense), visiting many NFL Europe games and being active in a fantasy league for many years based on a computer game with drafts and trades.

While this was a pretty hard year for any Rams fan, the best thing for me was to find Turf Show Times on the web (please do not ask how I could miss it over the past years) - thank you for this web page.

So I like also to share some of my thoughts after the jump, but please do not blame me for any improper statements or information while being without any local newspaper, television or other media besides the web.

Rams coaching and front office:
I belong to the guys being happy that the 2011 coaching stuff is gone and Jeff Fisher will now take the reins.

At first I had high hopes when Steve Spagnuolo took over the Rams three years ago, but I have expected him to build a pretty solid defense. While in my opinion defense starts with "run" defense, I cannot be pleased with his work especially with the situation at Defensive Tackle and Outside Linebacker. I am also unhappy how draft picks are burnt.
The Rams need an experienced coach rather than a hungry one and Jeff Fisher is that guy. With his own coaching stuff this should be a very good basis for the upcoming (team) work.

Quarterbacks:
I like Sam Bradford and think he can will be the future at this position (I have a game shirt since his rookie campaign so he is not allowed to fail). Keeping Kellen Clemens as a backup isn't a fault.

Receivers:
With or without Brandon Lloyd the Rams have a big need at this position. There is no-one I would name a #1 receiver. I would keep Amendola, Salas and Pettis (although PEDs?). The other ones are not young enough to look over their injuries or inconsistent play.
While most people are thinking Wide Receivers, I am a fan of Tight Ends (e.g. Sharpe, Coates) - being approved by last night playoffs. I have high hopes in Lance Kendricks becoming one of the better Tight Ends in the league (despite his drops) but if there is a prospect left in the late rounds of the 2012 draft, the Rams should think about twice.

Running Backs:
I love Steve Jackson, his performance and attitude. But with him getting older the Rams have to handle this at least in the 2013 draft. Cadillac Williams is a nice addition, but not more.

Offensive Line:
It may sound hard, but get rid of Jason Brown (one step to the left and a DT can pass this guy without being touched), switch Saffold back to the right side and heavily use the upcoming draft. Jason Smith? - I am not willing to speak about this guy.

Defense:
While I am hoping to have the once starting corners back I would take the risk to rely on them rather than drafting one in round 1 or 2. While satisfied with the Rams' DEs and Laurinaitis there is a need of DT and OLB. Both should be seriously considered in the 2012 draft. For Safety I am undecided what to think, but there are bigger needs for the Rams.

The 2012 draft:
With RGIII on their hand the Rams should trade down to get as much talent as possible.
While watching a Wide Receiver is fun, you have to give your Quarterback enough time to throw passes longer than 10 yards. That's why I would take LT over WR. As mentioned before I see a need in OLB and DT (over other needs).
While LT is a must, I would than draft by talent at the other three positions.

Greetings, Mats