1. Quarterback Marc Bulger has no help » The Rams rebuilt their offensive line in the offseason, but they barely played together in the preseason and struggled vs. Seattle. He has no true No. 1 receiver and the rest are inexperienced. At least running back Steven Jackson can help. The Rams want to pound Jackson and set up play-action passes downfield behind a more physical front. But this group has spent too little time together to be successful.
2. Oshiomogho Atogwe is a turnover machine » Remember him? He’s the safety who returned Pete Kendall’s fumble 75 yards for a touchdown in last season’s upset. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2006, he has intercepted 17 passes and caused 16 fumbles; that combination is the most in the NFL. He’s a legitimate bright spot for St. Louis.
3. They’re aggressive defensively » They caused 12 turnovers in the preseason and three more in the opener. Coach Steve Spagnuolo built his reputation with aggressive defenses in New York — where the talent level was much higher. Sunday, the Rams did not sack Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck once in 36 pass attempts. In New York, Spagnuolo often blitzed the safeties, but vs. Seattle he brought more corner blitzes.
4. They’re bad » The Rams won two games last season and won’t improve much on that total. There’s just not enough talent. Their first two draft choices start (right tackle Jason Smith and middle linebacker James Laurinaitis). Both will endure growing pains. But it’s not just them. The youth and lack of cohesion was evident vs. Seattle when they committed silly, emotional penalties (two personal fouls by hothead veteran guard Richie Incognito). They even were flagged for having 12 men on the field, negating a blocked field goal returned for a game-tying touchdown. Spagnuolo was supposed to make them more organized and disciplined. Look for a better effort vs. Washington, but they still have major issues.
