The Rams hired their fifth head coach in the 15 years in St. Louis, bringing in Steve Spagnuolo from New York, where he was a successful defensive coordinator for the Giants. The Rams were minus-233 in points, a staggering number, and won only two games in 2008. New offensive coordinator Pat Shurmar has been told by Spagnuolo to modify the 'Greatest Show on Turf', which has long been a thing of the past. Expect a modified West Coast-style that will emphasize the run first and use the play-action to set up the pass. Three new starters figure in up front, including first-round pick Jason Smith of Baylor. QB Marc Bulger has had two straight subpar seasons but was allowed to keep his job, and RB Steven Jackson is a monster when healthy. The receivers, however, are a dangerously thin corps, with second-year man Donnie Avery as likely the feature guy with Torry Holt now gone.

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On defense, expect Spagnuolo to use the same, aggressive schemes and looks he did in New York, attacking from all angles while mixing in man coverage. The Rams allowed 465 (!) points last year, the second-most in franchise history, and 2,475 yards rushing (!). Second-year stud DE Chris Long and rookie LB James Laurinaitis will be looked at to help rebuild the defense. The Rams and their new braintrust (GM Billy Devaney wisely took Smith over 'sexy' first round pick QB Marc Sanchez, showing that they know you build a franchise around a stud tackle before a QB). The sad news is that because ownership is in upheaval, there's a good chance if the Rams struggle on the field again as expected, then Devaney and/or Spagnuolo might be canned before the start of next season.

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