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Photography courtesy of Scott Rovak and the St. Louis Rams
Tavon Austin
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Photography courtesy of Scott Rovak and the St. Louis Rams
Alec Ogletree
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Photography courtesy of Scott Rovak and the St. Louis Rams
T.J. McDonald
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Photography courtesy of Scott Rovak and the St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford
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Photography courtesy of Scott Rovak and the St. Louis Rams
Robert Quinn
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Photography courtesy of Scott Rovak and the St. Louis Rams
Greg Robinson
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Photography courtesy of Scott Rovak and the St. Louis Rams
Aaron Donald
The St. Louis Rams’ last winning season was in 2003. Could this be the year the team breaks the streak? Coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead are entering their third season in charge and have been busy stockpiling young talent. Their team seems ready to win. We asked Steve Savard, the play-by-play voice of the Rams on 101 ESPN (101sports.com), which players to watch when the season begins September 7.
Breakout offensive player: Wide receiver Tavon Austin. “He flashed incredible athleticism in his rookie season but should be a more consistent threat in year two.”
Breakout defensive players: Linebacker Alec Ogletree and safety T.J. McDonald. “Both are physical, aggressive downhill players who should be perfect fits for new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ attacking style of pressure defense.”
Most important offensive player: Quarterback Sam Bradford. “Can he bounce back from knee reconstruction and play the way he did in his final three games of 2013?”
Most important defensive player: Defensive end Robert Quinn. “How will Quinn handle the extra attention an All-Pro season brings? Even if his sack numbers drop, the attention he draws will make it easier for his teammates to get to the quarterback.”
Offensive rookie to watch: Guard Greg Robinson. “Jeff Fisher likes to run the ball. He likes physical players. Robinson is a perfect fit.”
Defensive rookie to watch: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald. “Adding Donald to the Rams’ already formidable pass rush will be a problem for the rest of the NFC West. Donald should give the Rams their best inside pass rush since D’Marco Farr retired.”
