The St. Louis Rams want their offense to get medieval when they take on the Detroit Lions as 4-point underdogs Monday night.
Well, not exactly medieval. More like 2003, when the Rams were scoring more points than any other squad in the NFC and jumping totals like they were flipping pancakes.
?We`ll go as far as Kevin [Curtis] and Shaun [McDonald] and Steven [Jackson] allow us to go," Rams wide receiver Torry Holt told reporters. "Those guys are the `X` factor.?
But the books seem a little tentative about the Rams? plan to regain their offensive glory.
Monday night`s opening total of 42 (bettors have since driven it up to 42 ? at most books) was lower than all but one total they saw in 2003. Can?t blame them considering St. Louis? point production plummeted from 27.9 per game in 2003 to 19.9 last season. But the Rams believe their budding talent can help shift the attack back into overdrive.
Holt and fellow wideout Isaac Bruce were the most productive pair of receivers in the NFL in 2004, combining for 2,664 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, they believe they can do even more damage if Curtis and McDonald can attract some defensive pressure.
"If Kevin and Shaun can get some one-on-one coverages and maybe draw some double coverages to free me and Isaac up, that`s what we`re hoping for," said Holt.
So far, the odds of that happening look promising.
McDonald came out of the woodwork in 2004 with 37 catches for 494 yards and three touchdowns without making a single start. Curtis gained more yards (369) than any of his position mates in the last four games of the 2004 season. He`s currently leading the receiving corps this preseason with 142 yards and three majors.
"I think if you watch out here in practice, his speed is truly remarkable," coach Mike Martz said of Curtis. "The refinement of that position is complete for him. Now it`s just how to use him and where to use him and all of those good things."
As Holt also mentioned, the Rams will be counting on running back Steven Jackson to take the torch from Marshall Faulk. He amassed 673 yards and averaged five per rush while sharing the carries with Faulk in his rookie year. He?s reportedly packed on a significant amount of muscle during the offseason, which should prove to be an asset considering his north-south style.
"I just have visions of him doing great things," Martz said.
With their second units getting most of the playing time, the Rams are averaging just 19 points a night through the first two weeks of the preseason. However, the starters are expected to see extensive action Monday night.
"I`d assume three quarters," quarterback Marc Bulger told the Belleville News Democrat. "In the third game, you usually get your most playing time, especially in a short week. You don`t want to have to play much on Friday."
Well, not exactly medieval. More like 2003, when the Rams were scoring more points than any other squad in the NFC and jumping totals like they were flipping pancakes.
?We`ll go as far as Kevin [Curtis] and Shaun [McDonald] and Steven [Jackson] allow us to go," Rams wide receiver Torry Holt told reporters. "Those guys are the `X` factor.?
But the books seem a little tentative about the Rams? plan to regain their offensive glory.
Monday night`s opening total of 42 (bettors have since driven it up to 42 ? at most books) was lower than all but one total they saw in 2003. Can?t blame them considering St. Louis? point production plummeted from 27.9 per game in 2003 to 19.9 last season. But the Rams believe their budding talent can help shift the attack back into overdrive.
Holt and fellow wideout Isaac Bruce were the most productive pair of receivers in the NFL in 2004, combining for 2,664 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, they believe they can do even more damage if Curtis and McDonald can attract some defensive pressure.
"If Kevin and Shaun can get some one-on-one coverages and maybe draw some double coverages to free me and Isaac up, that`s what we`re hoping for," said Holt.
So far, the odds of that happening look promising.
McDonald came out of the woodwork in 2004 with 37 catches for 494 yards and three touchdowns without making a single start. Curtis gained more yards (369) than any of his position mates in the last four games of the 2004 season. He`s currently leading the receiving corps this preseason with 142 yards and three majors.
"I think if you watch out here in practice, his speed is truly remarkable," coach Mike Martz said of Curtis. "The refinement of that position is complete for him. Now it`s just how to use him and where to use him and all of those good things."
As Holt also mentioned, the Rams will be counting on running back Steven Jackson to take the torch from Marshall Faulk. He amassed 673 yards and averaged five per rush while sharing the carries with Faulk in his rookie year. He?s reportedly packed on a significant amount of muscle during the offseason, which should prove to be an asset considering his north-south style.
"I just have visions of him doing great things," Martz said.
With their second units getting most of the playing time, the Rams are averaging just 19 points a night through the first two weeks of the preseason. However, the starters are expected to see extensive action Monday night.
"I`d assume three quarters," quarterback Marc Bulger told the Belleville News Democrat. "In the third game, you usually get your most playing time, especially in a short week. You don`t want to have to play much on Friday."
