NFL Predictions 2009: The Rams officially separated themselves from the disastrous Scott Linehan era this off-season by hiring Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as head coach. Granted, Linehan was fired during the regular season, but when Spagnuolo came on board the entire staff was cleaned out as well as the offensive and defensive philosophies. St. Louis Rams NFL Predictions 2009 at BetUS.com are looking for the changes to provide a boost as the team's win total is set at 5.5 with the over drawing -150 odds. 
Steve Spagnuolo did not waste any time implementing his plan in St. Louis, bringing in Pat Shurmur from Philadelphia to run the offense and Panthers linebacker coach Ken Flajole to coordinate the defense. Shurmur brings the West Coast offensive philosophy with him after serving as Andy Reid's quarterback coach for the past seven years. Flajole's style will be in the same mold as Spagnuolo's, the defensive line attacks and the linebackers clean up the scraps.
Shurmur's early success will depend on how well quarterback Marc Bulger rebounds from two injury plagued, sub-par seasons. Last year Bulger threw for 2720 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Part of his problem has been an abysmal offensive line, which has given up 93 sacks over the last two seasons. New additions Jason Smith (First round draft pick) at left tackle and Jason Brown at center should help in that regard. Bulger has proven, given the time, that he can be an effective passer.
Steven Jackson, if he is healthy, will give Shurmur one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL. Jackson has had two down years after dealing with numerous injuries, but still managed to rush for 2044 yards and 12 touchdowns while catching 78 passes. Jackson's running abilities, as well as his pass catching skills, should make him a perfect fit in the West Coast offense.
The defense has a long way to go as it ranked in the bottom third of the league in almost every major statistical category. Fortunately for Spagnuolo and Flajole, there appear to be some building block pieces in place, at least in the front seven. Defensive linemen Chris Long and Adam Carriker are rising players and they should compliment linebackers James Laurinatis (second round pick – 2009) and Will Witherspoon.
The numbers against the run should improve dramatically, but the team may have issues putting pressure on the quarterback. This is not the Giants or Panthers line; 35 year old Leonard Little (six sacks last year) may need to display his old form in order for the club to have an effective pass rush.
The secondary was poor a season ago (19th in passing yards per game allowed), but could greatly benefit from a front seven that can produce adequate pressure on the quarterback. If Spagnuolo can soemhow create that, this defense could get better quickly.
St. Louis opens the year with a division battle at Seattle on Septmeber 13th.
BetUS.com St. Louis Rams NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010
St. Louis Rams Regular Season Win Total:
Over 5.5 (-150)
Under 5.5 (+120)
St. Louis Rams Odds to Win the NFC West:
+1100
St. Louis Rams Odds to Win the 2010 NFC Championship:
+5000
St. Louis Rams Super Bowl Odds 2010:
+12500
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