NFL Preseason Week 1: The Rams have made their way to the Meadowlands for a preseason scrap with the New York Jets. Tonight's game is scheduled to get underway at 7:00pm ET; it will be televised live on the NFL Network. NFL Preseason Week 1: St. Louis Rams vs New York Jets NFL Picks, Odds, & Predictions at Bodog.com have the Jets listed as a -3.5 against the spread favorite in this evening's exhibition clash.
St. Louis Rams: The Rams have no shortage of things to work on after going 2-14 a season ago. Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo will be eyeing how well the team has absorbed the new West Coast offense that the staff has installed, no doubt hoping to see the line provide some better protection for quarterback Marc Bulger.
Defensively the Rams have implemented the same system that Spagnuolo used while the defensive coordinator with the Giants. It will be critical for the defensive line, particularly Chris Long and Leonard Little, to get penetration out of the set for the defense to have success.
Spagnuolo has emphasized that tonight is just another opportunity for the team to continue to grow and improve.
"In a lot of ways, (preseason) is a continuation of training camp in my opinion, because you're still working," Spagnuolo said.
New York Jets: The Jets are also in a transition period with Rex Ryan replacing Eric Mangini during the off-season. Clearly, though, New York is not starting from ground zero after going 9-7 last year. Ryan is, however, installing all of his systems as well as deciding on a starting quarterback.
Kellen Clemens figured to have the edge in the race to become the lead signal caller as he was already on the roster, but word from the Jets camp is that first round draft choice Mark Sanchez has been excellent. That situation warrants watching not only tonight, but throughout the preseason.
Ryan, however, indicated that regardless of what happens this year, it is just a matter of time before Sanchez takes control.
"This guy is a big-time talent," Ryan said in regard to Sanchez. "I think he's going to be a star in this town, I really do."
Bodog.com NFL Preseason Week 1: St. Louis Rams vs New York Jets NFL Picks, Odds & Predictions
St. Louis Rams +3.5 (-125), Over 33 (-110)
New York Jets -3.5 (+105), Under 33 (-110)
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