Sam Bradford likes the Rams West Coast-style scheme installed by new coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. He’s made strong, accurate throws throughout camp, reminding everyone why he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2010.
But whether Bradford bounces back from a miserable 2011 hinges on three factors largely beyond his control: an unsettled offensive line, mostly unproven receivers, and Bradford’s still sore ankle.
Offensive line: The Rams surrendered an NFL-high 55 sacks last season, and the beating Bradford took went well beyond that, Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz points out.
Tackles Jason Smith (2009 first-rounder) and Rodger Saffold (2010 second-round pick) will be given every opportunity. First they need to show they can stay healthy. Harvey Dahl is an above-average right guard. But left guard is up in the air. And Pro Bowl center Scott Wells, the Rams’ second-biggest offseason acquisition behind Cortland Finnegan, has yet to practice while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.
Fisher and Schottenheimer believe they can help protect Bradford with a solid running game, more three-step drops, and by leaving in a tight end or fullback to block. Rams fans have to hope the O-line – rated the NFL’s worst before camp -- begins to coalesce soon.
Receivers: The wideouts have speed, size, and playmaking ability. But except for veteran Steve Smith and slot man Danny Amendola, none has produced at a high level for a full season. If rookie Brian Quick or Chris Givens develops into the deep threat the team desperately needs, it will open up routes underneath for Smith, Amendola and Greg Salas.
The tight ends, particularly Lance Kendricks, must cut down on drops.
Bradford’s ankle: Bradford acknowledged that his left ankle is still not 100 percent. He suffered a severe high ankle sprain in Game 5 last season.
He told the Post-Dispatch, however, that “it's close. I think it's as good as it's going to feel. It's something that we're managing right now. I've been able to take every snap so far without any setbacks and I think that's a positive sign."
Bradford probably should not have played late last season, on Monday Night Football against the Seahawks, when he clearly was immobile. The season was already long gone, and it certainly didn’t aid Bradford’s recovery.
Just another mistake from the Steve Spagnuolo era that this team is trying to overcome.
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSSportsNFLSTL.