Dec 30, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) scrambles out of the pocket against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Come on Rams fans – even you guys know it’s the truth. You just lost two of your best players in running back, Steven Jackson and wide receiver, Danny Amendola as well as losing the services of WR Brandon Gibson and a couple of others as well. It’s not as if things weren’t bad enough for the Rams, given that they weren’t very good when they actually had all those players on their team. They finished last season 7-8-1, but I firmly predict they won’t get close to that many wins this time around.

Now, let’s be fair to them; they did well by signing offensive tackle, Jake Long who is arguably one of the elite linemen in the league and former Titans tight end, Jared cook could add a little something in the way of production, although he remains firmly in the second to third tier of players at his position.

If you take a look at their current roster, it sort of makes you want to cry if you are brave enough to call yourself a Rams fan. Quarterback Sam Bradford has all the ability to become very good in this league, and has pretty good looking career statistics, but he hasn’t always been blessed with the best receivers. And unless they upgrade things quickly, he’ll be left throwing the ball to Brian Quick, Chris Givens, Austin Pettis, and Cameron Graham. Not exactly household names.

The Rams really need to consider drafting a wide receiver with their first round pick. They will be picking 16th, and if things go their way, West Virginia’s Tavon Austin could still be available. In my opinion, he would instantly be their number one receiver and offer Sam Bradford a viable target. He is a small receiver but is quick and has good top end speed. Rams fans rejoice if your team ends up with Tavon Austin. You could do a lot worse.

If they play their cards right, a running back such as North Carolina’s Giovani Bernard could be sitting their waiting for them in the second round. Ok, so he’s not exactly Adrian Peterson, but he could prove to be a serviceable rusher, and might develop into something really good. Check some of his highlights HERE.

Defensively, the Rams aren’t in too bad shape. Last season they allowed 21.8 points per game, and gave up 342.6 yards per game as well. There’s room for improvement, but they have a good foundation to build upon. Linebacker, James Laurinaitis is developing nicely and defensive end Robert Quinn has shown he can get to the passer, racking up 10.5 sacks last season. Even though he had his issues during his college days, cornerback Janoris Jenkins has shown potential and I have him  marked as one to watch.

But let’s be honest. Right now, the best player on the St. Louis Rams is kicker, Greg Zuerlein. And when your kicker is your best player, you know you’re in trouble.

Most of the wins the Rams did manage last season were against some pretty poor opponents. Teams such as the Cardinals and the Bills were hardly striking fear into their opponents last year, were they? And their wins against Washington and San Francisco could quite easily have ended up as losses. Basically, they were pretty fortunate to come away with as many wins as they did, and, looking at their opponents this season, I don’t see them coming away with any more than four wins. Sorry, but it’s true.

Granted, there are quite a few teams that we could call awful, but I just can’t look past how ineffective the Rams look offensively, right now. Teams need great players, even if it’s just one or two, but the Rams don’t even have that. Think of your fantasy team for a minute, and then go and look at the Rams roster. How many of their players would you want on your starting lineup. None, right?

Could I be wrong? Possibly, but I doubt it. For now, I am sticking by prediction and I dare you to prove me wrong. The St. Louis Rams will indeed be the worst team in the NFL this year.

Dec 30, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant (79) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Jackson left the only franchise he has ever played for, the St. Louis Rams, to join the NFC Championship runner-ups Atlanta Falcons. For many years Jackson had to carry the Rams offense, which literally ran through Jackson. Now he joins a championship contending team with a quarterback, Matt Ryan, in the “elite” conversation, and just one of many weapons like Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, and Julio Jones.

“That definitely will make my job a little easier. I know that I’m not the focal point,” Jackson said on WCNN in Atlanta, via Sports Radio Interviews. “This is Matt’s offense and his team. I’m just another tool that’s out there on the field. With the explosive players that we have on the outside I’m sure a lot of teams will be more concerned about getting beat over the top than within the box. So I’ll probably have some favorable fronts and I have to take advantage of it and do my job and continue to be the player that I have the last nine years.”

With a defense spread thin covering all of Atlanta’s weapons Steven Jackson’s stats could see an improvement while teams try to cover everyone. That point though, if true, shows you how really unproductive Michael Turner was.

And with teams focusing on Jackson and him still managing to average 4.1 yards per attempt, that numer could go up as well. As most running backs decline after their 30th birthday, Jackson could actually improve by taking advantage of the new offense.

“I’ll continue with the same work ethic that I had … and I’ll be working hard and continue to maintain a healthy diet,” Jackson said. “But, as well, I went out and sought advice from older guys that have been successful in this league after the age of 30 and what way they adjusted and what the mindset that I need to prepare myself for it.”

While things have changed more drastically on the defensive side of the ball for Atlanta, Jackson says they still have the same goal.

“We’re a new team. We’re different from the team that was here last year,” Jackson said. “But the success that these guys have had together and the leadership that the coaches have, I believe that we can be a very potent team. But we gotta go out there and do it ourselves on the field, we can’t just keep talking about it.”

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta fans are rejoicing, following the news they received about the signing of free agent running back Steven Jackson. Jackson, 29, was considered one of the best running backs on the market after he voided his contract with St. Louis. Last season the former Ram ran for 1,042 yards on 257 carries, and added 4 touchdowns. Jackson has quite a few miles on him considering he has had three 300-carry seasons, but still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Jackson was an iconic player in St. Louis, and  is poised to bring his tough running style to Atlanta.

The Falcons had a combined rushing attack of Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers in 2012, and weren’t exactly stellar finishing 29th in the league in rushing yards. Turner was not the same player as he was in the past, he seemed very slow, and was very ineffective making defenders miss. If you ask me, the best running back in an Atlanta uniform was Rodgers. The Falcons released the declining Turner, and they know that Rodgers is not a 3 down back. That left a hole at running back, and they went out and snagged the best power runner in free agency.

What Jackson can bring to the Falcons is a tough runner that can be used in 3rd and short scenarios. The Falcons seemed to be more effective in 3rd and 7, than in 3rd and 1 last season, and that had to do with the lack of the running game. The Falcons were definitely a pass first team in 2012, and Jackson will be able to help balance that out if need be.

With a high octane passing game with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez, Jackson won’t see 300 carries, but he certainly will be a very important piece to the Falcons offense. Lastly, the thing that gets overlooked about the Falcons in 2012 was the issue of finishing games in the second half. It was most evident in the playoffs when in both games against Seattle and San Francisco the Falcons jumped out to a big, early lead, but then let it slip away.

The main reason for that was the lack of the running game that could bleed the clock. Steven Jackson could play a big role in the 2nd half when the Falcons will need to be able to protect leads. All in all, this was a very good signing for Atlanta, and Jackson will be a key piece in helping the Falcons make a push for a Super Bowl title this season.

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) gets ready against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers just watched their divisional rival, the Detroit Lions, beef up their offense by signing running back Reggie Bush. Since virtually the start of free agency the Packers have been targeting running back Steven Jackson and now they’re reportedly nearing a deal.

According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette’s Rob Demovsky, the deal is for three years. Reportedly what’s holding up this deal from getting done and rolling out the back drop for a press conference is money.

The Packers are in a tight cap situation and are trying to spend money wisely. They have Greg Jennings demanding reportedly $10 million a year, and that could result in them cutting Jermichael Finley.

Supposedly the Packers have a number in mind that they’re not willing to budge from and Steven Jackson is trying to squeeze out a little more. But the fact that the two sides are talking and Jackson isn’t headed to entertain other offers should be a good sign.

I heard originally that he should net around $12 million over three seasons, so who knows where the numbers that are being discussed are at now. He is 30 years old but he has plenty left in the gas tank and playing for a contender like Green Bay should be exciting and rejuvenating.

Hearing the #Packers and RB Steven Jackson have been talking about a three-year deal. Working on details.

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 13, 2013

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) gets ready against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Jackson could be headed out of St. Louis. Pro Football Talk on their twitter account reports that the Green Bay Packers are the favorites to sign the free agent running back.

General Manager Ted Thompson usually tends to shy away from players north of the 30 year old mark, but they could be making an exception this time. Steven Jackson has been one of the most consistent running backs in the league despite being on one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers struggled to find any stability at the running back position last season even bringing back Ryan Grant at one point.

But Jackson has expressed his desire to play with Aaron Rodgers, a former NFL MVP and Super Bowl Champion. He could be the piece missing from the Packers’ offense.

But Steven Jackson seems to have his sights set on a championship run and not a payday as he entertains free agent offers.

Packers are the current leaders for RB Steven Jackson.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 12, 2013

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Although both second-year backs Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson are undersized and not viewed as potential feature backs, the Rams view both guys as players who can be every-down backs at the pro level. Rams GM Les Snead told Thomas, “Pead toward the end of the year, Daryl at the beginning and middle, proved they can play in the league …They will all have a role. Richardson is going to have a role. Pead is going to have a role. They are all going to have a role and we are going to utilize those roles.”

Pead and Richardson are both explosive, young backs with potential, and Richardson averaged 4.8 yards per carry on 98 attempts for 475 total yards on the season. He also added 24 receptions for 163 yards last season, and I think the Rams can have a viable committee with both guys leading.

Even though Thomas does not see the Rams signing a free agent running back, he went into detail about how former Alabama Crimson Tide feature back Eddie Lacy could be a nice fit for the Rams. It would be interesting to see the Rams go after a running back in the draft, and I think they are better off doing that than signing somebody on the free agent market. They should save a little bit of their cash and roll with a committee of intriguing, young running backs if Jackson is not retained. After all, this organization is high on the prospects of Pead and Richardson. The Rams should  go for value at the RB position, and it seems more and more like Jackson won’t be back next season- but it is imprudent to think that they cannot get a deal done.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates @SorianoJoe.

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This is from an article on ProFootballTalk:

According to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Falcons are “one of the most likely suitors” for Steven Jackson if he gets away from the Rams.

Sometimes, it gets hard being right all the time. But if you read my recent list of Top 5 potential NFL homes for Steven Jackson, I had Atlanta at #1 ahead of St. Louis Rams.

Right now as it stands the Atlanta Falcons have Michael Turner on their roster but they’re expected to release him. While signing Steven Jackson wouldn’t be a revolutionary youth movement it would be a production move and a bold move that shows they’re serious about winning a Super Bowl.

Michael Turner ran for 800 yards last year and averaged 3.6 yards per carry. That was one of the worst marks in the league. To put it in perspective Felix Jones of the Dallas Cowboys averaged 3.6 yards by comparison.

Steven Jackson broke the thousand yard threshold running for 1,042 yards and a more impressive 4.1 yards per carry. Still middle of the pack in the NFL but he played for St. Louis and faced San Francisco and Seattle twice each.

Steven Jackson could bring a balance to that offense that could make it the best, especially if Tony Gonzalez came back. They’d have a playmaker at every position. Not to mention the influence he could have on the young Jaquizz Rodgers who is a similar style player to Jackson.

Dec 30, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant (79) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Jackson is exercising a player option to void the last year of his contract with the St. Louis Rams, worth $7 million. Jackson has been a staple of the Rams offense but has been a part of a team that’s struggled for years. In an effort to be a part of a winning team and just to play in the playoffs.

And a running back of Steven Jackson’s caliber could bring a lot of attention on the free agent market. The St. Louis Rams though don’t seem too worried about Jackson leaving and have been operating under the assumption that he will be a key component of their offense next season.

5. Green Bay Packers

They need a running back and went through many last off season. At one point they even brought Ryan Grant back. Steven Jackson and Aaron Rodgers would make this a very well rounded offense and possibly the best in the league. However the Packers might not be able to afford Jackson.

4. Denver Broncos

A chance to be a part of a team that has Super Bowl aspirations. There is Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning who is still dominating. And a defense that can dominate as well. Not to mention you play in a division where you go to California twice. The only hesitation with going to Denver is Peyton Manning’s age. What if they win a Super Bowl and he retires? You’re back where you started. What if he gets injured? Back where you started. Not to mention the challenges that come with playing in Denver.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

Another chance to be a part of a team with Super Bowl aspirations. They play in a tough division without a single dome. The cold weather might be unappealing, but a Super Bowl ring might outweigh that. The Steelers need a running back to be back in contention for a division title and Super Bowl run, Steven Jackson could succeed behind a strong offensive line.

2. St. Louis Rams

The Rams are considered by many to be the favorites to re-sign Steven Jackson. As appealing as it is to be loyal to a team that drafted you, it might be best for his career to  move on. They’ve never really had a chance at winning and their division which was once weak is getting stronger. Defenses in San Francisco and Seattle are becoming dominant and Arizona’s defense isn’t too shabby either.

1. Atlanta Falcons

A team that desperately needs a running back after a lackluster performance from the aging and over the hill Michael Turner. They have a young Jaquizz Rodgers who reminds me of a young Steven Jackson. Not only could Jackson immediately make an impact for the Falcons but he’d be a valuable mentor to Rodgers. This seems like a no brainer. They play in a dome which Jackson is used to. They’re divisional foes are the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No cold weather stadiums, not the best defenses. Makes too much sense.

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Just when everybody thought this years off-season couldn’t get any crazier, it continues to throw us curve balls.

We all know free agency starts here in about 14 days, teams are looking at spots where they could improve and are handing out pink slips. This year seems to be one of those ‘I can’t believe they released him’ type of off-season, which I really love.

I’m more of a ‘surprise’ type of person, bet you didn’t see that coming, did you? Especially when it comes to Steven Jackson. The man who has given St. Louis his all from the time he was drafted, til the final whistle of every game he was involved in.

He is one of the best and most dangerous running backs in the game, yet to win a championship. Earlier today, news broke that Steven Jackson, 29 years old, has decided to void the final year of his contract and test the market.

I understand his decision, putting in all this hard work and wanting to be able to contend for a championship. This could either be a plan of Jackson’s, to open the eyes of the organization and show them that it is either now or never, or figured it would never happen in St. Louis and decided to move on to a contender.

General Managers all over the league are probably bouncing off the walls right now. Since Jackson came into the league in 2004, he has recorded over 10,000 rushing yards, 56 rushing touchdowns, 3,300 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns.

A running back who isn’t afraid to run straight through the offensive and defensive line to pick up those difficult yards, is also quick enough to bounce to the outside and out run defenders to get to the sidelines.

Steven Jackson has always been a favorite running back of mine. Just like with Marshall Faulk when he was a St. Louis Ram, Jackson will always be one of those greats you think about when you think of that organization. Only difference is, Faulk won a Championship, being a part of ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’ back in ’99, ’00 and ’01, Jackson hasn’t had that much help when it comes to competing though reaching the playoffs in his first 3 seasons in the league.

Both sides sat down to discuss a contract extension but neither side could agree on a deal. Talks broke off and St. Louis decided to give Jackson the option to play through the final year of his contract, or void out and become a free agent in March 2013.

Jackson (3x pro bowler) was in the last deal of his contract, topping 1,000 yards 8 seasons straight. Being the St. Louis Rams All-Time leading rusher, he was due to make $7 million for the 2013 season. Only 29, turning 30 in July, Jackson should also be getting high interest to other teams who need that powerful back, especially those who have trouble getting into the end-zone when they reach the red-zone.

This man is a freak of nature and what is scary, is he could probably play another 3-4 years, if not 5. So any team who wants to bring him in, will probably sign him to a deal in that length. Has had some injuries, but always bounced back or fought through and still contributed even when his team is struggling. You want to talk about Adrian Peterson carrying the Minnesota Vikings on his back? This man has been doing it for years.

With Steven Jackson leaving St. Louis, the Rams currently have the youngest roster in the NFL.

Dec 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) rushes for a first down against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the 49ers 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams have managed to go 4-0-1 within their division. Including beating and tying the San Francisco 49ers, who played in last season’s NFC Championship game. Despite a dominate record against their divisional foes this season the St. Louis Rams have only won one game outside of their division.

Rams running back Steven Jackson went on ESPN Radio in St. Louis and talked about the victory and the statement the Rams are making this season.

“It really [helps] us in our division and our conference as well. Teams are going to respect the St. Louis Rams now when they see us on the schedule,” Jackson said. “They know we’re a tough-nosed team that’s never going to back down, regardless of the situation, regardless of what the past may have been. This team has taken on a new identity.”

Despite only winning 1 game outside of their division, the Rams are pleased with their performance within the division.

“It feels good, that we’ve established ourselves in this division,” Jackson said. “Tough defenses, good running offenses and quarterbacks that are going to get it done. We have some young, talented quarterbacks in this division that are going to be around for a while.”

The Rams are 5-6-1 and have a slim chance of making the playoffs. But the Rams aren’t trying get too excited and maintaining their focus on the next game against Buffalo.

“We dare to dream, but we know we’ve got to do it one game at a time,” Jackson said. “It means a lot. We have a tremendous team, a lot of talent in this locker room, and guys that are willing to stick around, study film together, put in the time so we can all trust and go together. It’s starting to happen. You can see it on the football field, that we’re willing to play, we say, through the echo of the whistle. Guys are playing hard for each other.”

Jackson isn’t the only one who is playing down their playoff chances and claiming to solely be focused on next weeks game against Buffalo. Rams head coach Jeff Fisher addressed their slim playoff chances at a media gathering at Rams Park on Monday.

“This team is focused on Buffalo. It’s our next opponent,”  Fisher said. “There’s too much that could happen right now. I don’t even know what the record is of some teams in the division. So, we just go play.”

Sam Bradford echoed Fisher and Jackson’s sentimaents and is also focused on Buffalo, and not leap frogging 4 teams to make it into the playoffs.

“Regardless of whether we’ve won or lost the week before, our focus has gone on to the next week and that’s exactly what we’re going to continue to do,” said  Bradford. “Our focus now is going to Buffalo and getting another win.”

But after years of struggles, the Rams feel good to be headed in the right direction.

“It feels pretty good,” running back Steven Jackson said. “We have a lot of room to grow, but the one thing about this team that we learned about the personality of it that guys are going to continue to fight. Guys are going to continue to bring their ‘A’ game despite what it looks like, despite what people may think. This group of men believe that we can compete at a high level.”