In their first preseason game of 2008, the Rams looked like they were in midseason form. Unfortunately, they were horrible last midseason and the Tennessee Titans trounced St. Louis 34-13. The first team offense had yet to score a touchdown in the preseason under Coach Linehan and they kind of broke that streak last week when they scored a touchdown on their second drive…for the other team! Bulger’s pass was tipped, intercepted, and returned for a Titan touchdown. The defense did not fare much better as Tennessee ran all over the Rams for over 300 yards. St. Louis better pick up the intensity this week as they host San Diego. The bigger concern for the Rams is the absence of RB Steven Jackson, who continues to hold out for a new contract. Let’s take a look at the Fantasy positions after training camp and the first preseason game.

QB: QB Marc Bulger struggled in his brief appearance; completing only 3 of 9 passes with the pick for six. At least he did not get injured. Bulger’s stock is slipping which might mean he could be a great value pick or just a bad pick (I am hoping for the former). QB Trent Green didn’t do much better against Tennessee but he is an established veteran and capable backup. QB Brock Berlin (11-14 139 yards) had a strong game and might have taken the lead over QB Bruce Gradkowski (2-5 6 yards) for the third Quarterback spot.

RB: RB Antonio Pittman and RB Brian Leonard are trying to establish themselves for the right to back up RB Steven Jackson when he finally comes to his senses and reports. Neither Pittman nor Leonard is in Jackson’s class and it is not known at this time who you should draft as Jackson’s handcuff. If the blocking does not improve, you might not want either of them should Jackson go down with an injury, which happens all too often to players who miss training camp.

WR: With WR Torry Holt and WR Drew Bennett entrenched as the starters and rookies WR Donnie Avery (who is recovering from an injured pelvis bone) and WR Keenan Burton along with veteran WR Dante Hall pretty much assured of roster spots, WR Dane Looker, WR Marques Hagans, WR Derek Stanley, and WR Reche Caldwell are battling for the last one or two spots. Looker had a nice game against Tennessee, catching for balls for 73 yards. With a bunch of injuries to the defensive secondary, Stanley took some repetitions as a defensive back the last week of camp. You have got to be pretty desperate if you have Stanley on defense.

TE: TE Randy McMichael is enjoying the new offense under Al Saunders (even if he did not catch a pass in the preseason opener) and could be a sleeper this year. TE Anthony Becht and TE Joe Klopfenstein are the backups but neither has Fantasy value.

K: PK Josh Brown was perfect in his Ram debut (2-2 field goals and 1-1 on extra points) with a long field goal of 48 yards. He will be solid if the Ram offense can move the ball successfully.

DEF: The defense has a long way to go (no joke intended). DE Chris Long and DL Adam Carriker are young and talented but need some time to develop. Hopefully the process speeds up because allowing 300+ yards on the ground is totally unacceptable. DE Leonard Little has reportedly gained back his explosiveness that makes him a premier pass rusher. He should continue to improve as his repaired toe feels better LB Will Witherspoon is a solid IDP and LB Pisa Tinoisamoa would be ok if he can saty healthy. The possible sleeper to keep an eye on is LB Quinton Culberson, who had 4 tackles and half a sack in limited action against the Titans. FS Oshiomogho Atogwe is the only defensive back with Fantasy value; however, he is battling a sore hamstring. The Chargers will be a good test for the defense even if Tomlinson sits out.

Just when things were looking positive with all the draft picks signed and in camp, Steven Jackson decides to cast a dark cloud with his hold out. He has already missed all of training camp and will miss most of the preseason so he needs to come to his senses, not be greedy, and get his big back side to camp. I would not be at all surprised if Jackson missed time with nagging minor injuries upon his return. That always happens to players after lengthy holdouts. Good luck to everyone who will be drafting soon. Thanks to my nephew Skyler for spending his summer with us. It wasn’t me Sky! Aloha!