It has only been one preseason game but I have a feeling that Jim Haslett will turn this defense around. I am realistic that it will take more than one season to get enough players that fit this scheme. Jim Haslett has a tremendous track record as a defensive coordinator, and don’t overlook his head coaching accomplishments. As of this date he is the only Saints head coach to win a playoff game. Also when the Rams were winning games by 20 points in “The Greatest Show on Turf” days, the Saints played them tough and usually had the Rams number.

Haslett in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and New Orleans had tough, technically sound football players on the defensive side. Look last year Vince Lombardi couldn’t have prevented a losing season for that franchise. Growing up in New Orleans it is not a secret that owner Tom Benson has not provided the resources for that franchise to be competitive year in and year out.

What I saw in a 2006 Rams defense was a team that hustled, tackled well, stopped the run, and is a work in process. There will be bad days but certainly more good days ahead for this defense. Not many defenses have stopped Manning and Company let alone giving them the ball on the 45 to start. IF OJ Atogwe is in better position maybe the Rams force a punt and end Manning’s night without any points. Again, even giving up the points, progress was apparent.

Haslett is what this team sorely lacked even in the Vermeil days. He brings a nastiness, and toughness that this team lacked. Ask yourself was Damione Lewis, Ryan Pickett, and Adam Archuleta tough? Archuleta had the most impressive workout regime I have ever seen, and he was willing to make plays against the run, but was he the player we thought he would be ala Ronnie Lott? Not really. Watch how Fakir Brown sacked Jim Sorgi that was violent. Watch how Witherspoon hits people, along with La’Roi Glover, those are nasty, tough football players.

I’m excited to see how far this defense can improve.

GO RAMS!!!!

~Eliasdad~