RAMS ’90 : A LOOK AT THE RAMS’1990 OPPONENTS

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Sept. 9, 10 a.m.

Lambeau Field

1989 record: 10-6.

Series record: Rams lead series, 38-22-1.

Key offensive starter: Quarterback Don Majkowski, who still was holding out for a better contract as of earlier this week, was the trigger man who that brought the Pack back in 1989. Green Bay posted its their best record since 1972 and it included a number of dramatic--some would say fortunate--victories that hinged on some desperate fourth-and-long plays. Majkowski threw for 4,318 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Key defensive starter: Linebacker Tim Harris, who lines up where he wants and seems to be able to go just about anywhere he wants after the snap, as well, recorded 19 1/2 1/2 sacks last year. Harris, a four-year veteran with good size, upper-body strength and instincts, talks too much to win any popularity contests with opponents. But he can back up most everything he says.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . a second half similar to the one the Packers pulled off last year when Green Bay outscored the Rams, 31-3. Majkowski threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another in the game.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Sept. 16, 10 a.m.

Tampa Stadium

1989 record: 5-11.

Series record: Rams lead series, 7-2.

Key offensive starter: With the running game bolstered by the acquisition of Gary Anderson, quarterback Vinny Testaverde will no longer have to carry the entire offensive load. Testaverde, in his fourth year, has improved steadily. But the fourth-year quarterback remains the Bucs’ main man. He has steadily improved, especially when it comes to judgment. He entered the 1989 season having thrown 41 interceptions and only just 18 touchdown passes the previous year, but reduced the deficit to 22 interceptions and 20 touchdowns last year.

Key defensive starters: Tampa Bay Coach Ray Perkins is betting that 1989 No. 1 draft pick Broderick Thomas, a rookie flop who joined the team late and didn’t start a game all season, and 1990 top selection Keith McCants, will become dominant bookend outside linebackers who that will provide the Bucs with the pass rush that was a glaring weakness in their defense last season.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . Testaverde spreading the offensive responsibilities around and making use of some of Tampa Bay’s new weapons, such as Anderson and rookie running back Reggie Cobb.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Sept. 23, 1 p.m.

Anaheim Stadium

1989 record: 11-5.

Series record: Rams lead series, 12-9-1.

Key offensive starter: New offensive coordinator Rich Kotite has vowed to improve the long passing game, which should also enhance talented quarterback Randall Cunningham’s already considerable scrambling abilities. Cunningham passed for 3,400 yards and rushed for 621 in ’89 and then declared it a disappointing season. He must retain his knack for the big play because the Eagles don’t rush the ball well enough to overcome a subpar performance by their quarterback.

Key defensive starter: End Reggie White, considered by many to be the most gifted defensive player in the league, is the key to an aggressive, turnover-happy defense. White constantly gets double- and triple-teamed, which leaves lots of openings for his teammates.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . White spending the afternoon with his hands in Jim Everett’s face--or worse yet, Everett’s face in the Big A turf--and Cunningham slashing through the Ram secondary. Both Cunningham and White Eagle players could be driven to big performances after less-than-awesome play in the Rams’ 21-7 NFC wild-card victory last New Year’s Eve.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Oct. 7, 1 p.m.

Anaheim Stadium

1989 record: 8-8.

Series record: Rams lead series, 3-2.

Key offensive starter: The Bengals have scored a league-high 852 points over the last two seasons and last year they outscored opponents, 404-285, but somehow managed to finish at .500. The point is, quarterback Boomer Esiason and Co. remain a defensive coordinator’s nightmare. Esiason had an utstanding 28-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio, bettered only by Joe Montana. He’s the unquestioned on-the-field leader of this team and it’s very possible that at 29, years old, he ‘s hasn’t even peaked yet.

Key defensive starter: Strong safety David Fulcher, generally considered one of the best in the business, is one strength in a universally weak defense that ranked 26th against the rush last year. Fulcher led the team with eight interceptions.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . anything resembling last year’s Bengal eruptions against Detroit (42-7), Tampa Bay (56-23) and Houston (61-7). Scary stuff, to be sure.

CHICAGO BEARS

Oct. 14, 4:30 p.m.

Soldier Field

1989 record: 6-10.

Series record: Bears lead series, 33-24-3.

Key offensive starter: The Bears think Neal Anderson is the best running/receiving threat in the NFL and backed up their praise with a rich four-year contract after his second consecutive Pro Bowl season in 1989. Anderson was the NFC’s second-rated rusher last season with 1,275 yards and led the team in receptions (50) and touchdowns (15, 11 rushing 4 on pass receptions).

Key defensive starters: The play of a trio of “old-timers”--tackle Dan Hampton, 33, middle linebacker Mike Singletary, 31, and end Richard Dent, 29--could be pivotal to the Bears’ success in ’90. Dent, with nine sacks last year, became the Bears’ all-time sack leader. The Bears were 4-0 when Hampton and his battered knees were in the lineup and 2-10 when he was out of action. And Singletary still has the intensity and savvy to rate as Chicago’s leader on defense.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . the Bears’ veteran offensive line opening gaping holes for Anderson and fullback Brad Muster. and the Ram defensive players with their tongues hanging out.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Oct. 21, 1 p.m. Dec. 23, 10 a.m.

Anaheim Stadium Fulton County Stadium

1989 record: 3-13.

Series record: Rams lead series, 34-10-2.

Key offensive starter: New Coach Jerry Glanville says the Falcons will go with the modified run and shoot 70% of the time. which That should help quarterback Chris Miller, who has always showed a willingness to vacate the pocket in a hurry. Miller also has a tendency to opt for the safe pass and had the lowest interception percentage (1.9) in the NFL last year. Miller, however, has the arm to throw deep and is a natural leader, a definite plus for a struggling team.

Key defensive starter: Nose tackle Tony Casillas has been criticized for his inconsistency--especially in terms of effort--in the past, but he maintained a high level of intensity in 1989. He’s become an expert at shedding blockers and clogging the running hole and seldom loses his position. He had 152 tackles last year.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . the back of Deion Sanders’ jersey as he sprints toward the end zone. Sanders had five interceptions last year and scored on a 68-yard punt return and a 72-yard kickoff return.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Oct. 29, 6 p.m.

Three Rivers Stadium

1989 record: 9-7.

Series record: Rams lead series, 11-4-1.

Key offensive starter: Former Jets’ head Coach Joe Walton is the new offensive coordinator faced with putting some zip in the Steeler attack, which ranked last in the league last year. Quarterback Bubby Brister has developed into a bona fide leader. His scrambling was hampered by a knee injury last year, but Walton will have him rolling out more this season in an attempt to improve the short passing game. Brister boosted his passing percentage from 45.3 in 1988 to 54.7 in ’89. Key defensive starter: Jerry Glanville named Outside linebacker Greg Lloyd was selection on Jerry Glanville’s his all-nasty team last season--Lloyd’s first as a starter--and with ample reason. You may remember Lloyd for pounding his hand down on the turf three times to count out a prone Al Toon a la a wrestling referee. Lloyd led the Steelers with seven sacks and was second in tackles and interceptions.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . Brister putting Walton’s renovated offense into high gear and picking apart their zone defense with an array of short, high-percentage passes.

HOUSTON OILERS

Nov. 4, 1 p.m.

Anaheim Stadium

1989 record: 9-7.

Series record: Rams lead series, 3-2.

Key offensive starter: Quarterback Warren Moon is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl starts and a super year in ’89. He produced career-highs in completion percentage (60.3), yards (3,631), touchdowns (23) and passer rating (88.9). When teams started to drop off in deep zones against the Oilers, Moon took full advantage of the underneath routes. At age 33, his statistics just keep getting better.

Key defensive starter: New Coach Jack Pardee won’t be on the field, but the defensive specialist’s impact will be important as anyone who’s wearing a helmet. After all, this is a team that yielded 412 points last season (surpassed only by Atlanta and Tampa Bay). The bad-boy image will evaporate under Pardee, who won’t tolerate cheap shots. The Oilers were penalized for 2,288 yards last year to 1,850 for while opponents. had just 1,850.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . receivers Drew Hill and Ernest Givins taking turns playing catch with Moon all afternoon.

N.Y. GIANTS

Nov. 11, 1 p.m.

Anaheim Stadium

1989 record: 12-4.

Series record: Rams lead series, 16-6.

Key offensive starter: Can an 11-year veteran running back be your key offensive starter? Can Coach Bill Parcells ask 33-year-old Ottis Anderson to carry the ball 325 times again in 1990? The Giants still have one of the best all-around defenses in the game and Parcells likes a conservative, possession-time, ball-control offense to complement it. First-round pick Rodney Hampton could be just the running back the Giants need to give Anderson a rest.

Key defensive starter: If he signs, that would be Lawrence Taylor, of course, the most feared defensive player in the game in recent years. Taylor, despite a broken bone in his foot, played all 16 games in ’89 and again proved to be too fast and too fierce for most offenses. At 31, he led the team with 15 sacks.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . Taylor flashing down on Everett from the blind side and watching their Super Bowl dreams flash before their eyes.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Nov. 18, 1 p.m.

Anaheim Stadium

1989 record: 1-15.

Series record: Rams lead series, 13-11.

Key offensive starter: Troy Aikman had a more-than-respectable rookie season thanks in part to an offensive line that allowed just 30 sacks while playing from behind most of the time. During a 24-20 loss to Phoenix, Aikman--after missing five weeks with a fractured left index finger--set an NFL rookie record with 379 yards passing. Aikman has a strong arm and a penchant for making the big play.

Key defensive starter: Middle linebacker Eugene Lockhart didn’t make the Pro Bowl last year, but he unofficially led the league with 222 tackles. Freed from the flex defense, the 29-year-old out of Houston excelled in the new alignment and this year he has better help on the wings.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . a second-half Cowboy surge such as the one Aikman engineered last year when he tossed three touchdown passes to put Dallas up, 31-21.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Nov. 25, 1 p.m. Dec. 17, 6 p.m.

Candlestick Park Anaheim Stadium

1989 record: 14-2.

Series record: Rams lead series, 47-32-2.

Key offensive starter: Need you ask? What more can be said about Joe Montana, who at age 34 seems to be playing his best football after back surgery. Montana completed a mere 70% of his passes last season and for the fifth time in 10 seasons, he led the league in completion percentage. The master of the still-intact Bill Walsh system reads, reacts and rarely forces a throw. And it would be difficult to find a more fierce competitor.

Key defensive starter: Safety Ronnie Lott, 31, is the Montana of the defense. He plays centerfield as well as any free safety around and he has the 49er defense in the correct alignment 99% of the time. Lott missed five early games because of injury last season but he came back strong as ever.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . the game films of the Jan. 14 NFC Championship game when Montana completed 26 of 30 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Dec. 2, 10 a.m.

Cleveland Stadium

1989 record: 9-6-1.

Series record: Browns lead series, 9-8.

Key offensive starter: Can Bernie Kosar rebound from a bad shoulder, bad finger and a horrendous performance in the AFC championship game? If he’s healthy--and mobile enough to stay that way--no one can question his ability to read defenses and get the ball to open receivers. The Browns have the most depth at wide receiver in the league, so Kosar has plenty of weapons to utilize if he can survive the punishment.

Key defensive starter: Tackle Michael Dean Perry, the Fridge’s little brother, quickly became the best football player in the family last season. He also made the Browns’ switch to a four-man line a rousing success and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in the process. He drew double- and triple-team blocks and still had seven sacks. Sixteen holding penalties were called against opponents trying to stop him.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . Eric Metcalf, who had 633 yards rushing and caught 54 passes as a rookie last season, turning the corner outside.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Dec. 9, 1 p.m. Dec. 31, 5 p.m.

Anaheim Stadium Louisiana Superdome

1989 record: 9-7.

Series record: Rams lead series, 26-14.

Key offensive starter: Running back Dalton Hilliard, the Saints’ 5-foot-8 version of Roger Craig, ran for 1,262 yards and added another 514 in receptions. He scored 18 touchdowns. Akin to tackling a bowling ball, Hilliard is almost impossible to knock off balance. He’s also an explosive slasher inside and a nifty open-field runner outside. And he’s durable, too.

Key defensive starter: Linebacker Pat Swilling was still holding out earlier this week, which is just fine with NFL quarterbacks. He has the speed and power to go around or through most blockers and usually delivers quite a wallop at the point of attack. Swilling had 16 1/2 sacks last year . . . and he got off to a slow start.

The Rams could do without seeing . . . Hilliard running over, under, around and through their defense, like he did last October in Anaheim Stadium when he scored three touchdowns in a 40-21 Saints victory.