I wouldn’t look too much into tonight’s first game for the Rams against the New York Jets.  If they come out on fire and dominate, fans wouldn’t get to excited, and neither should fans if this first week doesn’t go well.

The Rams are still trying to find their way, learning under Steve Spagnuolo.  However, what I’m going to be looking for are players who are out competing.  Who in there making plays, making the tough catches, reading their assignments, etc.

Five things I’ll be watching for:

1.  Steven Jackson.  He says he’s ready to go.  At times, he had attitude issues with Scott Linehan, but I don’t think he had the respect of Jackson.  I expect to see a different Jackson on the field.

2.  Jason Smith.  The overall number two pick in the draft.  It will be interesting to see how he performs at RT.

3.  James Laurenitis. The rookie linebacker from Ohio State has seen some playing time with the first unit.  Will he start tonight.

4.  Chris Long.  The second year player, and last year’s number one draft has all of the qualities you want in a football player.  Now Spagnuolo is challenging Long to see if he can elevate his game to the next level.

5.  Marc Bulger.  I’m still a fan.  If he stays healthy, he can still be a great quarterback, but the other half goes to the wide receivers. With speedster Donnie Avery out of the lineup, who will step up to make plays?

Steven Jackson and Steve Spagnuolo