By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

As the Rams look ahead to an important offseason expecting plenty of change, the team will look to some solid building blocks established in the 2008 season to lay the foundation for the future.

While the record wasn’t what the Rams had hoped for last season, there were some bright spots that will serve as the basis for what’s to come.

Running back Steven Jackson leads the way after becoming the second back in franchise history (along with Eric Dickerson) to reach 1,000 rushing yards in four consecutive seasons.

2008 Season In Review

Game Summaries & Misc Stats

Game By Game Stats

Additional Bios

2008 NFL Stats

2008 NFL Team Stats

Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and cornerback Ron Bartell had breakout seasons in 2008 as Atogwe surged to the team’s Most Valuable Player award and Bartell established himself as the best corner in the NFC West Division in terms of statistical performance.

Atogwe led the team with five interceptions, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries to go with 109 tackles. Bartell emerged as the team’s best cover corner, allowing a division-best opponent passer rating of 60.2 and less than two touchdowns to opposing receivers.

Leading the way for the special teams was a historically significant performance from punter Donnie Jones. Jones became just the second player in league history to gross 50 yards per punt and his 41.1 net average ranks second in NFL history. Those feats combined to make him the first punter in league history to have a 50-yard gross and 40-yard net.

Joining Jackson, Atogwe, Bartell and Jones as key cogs for the Rams in 2009 is a talented rookie class that featured solid first seasons from defensive end Chris Long, receiver Donnie Avery and guard John Greco.