Happy Friday all. I hope you’re all as jacked up on football as I am. Great game last night between what should be two quality teams in the AFC. Both defenses looked great, but Pittsburgh was able to move on a gassed Titans’ D to win the game in OT.

The Rams release of Chris Draft comes as a surprise to me. Apparently he refused to take a small paycut in order for the Rams to be able to sign a free agent to play wide receiver, so they just let him go. Why he has lost a step, I still thought Draft could play a big part in the 2009 Rams. He was essentially the starter at strong side linebacker, and his release leaves a hole at that position. Reports indicate 2008’s Mr. Irrelevant David Vobora is now the starter at strong side linebacker, with Larry Grant spelling him once he recovers from injury.

So, the Rams have their first game on Sunday. I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t excited, but I’m also very concerned at the same time. I spent all week focused on why the Rams would be better than expected, and that has just turned into concern into whether they actually perform. The Rams success is hinged on the play of their young guys, and I’m assuming those guys will come through. James Laurinaitis, Chris Long, Donnie Avery, David Vobora, Keenan Burton, I’m looking your way.

I’m about out of time, so for your preview, a link dump.

• STL Today has your projected starting lineup. As expected David Vobora is the starting strong side linebacker, Jason Smith is the starter at RT, and Gary Gibson takes Adam Carriker’s vacancy at DT.
• Here’s the official preview from STL Today courtesy of Jim Thomas.
• Here’s a nice preview from SB Nation.  It goes on about how the Rams and ‘Hawks have fallen from glory since the 2004 season. It predicts a pedestrian 30-17 loss for the Rams to start the season.
• 3k from Turf Show Times has got you covered from both sides of the ball with this comprehensive preview. He and I share some of the same optimism when it comes to the Rams, as well as some of the same concerns.
• A fun link from Football Outsiders with their 2009 staff predictions. If you remember correctly, Football Outsiders projects the Rams to go 8-8 this season. Will Carroll predicted the Rams to go to the Super Bowl. Seriously.
• The official preview page from ESPN.

I don’t have much to add to any of these. I think the game will hinge on the Rams running game and the play of the defense. They must stop the run to have any chance of winning the game. The Seahawks’ receivers will have their moments, but Julius Jones et al can’t be having their way on the ground as well, or the Rams will be in for a long day. I’m a homer, so I’m going to say the Rams at least cover the spread but the ‘Hawks still pull it out in a close 24-23 game.

Enjoy the games everyone. Football is back! GO RAMS!!