First it was the Bengals and now the Rams. Terrell Owens may have an official offer on the table, and it may come from a team that isn’t likely to even be fighting for a playoff spot come November. That team is the Rams, as Chris Mortensen reports on ESPN that the Rams could make T.O. an offer Monday.

The St. Louis Rams have intensified discussions in hopes of signing free agent Terrell Owens, according to sources close to the player and team.

The Rams asked Owens through his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, if he would consider a serious contract proposal, even though they are not considered a playoff contender. Rosenhaus told the team Owens would definitely consider it, sources said.

A high-ranking Rams official said a formal offer for Owens could come on Monday.

The Rams believe Owens would take heat off their young wide receiver corps that includes Donnie Avery, Laurent Robinson and rookie Mardy Gilyard, as well as loosen up opposing defenses from focusing on running back Steven Jackson.

The move simply means a contender doesn’t want the possibly problem child in Owens, and instead he is going to a team that needs wide out and talent help across the board, which is what the Rams need – badly. It will be interesting to see if Owens fits in with a team that could only win 3-5 games in 2010.

The NFC West seems to be the least intriguing and most predictable division to forecast.  Mike Singletary’s 49ers are prime to take over Arizona’s reign atop the standings.   It would be the first time in doing so since 2002.  San Francisco certainly should accomplish this feat, likely being crowned best as soon as early November.

As for Arizona, Seattle, and St. Louis they may be better off served hitting the fast forward button on their remotes, seeking the opportunity to take an early sneak peek ahead toward New York City’s Radio City Music Hall come mid-April.  Call it what you want but call it, this division could be over before it even gets started.

San Francisco (12-4) – Can you name any other team that’s more sure of a lock to wrap up their division before Thanksgiving?  Could this be the most anticipated season since the Steve Mariucci Era?  Things are looking up for the Bay Area fans, and deservedly so, seeing the expectations are as high as they’ve ever been in almost a decade.  And why not, considering S.F. has the top LB, a feisty leader and excellent example calling the shots, and one of the most electrifying trios on the offensive side of the rock, you can only wonder and ask yourself, “Could this be “the year”?”

What’s not to like?  They upgraded an average offensive line via draft, Alex Smith looks the part, and they participate in possibly the weakest division. Niners faithful may even become hard-pressed to find a ticket entering winter at Candlestick!  Things are definitely looking up.

Arizona (5-11) – The post-Kurt Warner days begin, insert Matt Leinart -stay tuned.  With the retirement of Warner, you can clearly see why more questions than answers arise approaching camp.  Yet the main cause for concern could translate over into a balanced offensive attack, a new change of identity for Ken Whisenhunt’s group.  Chris “Beanie” Wells and Tim Hightower lead the ground gang and will likely be seeing more opportunities to make their presence known and stamp their impact on a Leinart-led offense.  Larry Fitzgerald still remains, however, he will be without his exclusive partner in crime Anquan Boldin.  Could we see trouble generating points in the Desert?  Finding the end zone could be the equivalent to finding a diamond in the rough for a squad two years removed from representing the NFC.

So if that proves true, the defense, already minus Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle,  may be under a tremendous amount of pressure to help balance out the team’s fortunes and success.  In essence, I’m unsure if they are fully prepared and quite ready yet to embrace the challenge which is set and presented before them.   And who knows if they’ll be able to take on the treacherous task of stepping outside new boundaries with such short notice.  Fully grasp yourselves for change, albeit a sad one, Cardinals fans.

Seattle (5-11) – Good news: It’s all possible Justin Forsett could have himself a Ray Rice type of season.  Bad news: When Justin Forsett is your most reliable weapon on offense you’re in bad shape.  While you’re at it, don’t bank on the good news coming to fruition, its just a possibility.  It just seems like a rebuilding year is inevitable for the proud supporters of the team with the most eccentric uniforms.  Undoubtedly the 12th man will still be on display, yet nonetheless, it begs to question: Will Pete Carroll give the fans a product worthy of cheer?

Matt Hasselbeck is always hurt and has seen better days, constant whispers and rumors of the mega-hyped Terrell Owens bug the team and surround the organization, and Charlie Whitehurst is being looked at as the heir apparent at QB.   Not good news for a franchise that used to be a guaranteed lock come fall for NFC West dominance.   Supremacy has past, the new era for mediocrity has just begun.  Why won’t it be a rebuilding year in Seattle?

St. Louis (2-14) – Once upon a time they were considered one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams to watch.  The darlings of football, a team anyone would love to see on TV -the casual fan, the kids, the wives.  Who wouldn’t want to witness “The Greatest Show On Turf”?  Ponder that era of aerial excitement and scintillating sensational fireworks for just a split-second, and then return to earth, back to reality.  You know its another down year for the Rams when everyone and their brother is fretting about whether or not to draft Steven Jackson because of the team he’s suits up for on Sunday.  One moment he’s the second coming of Eric Dickerson, the next moment he’s the remix of Ricky Williams because of the unreliability factor.  It’s not good when Jackson is the player whom the Rams count on and come to expect big things from, week in and week out.

If Spagnuolo and staff can’t rely on their so-called superstar and face of the franchise, then who can they rely on?  Rookie 1st overall pick Sam Bradford?  QB, yet another position where you don’t know what will happen and what to expect.  Defensively, a slew of holes are clearly evident, and you can be sure a plethora of points will be allowed.  An abundance of more reasons can be produced to why this team will be once again owners of the #1 selection in next year’s draft -and that’s the one thing you can expect from this team chalk-full of non-expectancies.

This is slightly old news, but it is worth rehashing because of the ridiculous of it all.  If you have any question why the Rams had such terrible drafts in the early to mid 2000s, here is the answer from CSN Bay Area:

[Former Rams Scout Dave] Razzano said then-Rams general manager Charlie Armey asked him to change his grade on Smith to conform with the higher grades others in the Rams’ draft room had assigned Smith. The scene escalated into an ugly shouting match. Razzano said he refused to alter his evaluation of Smith. It was the beginning of the end with the Rams for Razzano, he said. He was fired after the 2006 draft (Armey did not immediately respond to CSNBayArea.com’s call.)

This is oddly not shocking to me.  The Rams drafted so badly and so oddly at times that there must have been not only power struggles, but forced agreement or one all powerful person making all the draft picks without too much basis in reality.

Not only do the Rams have a terrible draft record during this time, they were regarding their own power and ego in the front office way over the product on the field and that has resulted in the trouble the Rams are currently in.  The most curious part about this is that the grade for Alex Smith should not matter at all because the Rams selected 19th in the 2005 NFL draft and Alex Smith was selected first overall.  Why would they battle to the point of firing Razzano a year later over a player the Rams had no chance of selecting?

Discussion and disagreement is natural and healthy in a war room as teams settle on the player they should take in the draft.  To tamp down disagreement to have agreement is not productive for anything except enhancing egos and ruining football teams.

(via Football Outsiders)

16. St. Louis Rams: 0-16?  This team is no better than the 2008-2009 Detroit Lions.  Potential to become be the most pathetic pass offense ever.  The Most Miserable Show On Turf?  Would’ve never drafted Sam Bradford #1 overall, he’s a complete waste of money and an injury waiting to happen.  Who’s their back-up, A.J. Feely?  Simply put, it’ll be an all-out circus come September.  On the other side of things, I can’t think of a more awful defense.  As a whole, can’t name anyone outside of Steven Jackson you would desire to watch.  Better days to spend your fall in St. Louis: Busch Stadium, Cardinals baseball.

15. Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll?  Can’t believe in Matt Hasselbeck.  How many games will he last?  The run game does not excite me whatsoever.  Pass rush is non-existent.  Every expert said Draft was one of the best, it was an OK draft on paper, too many safe picks, no playmakers.  Only thing going for ‘em: Qwest Field, 12th Man.

14. Arizona Cardinals: So are they going to be a more run-oriented offense?  Run first?  Is Matt Leinart ready to take over for Kurt Warner?  Larry Fitzgerald is going to have to be Jerry Rice, and then some.  On defense, secondary always seems to be hurt and shaky.  Darnell Dockett is too up and down, roll of the dice.  More questions than answers for yet another mediocre NFC West squad.

13. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan is just an “average” NFL QB.  Michael Turner is “burned” out from 2008.  Best years behind him.  You have to wonder will he ever be the same?  Next Jamal Anderson, post-1999 Super Bowl year?  1-2 combo of Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez bring hope and points.  Defense gets no penetration when John Abraham is quiet.  He’s just about done.  LB corps need to play out of their minds.  5-6 wins sounds right.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman has chance to become franchise QB.  Given the hand, cards he was dealt, encouraging rookie year.  OL has the potential of a formidable group.  Benn, Williams, Winslow will form a better trio of pass-catchers than people think.  Defense has some pieces and go-getters at each position.  Will Cadillac get you over 1,000 yards?  They have to be able to run the rock to keep pressure off Freeman.

11. Chicago Bears: Reliant upon Jay Cutler.  Depending too heavily on the rocket arm of an erratic QB who has a makeshift offensive line, decent running attack, and rag-tag group of unknown receivers.  They must think he’s the next Brett Favre in the Windy City.  Defense hings upon Urlacher, Harris, and Tillman.  Not a good sign.  Mike Martz expected to do wonders.  Don’t see more than 6 wins.

10. Carolina Panthers: Best bet: Start Jimmy Clausen.  By far the best signal caller in last April’s Draft.  Hands down, best option to reach .500.  Jonathan Stewart is ready to burst for 1,300+ yards and double-digit touchdowns.  DeAngelo Williams will rescind starting role, becoming best #2 back in the game.  Defense will miss Julius Peppers, but not as much as you would believe.  Jon Beason is outstanding, Thomas Davis will be healthy, and Chris Gamble can go to work.

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Stewart Bradley, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Kolb, Andy Reid.  5 on the hot seat.  Defense will get to the QB, secondary is solid, but will Bradley recover and return to 2008 form?  He’s the key to how good the defense plays.  McCoy and Maclin have the talent and skill to wow you and make you stand in awe, but to what extent can you count on second-year players?  Kolb has shown us the ability to throw, but how long will he survive in Andy Reid’s pass-happy system?  Can he flourish without a steady running game to support him?  Will he always be compared to Donovan?  Reid has to change his over-aggressive ways to a degree for this squad to succeed.

8. Detroit Lions: Really liking Jahvid Best.  Stafford-Best-Johnson has the Motor City doing cartwheels and backflips!  Offense is a definite strength.  Fun team to watch in 2010.  Points will come easy.  Defense?  Suh, Vanden Bosch, Levy, Peterson, Spievey, and Delmas is a good start.  Promising unit but still not good enough to compete for NFC North division crown.  To me, Schwartz is a fine head coach and will have his defense improved.  7-8 victories is surely within range.

7. Washington Redskins: Donovan still has game.  Pro-Bowl level year is not far-fetched.  McNabb has just enough weapons, just enough of a line, and an offensive genius in a head coach.  Just like in Philly, same scenario.  Imagine if Portis stays healthy, while Larry and Willie keep him fresh, ideal circumstances?  Utilizing this three-back rotation, offense would be tough to stop.  Will Shanahan put this in play?  With this being said, the defense could be the icing on the cake.  There’s more than enough reason to think the defense will do its job and considering all things you could see the Nation’s Capital rewarded with a winner.  Can they earn a Wild card berth?  Produce a 9-7, or 10-6 team?  The NFC is deep, and the NFC East is loaded.

6. Green Bay Packers: One of the most talented teams in the NFL.  Just not confident enough in their ability to win the ugly game or the close game consistently.  Run game leaves much to be desired.  Lacks the punch and power to get the tough yards on third and short.  Defense has the play makers but doesn’t hold the fort down like it should.  Overall, as a whole, too finesse and up and down? Lacking a true leader on the field?  I don’t see them getting that much better.  Quite frankly, the better teams are more balanced and I feel this team is missing a Dorsey Levens, an Ahman Green, a Reggie White, or a LeRoy Butler to take ‘em to the next level.  One week they look like world beater, the next week they lose to a winless team.

5. New York Giants: Under the radar.  All the talk is about Big D, Donovan leaving Philly for Washington, and #4.  Coughlin likes this.  They still possess the run game to control the clock.  Aerial fireworks should be in full effect mode.  And, why not?  Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, and Mario Manningham will display one of the top trios.  Defense looking for leader with Pierce gone.  Tuck?  Line can be a vaunted unit once again.  Secondary is the best its been in awhile.  That helps against pass-happy NFC East.  Don’t know if Eli is a top 10 QB.  Has to prove it and outpeform Romo and Donovan.  Best chance to make Playoffs: Balance.  Eli needs to settle down from time to time and let run game and defense do work.  More is less.  If they find and achieve level of balance, they will contend with Dallas for NFC East.

4. San Francisco 49ers: Pieces are in place on offense.  Defense is stifling.  Alex Smith can be above-average, and if he is this team can win beyond the Regular Season.  Frank Gore is the 2nd best back in the NFC behind Adrian Peterson.  Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree will make Alex Smith’s life easier.  Willis and friends will create havoc and make things difficult for opposing offenses.  Mike Singletary is the perfect coach for this team.  This is the year.  49ers football is back!

3. New Orleans Saints: Offensive line concerns, average run game, and problems stopping the run will be too hard to overcome again in 2010.  I’ll side with history and say they will not make it back to the Super Bowl.  Can we really expect Drew Brees to carry the team on a magic carpet ride again?  The party’s over New Orleans.  Defense better be prepared to do more heavy lifting.  Two players who have to have Pro-Bowl years: Pierre Thomas and Darren Sharper.  Does Sharper have another healthy high level year?  Can Reggie Bush pick up the slack and complement Pierre Thomas if he comes back down to earth?  Don’t count out Sean Payton.  Yet, how many tricks does he have up his sleeve?  Any more rabbits to pull out of his hat?

2. Dallas Cowboys: Stacked from top to bottom.  Any reason not to be at home come February?  This year its the only goal.  Destination: Super Bowl XLV.  Dallas or Bust.  Romo has all the weapons in the world at his disposal.  3-4 defense led by DeMarcus Ware can get to any QB.  The secondary looks good on paper.  Jenkins/Newman are good in man coverage.  I believe Felix Jones and Dez Bryant could be the players to get them over the top.  Two dynamic threats with the breakaway speed to burn and change a game.

1. Minnesota Vikings: Funny how Adrian Peterson is rarely ever mentioned other than for his well-documented and overly discussed fumbling habits.   Do we forget he possibly could be the NFL’s most electrifying player?  The player who could get the Vikings to the Super Bowl?  Look for Adrian and Percy Harvin to make the Vikings even better than they were in ‘09.  It’s hard to find a team that holds two explosive game breakers like “All Day” and Percy.  Is there a better duo you can offer in the open field?  Can’t forget to include Sidney Rice to the mix.  He’s near unstoppable in jump-ball scenarios.  Defensively, you have a unit that is well-rounded and pressures the QB at will.  When was the last time they were outside the Top 5 stopping the run?  This team reminds me of the 1999 Denver Broncos.  I think they have the opportunity to be that dominant.

I suppose it is good to have Oshiomogho Atogwe back.  Of course no one else wanted him (the Bears decided they’d rather have Chris Harris), but he is one of the best defensive players in the Rams secondary.  

And he does have some good individual numbers.  In the 2007 season, Atogwe had a team and NFC-high 8 interceptions along with 75 tackles and one touchdown and forced two fumbles.  Why then were the Rams only willing to offer him a 1 year contract (and then another 1 year contract for 2009)?

Atogwe came to the Rams in 2005.  Here are some of the Rams defensive rankings over that period:

Year                             Interceptions                 Passing Yards Allowed

2009                            31^st 25^th

2008                            21^st 19^th

2007                            10^th 21^st

2006                            13^th 8^th

2005                            24^th 23^rd

I wouldn’t think about taking a swipe at his individual performance, but he really has not had a huge impact on the defense as a whole. The Rams defense made dramatic improvement in passing yards allowed in 2006, but the rankings have slipped perilously since.

I am glad to have Atogwe back, but I will have my eyes on him.  For $7M a year for 5 years I think he really needs to grow in his leadership skills and in the intangibles that a make a player great.

The Rams signed safety Oshiomogho Atogwe to a multi-year deal, the team announced today.

“We are excited to have O.J. back in the fold,” said Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. “We were always hopeful for this result. We look forward to having his leadership, character and talent back on our defense.”

IAtogwe enters his sixth season with the Rams and has played in 72 career games, starting 60 consecutive contests since the start of the 2006 season. In 2009, he started 12 games before being placed on reserved/injured list with a shoulder injury (12/9). Despite missing four games, Atogwe finished second on the team with 82 tackles (38 solo), one sack, two interceptions, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Atogwe has notched 38 combined forced fumbles and interceptions (19 interceptions, 19 forced fumbles) since the start of 2006, the most in the NFL during that time period. In 2007, he recorded a career-high and NFC-leading eight interceptions, and since the start of 2006, his 19 interceptions rank fourth in the NFL.