What’s in the cards for Rams?

RENTON, Wash. – In tackle Jason Smith and linebacker James Laurinaitis, the St. Louis Rams might have drafted two key pieces to their future.

The present, however, is much more a mystery for the Rams as they try to improve on last year’s 2-14 record starting Sunday at Qwest Field.

Smith, the No. 2 overall pick, may play right tackle Sunday, and Laurinaitis, who might turn out to be one of the steals of the second round, is St. Louis’ starting middle linebacker. They’re part of a big roster turnover for the Rams under first-year head coach Steve Spagnuolo, and the combination of new players and new coaches makes St. Louis something of a mystery at the start of the season.

One thing that is known is that the Rams will try to pound the ball with running back Steven Jackson. Spagnuolo, who last year was the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, will rely more on controlling the clock, and less on the throw-first mentality that was a staple of the “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams teams from earlier this decade.

“That’s the thing with defensive coaches,” Jackson said in a conference call this week. “They realize that running the ball is their friend. It keeps the defense off the field and it allows for the offenses to wear out the opponent’s defense.”

When they do throw the ball, the Rams are hopeful that their starter, Marc Bulger, will be under center. Bulger has a broken pinkie finger on his throwing hand, but has practiced this week and is listed as probable.

Scouting Bulger and the offense, led by former Philadelphia assistant Pat Shurmur, as well as the St. Louis defense is making for an interesting challenge for the Seahawks this week.

“It’s hard,” Seahawks coach Jim Mora said. “What makes it difficult specifically in regards to their offense, their coordinator is a first-time coordinator who comes from Philadelphia. So you can study Philadelphia and say how much of that is he bringing? But how much of an influence does Coach Spagnuolo have on him? With regards to their defense, you lean a little more heavily on what they did in New York with the Giants, what Steve did there. But it’s always difficult… So you have to be prepared to cover the waterfront. Anything from anywhere.”

Injury report

Receiver Deion Branch (hamstring) sat out practice again Friday, and is listed as questionable for the game. Branch, who suffered the injury Monday, will be a game-day decision, Mora said. … Also questionable for Sunday with a hamstring injury is cornerback Travis Fisher. Safety C.J. Wallace (ribs) returned to practice Friday but is listed as doubtful, as is defensive end Derek Walker (hamstring). … Left tackle Walter Jones and center Chris Spencer are both out this week, though Mora said he was encouraged to see them both running on the side during Friday’s practice.