Oct 30, 2011; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback A.J. Feeley (4) drops back to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

We are up to the game of the year for our offseason awards, and considering the Rams only won two games and one of those was thanks to a chip-shot field goal, it was a pretty easy choice. There weren’t many good moments for the Rams in 2011, but the 31-21 win over the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 30 was certainly one. All of the bad things that happened this season were suspended for this one week, and the Rams did the unthinkable and took down the mighty Saints.

AJ Feeley started the game under center, and he completed 20 passes for 175 yards and looked outstanding while doing it. Steven Jackson was an absolute beast, as he rushed for 159 yards and two TDs. Brandon Lloyd caught a touchdown as well, and Darian Stewart returned an interception for a score. Rookie Robert Quinn even blocked a punt in the win, capping what was pretty much as good a game as this team was capable of playing.

I was in attendance for this one, and it was pretty amazing. The crowd was into it, and the team looked like they had an extra pep in their step. The World Champion St. Louis Cardinals were in the house, making things even more exciting. We went through plenty of lows this year, but the Saints game was a pretty good high. It felt good, even if it was only for one week.

Dec 18, 2011; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) blocks a punt attempt by Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber (10) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

After the break to announce the hiring of Les Snead as GM, we are back to the offseason awards. Up next is the top rookie for the Rams in 2011. The Rams had plenty of rookies contribute this season, but overall I’d say this was a disappointing season for most of the first-year players. I still think Lance Kendrick’s has some potential, and Greg Salas and Austin Pettis both showed flashes, but I think the easy choice for the award is DE Robert Quinn.

Quinn made 23 tackles and recorded five sacks in his rookie campaign, and he also blocked three punts. The stats might not be overwhelming, but Quinn got more comfortable as the season went on. This guy has a chance to be very special, and I think we only saw the tip of the iceberg in 2011.

Quinn missed an entire year of football before being drafted by the Rams, and he didn’t have much of an offseason to prepare. After a year in the league and a full offseason, Quinn is poised to take a major step forward in 2011.

Oct 23, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; St Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

After yesterday’s easy pick for offensive MVP, today’s award for the defensive side of the  ball was far more difficult. My first instinct was to give the award to Chris Long after his 13 sack season, and I even thought about acknowledging the entire cornerback group for overcoming injuries and still playing pretty well despite ending the season with a group of guys that probably would have been sitting on the couch if not for the Rams. In the end, I had to give it to the guy who runs the show and makes the whole defense go: James Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis finished 2011 with 16 starts, 142 tackles (105 solo), seven pass deflections and two interceptions. Those numbers are impressive by themselves, but factor in that Laurinaitis is the quarterback of the defense and one of the leaders of the team, and his contribution is even more impressive. The guy is a tackling machine and is rarely out of position, and he is the guy that has the biggest impact on the unit.

As much as I love Long and as much as I wouldn’t want to be without him, I think losing Laurinaitis would be much more devastating to the Rams. He is the “most valuable player”, which is why he gets the award. The scary thing is, Laurinaitis is still getting better. I really think he has a chance to develop into one of the best MLB’s in the league, and he probably isn’t far off already.