Martz says Warner at full speed

ST. LOUIS -- Rams coach Mike Martz said Friday two-time NFL MVP quarterback Kurt Warner "is throwing the ball the best I've ever seen him throw" and appears ready to move past last season's injury-plagued showing.

"He's so intense," Martz said during a 35-minute talk to a group of business people and educators. "The fire had gone out of the game for Kurt. He had put too much pressure on himself. That's been resolved. He is ready to go."

Warner, who broke his pinky finger and his hand last season, had only three touchdown passes and 11 interceptions and was 0-6 as a starter last year as the Rams stumbled to a 7-9 record, missing the playoffs a season after narrowly losing to New England in the Super Bowl.

As a backup last season to Warner, Marc Bulger was the team MVP after leading the Rams to all seven victories in eight starts last season. On Friday, Martz called Bulger "one of the top five quarterbacks in the league."

During his remarks Friday, Martz -- entering his fourth year as the Rams' coach -- assured the crowd that the Rams would be back in playoff form this fall.

"I know I should tell you something like, 'We'll be good if the stars align just right or something else coaches always say,"' Martz said, drawing laughs from the audience. "This is the best football team I've ever been associated with. It's unbelievable."

Last season, Martz said, the Rams lacked passion and did not pay attention to the little things, along the way making missteps in free agency and in the draft. The team's lack of depth and too many injuries marred its season, Martz said.

But all of that, Martz insisted, has been resolved.

Since last season, the Rams upgraded their offensive line by signing free agent-center Dave Wohlabaugh and acquired right tackle Kyle Turley in a trade with New Orleans.

"Our offensive line can be dominant; It could be one of the best in the league," Martz said.

Despite left tackle Orlando Pace not signing a contract and missing the recent minicamps, Martz said he expects Pace to honor the franchise tag the club placed on him and play this season.

The Rams also hope to resign receiver Torry Holt, in the last year of his contract. Martz said Friday he expects Holt to sign a contract that the Rams have offered him.

Martz said he expects big things from rookie receivers Shaun McDonald and Kevin Curtis, singling out Curtis as having the potential to become "a household name."

"He'll light this world on fire. This kid can play," Martz said. "When you come to a game, find No. 83. He can play."

On the other side of the ball, Martz said, the Rams' defense "will shock you with its speed."

Training camp begins in late July in Macomb, Ill.

"I know we've got great chemistry on this football team," Martz said. "There is a buzz even when they stretch. This is a great football team waiting to happen. I wish we could play today. I'm so excited. Let's go play."