Thanks to all who have tuned and commented on my weekly data dumps. I'll chime in from time to time with a list during the offseason, but this will be my last list for the 2020 campaign.
1. Disappointed.
2. It was surprising to see the defense fail us in the end, but I think it was pretty much a perfect storm: Donald not 100%, No. 1 Packers offense played well, perhaps a bit of road fatigue.
3. I think its important not to overreact to this game, though. The defense brought us to second round of the playoffs. It needs to be maintained, not revamped.
4. Of course, that's not as easy as it may seem. Brandon Staley's departure creates a void. For the sake of continuity, I'd probably look to a guy like Aubrey Pleasant. If we look elsewhere, I think Matt Patricia (who was a bad HC, but an excellent DC) is an option.
5. From a personnel standpoint, there are four key FAs. Darious Williams, who is restricted, is a no-brainer and should be retained. Troy Hill, though he had a good season, is expendable/replaceable. That leaves the two big ones: Leonard Floyd and John Johnson. I've flipped back and forth as to which one I'd prioritize. Right now, I'd give a slight edge to Floyd, though Johnson would probably be cheaper.
6. Shame to see Aaron Donald so limited. He'll be back, though... with a vengeance.
7. Jared Goff's playoff numbers: 46 attempts, 30 completions, 329 yards, 2 TDs, 0 Ints, 100.7 passer rating. Say what you want about his up and down, extremely inconsistent season... but those are good numbers.
8. I think the whole Sean McVay creating doubt in the QB situation ("right." vs. "right now") thing is overblown.
9. That said, I'll state for the record that a trade, though HIGHLY UNLIKELY, is not impossible. If Deshaun Watson, for whatever reason, were to decide (and, with a "not trade" clause, he has the power) that he wants to play for the Rams, I suppose its within the realm of possibility. If the Rams have to bid for him against other teams, though, they will likely not come out the winner. And, yes... I'd consider Watson an upgrade, in case that's not obvious.
10. Another possibility is that the Rams could use one of their 3rd round picks (they will likely have 4) to draft a QB who, unlike the over-hyped John Wolford, could actually compete with Goff should he falter again.
11. The most likely scenario, however, is that Goff will be affirmed as the Rams' starter, and the Rams will get him help. With a more stout OL (particularly on the inside) and further development of Cam Akers as the lead back, he can be successful. I know that isn't going to satisfy some, but that's our reality.
12. Lamar Jackson is 30-7 with a 102.6 rating in the regular season over the last three years, but 1-3 with a 68.3 rating in the playoffs. I wonder if Ravens fans talk about him the way some Rams fans talk about Goff...
13. I really hope that we can get another year out of Andrew Whitworth. With him and Havenstein back, the Rams can focus on the interior of the OL, starting at center. Austin Blythe, who is a UFA, is a guy I want to replace. If Josh Myers (Ohio State) Creed Humphrey (Oklahoma) or Landon Dickerson (Alabama) is available (a trade up could be necessary), I'd love to see a plug-and-play rookie take over that spot.
14. Josh Reynolds is a luxury we won't be able to afford. Van Jefferson looks like he can fill that role.
15. In the end, the analysis of why the season ended when it did goes like this: we were not the best team in the NFL. Can we ascend to that level? I think we can, but it will take some strong personnel decisions and a bit of luck (isn't that true for most, if not all, teams aspiring to reach the top?).
16. If you told me in September that COVID would not cancel or even postpone any of the Rams games, that they'd go 10-6, make the playoffs, and win a playoff game, I would have said "THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH, I WANT TO WIN IT ALL!!!!!"
17. That said, all things considered, I'd say this was a good season.
18. Here's to a 2021 campaign entered into with hope and promise.
19. Here's to finally seeing SoFi filled to capacity.
20. Here's to us, the long-suffering, often teased by success, uniform/logo debating, multi-city, passionate, loyal and proud fans of the Los Angeles Rams!
