Anyone else notice a quiet confidence with this team?

[Merlin]

Watching this week's interviews it's there IMO. McVay seems really confident first off. Then Goff's comments about how the offensive players have an understanding now of what defenses are doing and the play design. Watkins, even Tru just seem to be eager to see whether what they think this team is will be what they have on the field.

I'm used to hearing comments and undertones about how guys are confused, or having trouble picking up the offense, or otherwise excuses how it's the first season in an offense, or it's another system, etc. Not one word on any of that nonsense.

We don't know how this season's going to start, or how they'll handle the adversity that comes up, or how they'll handle the rough divisional matchups that come after a favorable schedule to open up. But right now I'm just getting a vibe that there is a belief building in that locker room. Could just be wishful thinking and kool-aid too, who knows, but man there just seems to be something different brewing.

 

[Rainram]

I can't really tell why...maybe it's the fact that we are going up against a depleted Colts team to open the season, but I have this feeling/anticipation that we will put up close to 30 points this week.

We have a lot of talent in a lot of places on offense, and a coaching staff that I believe understands Offensive Philosophy a whole lot better than we've seen in a decade. Or so I believe.

I'm curious what the Colts' defensive gameplan is. Their fans seem to want to focus on containing Gurley. Ok...enjoy putting 8 in the box and let's see how you handle Watkins, Austin, Kupp and Everett.

Maybe I'd feel different if we were facing a defense with a stellar secondary or great pass rush, but I just don't see the Colts containing McVay's Offense.

 

[Afro Ram]

I think with a new coaching staff there's reason for new hope. The atmosphere has changed and there's a noticeable influx of talent with Watkins, Whitworth, Kupp and Woods added just to name a few.
I'm sure all the defensive players are well of Wade Phillips and his long time success in the league.
Goff is now playing for a head coach and offensive coordinator who know how to put him in a situation to win and be successful.
Most importantly this team is deeply talented in most areas and they know it. They should carry a little swagger, but hopefully they don't get arrogant and overlook teams.
A week one win against a Luck less Colts will go a long way to keeping their spirits up. Momentum and confidence is everything when it comes to winning at the NFL level. Especially to a roster as young as the Rams.

 

[Legatron4]

This team reminds me of the 2006 season. But with a really good defense. That was an 11-5 offense.

 

[jap]

I am still waiting to develop a feel for this team. The talent is there, but Jared's development and execution is still key. This will not be the plain vanilla defenses he saw in pre-season: now the NFL DCs will be unveiling their best stuff.

Like Rainram pointed out, it is not unusual to see their fans expecting the fury of the Gurley Express! He is still the known threat while Jared's true progression from last season is still mostly unknown---even to us. However, his coaches & fly guys know a lot more where he really is. Let the DCs focus on containing the GurleyMan, and let's see if the reign (or rain) of terror of Jared and his receiving core commences. We need everyone stepping it up on the defensive side to cover Aaron's absence. Let's see if Bones has his special teams up the performance ante for yet another season.

Let the games begin!

 

[UKram]

this off season has been exciting / confusing / a tease / and a let down all in one

we have no real idea of what this years rams are going to be. They have potential (a lot of potential ) but we have nothing to go on in terms of how this offense and defense will look past success isnt always an indicator of future success BUT god dammit i cant wait to see it all put together .. confidence is high (at least mine is) .. we have maybe one of the top 5 all time Defensive minds in the game as our DC .. we have a young energetic enthusiastic HC who seems to know offense better than anyone we have had here since martz ..we have probably one of the most talented WR corps (at least on paper) in the NFL right now with a potential top ten RB

Yet our defense is missing our best player the future HOfer.. arguably the most disruptive force in the game on the DL not named JJ watt ..even with some mad last minute tinkering our OL still has questions both starters and the depth

Will Mcvays scheme and gameplans drawn negate the lack of "talent" on the line? ..will mcvays "fly guys" always be open so the lack of blocking doesn't matter. Will Mcvay show three TEs on the field = matchup nightmares. Will the Goffense (credit to @bubbaramfan ) be everything we expect and more ? will goff be more matty ice than vanilla ice (he gonna be matty )

All i know is seano Mac is putting together a staff and half all proven coaches with good track records and together they are putting together a hell of a team to go out on the field for the future and the future looks good ... but by GOD can it please be sunday already

 

[Rams43]

Watching this week's interviews it's there IMO. McVay seems really confident first off. Then Goff's comments about how the offensive players have an understanding now of what defenses are doing and the play design. Watkins, even Tru just seem to be eager to see whether what they think this team is will be what they have on the field.

I'm used to hearing comments and undertones about how guys are confused, or having trouble picking up the offense, or otherwise excuses how it's the first season in an offense, or it's another system, etc. Not one word on any of that nonsense.

We don't know how this season's going to start, or how they'll handle the adversity that comes up, or how they'll handle the rough divisional matchups that come after a favorable schedule to open up. But right now I'm just getting a vibe that there is a belief building in that locker room. Could just be wishful thinking and kool-aid too, who knows, but man there just seems to be something different brewing.

I'm sensing the same things, Merlin.

One of the many encouraging things we've heard about McVay going all the way back to Washington is that he's a superb teacher. Right down to the smallest of details.

His former players have marveled at his ability to have them extremely well prepared each week for each opponent. To the point that their confidence level was sky high each week.

I don't think that that can be overstated, especially for a young team like the Rams.

I strongly suspect that the on field results will reflect all of that prep.

 

[RamBall]

IMO the thing that makes McVays O so effective is the fact he understands D as well as anyone. That is why the O always has an answer to what the D presents.

 

[Soul Surfer]

I think you guys need to seriously temper your expectations, that way you won't be too disappointed if it falls apart.
We are thin on the O line.
We are thin and unproven on the D-line.

When you are thin in the trenches it could be a big problem.

Also, a smooth-running offense is one of the most difficult things to put together in all of pro sports.

We WILL see ups and downs on the offense, I guarantee that.
But I truly believe we will also see flashes of what is to come.

And if you temper your expectations everything above that is a bonus.

 

[SteezyEndo]

Watching this week's interviews it's there IMO. McVay seems really confident first off. Then Goff's comments about how the offensive players have an understanding now of what defenses are doing and the play design. Watkins, even Tru just seem to be eager to see whether what they think this team is will be what they have on the field.

I'm used to hearing comments and undertones about how guys are confused, or having trouble picking up the offense, or otherwise excuses how it's the first season in an offense, or it's another system, etc. Not one word on any of that nonsense.

We don't know how this season's going to start, or how they'll handle the adversity that comes up, or how they'll handle the rough divisional matchups that come after a favorable schedule to open up. But right now I'm just getting a vibe that there is a belief building in that locker room. Could just be wishful thinking and kool-aid too, who knows, but man there just seems to be something different brewing.

I think quiet confidence is key, none of this jibber jabber of wtf just happened. I am eager to watch the Rams play at a high level of intensity. The Colts game will be very telling how this team performs, but if they feel confident they can beat the Colts with the bare minimum and not to over work the D and O even better. On to the next.

 

[SteveBrown]

We WILL see ups and downs on the offense, I guarantee that.
But I truly believe we will also see flashes of what is to come.
.

EXACTLY!!!!

 

[Ramlock]

I notice quiet.

The 99 contract negotiations have been quiet without leaks.

The preseason games have had a quiet aspect to them due to keeping the starters under wraps, leaving us little to piece together as to what the offense and defense would look like.

I still see Goff as under construction. His HS and College football experience add ZERO to what he is asked to do as an NFL QB. Does he have better trainers/teachers now? Probably.

Can he make defenses pay for loaded boxes now that he has receivers that appear to be upgrades over Quick and Britt and Kendricks? Hope so. One day, probably.

That's quiet. We don't know.

Rob Quinn, Barron, Webster.....quiet.

We don't know.

It's quiet.

Confidence? I think that we see an improved team this year. I'm confident of that.

 

[LesBaker]

Watching this week's interviews it's there IMO. McVay seems really confident first off. Then Goff's comments about how the offensive players have an understanding now of what defenses are doing and the play design. Watkins, even Tru just seem to be eager to see whether what they think this team is will be what they have on the field.

This is just my opinion but I think players are getting sick of the media bashing the team and they are quietly pissed. Everyone is picking them to suck, and we just got word from Sando that he thinks 3 wins is the number. So if he thinks they are going to be worse than last year if I was a player I'd be insulted, angry and motivated over all the shit the media is puking up about me and my team mates.

I hope they do some punching Sunday, as in a complete whipping in all 3 phases of the game. It would be fantastic if all three units scored a TD.

I'm curious what the Colts' defensive gameplan is. Their fans seem to want to focus on containing Gurley. Ok...enjoy putting 8 in the box and let's see how you handle Watkins, Austin, Kupp and Everett.

IMO early on they will go after Goff as much as possible. I don't think Gurley has many people's respect right now. They'll do what they can to rattle Goff as fast as possible.

but by GOD can it please be sunday already

Sunday I'm hoping I can go somewhere and watch the game, provided Irma hasn't turned off the power in SWFL.

 

[Merlin]

I'm curious what the Colts' defensive gameplan is. Their fans seem to want to focus on containing Gurley. Ok...enjoy putting 8 in the box and let's see how you handle Watkins, Austin, Kupp and Everett.

I expect full-on run/pass blitz of the LOS from the first snap. They're going to do that until Goff burns them once or twice, so if that happens early it should be a good game for us. If they rattle him, well, buckle up for a rough one.

Re: Watkins... I don't think we are going to feel his addition right away in the receptions and yards as teams are going to have a safety over the top of him early and often. Him affecting that safety position is key though and of course I am sure McVay will try to take advantage. My guess is he really starts getting comfortable around game 4, but then again maybe I'm underestimating this staff's teaching ability.

For the first few games, either way, I believe Kupp is the key. He seems to be Jared's preferred quick read option and he's a safe guy to go to even if he's not wide open. As this offense builds confidence week to week having him is going to be really important. So it's not going to take the league long to start removing him and seeing how Jared responds. Might even see the Colts try that, given the impact Kupp had in the preseason game vs the Raiders.

Tavon's the wild card in all this. If they can get him on the field I'm guessing he's going to get a few key touches against the right looks where they think they can get him in space. When he does get on the field I am very interested in seeing how they utilize him.

Everett should get better week to week. I hate relying on a rookie TE but that's where we're at. We're going to need him this season.

 

[Rams43]

This is just my opinion but I think players are getting sick of the media bashing the team and they are quietly ticked. Everyone is picking them to suck, and we just got word from Sando that he thinks 3 wins is the number. So if he thinks they are going to be worse than last year if I was a player I'd be insulted, angry and motivated over all the crap the media is puking up about me and my team mates.

View attachment 21369

I hope they do some punching Sunday, as in a complete whipping in all 3 phases of the game. It would be fantastic if all three units scored a TD.



IMO early on they will go after Goff as much as possible. I don't think Gurley has many people's respect right now. They'll do what they can to rattle Goff as fast as possible.



Sunday I'm hoping I can go somewhere and watch the game, provided Irma hasn't turned off the power in SWFL.

Stay safe, Les.

We need you here to keep us on our toes, man.

 

[DaveFan'51]

This feels like, Day 1 of week 1 at a Brand New Job! Your not totally sure of how it will go, but your excited to get started!!

 

[RedRam]

Well, the mustache has left the building and taken his "jr. high offense" with him. That alone should breed confidence!:yess:

McVay sent more offensive talent swirling down the bowl when he dropped his morning duece today than the mustache ever had. Or will have...:deadhorse:

 

[LesBaker]

Stay safe, Les.

We need you here to keep us on our toes, man.

Thanks for the well wishes.

When the storm was first making way many models, most actually at one point, had it coming right here and as a CAT 4, possibly a CAT 5.

So people started blowing out of town Tuesday..........in droves. The grocery stores got picked clean, and gas stations in many cases are out of gas. All for nothing because now Miami is going to get hit. We will get 40-70 MPH winds and several inches of rain. Not fun but way better than those poor folks in the Caribbean endured.

My brother and some of his coworkers pegged it by the way. He works for NOAA. Tuesday he texted that things were changing and it looked like it would hit Miami then the Carolinas. The media didn't start reporting that until there was more definitive evidence but I had the inside track haha. Good to know his PhD is going to good use!

One of the problems that people who left are going to encounter is finding gas to get home. Supplies were already a little low with the refineries in TX closing.

 

[ljramsfan]

This team reminds me of the 2006 season. But with a really good defense. That was an 11-5 offense.

So what you are saying is..if the D plays well, more than likely we will have more than one shut out game (We shut out the Raiders that year) :boxing:

 

[Legatron4]

So what you are saying is..if the D plays well, more than likely we will have more than one shut out game (We shut out the Raiders that year) :boxing:

Colts, Jags, Whiners? :mrburnsevil: