Could the Rams be planning for year 2023.5?

[Loyal]

And all that aside we may still be in that 9 win range and in the mix for the wildcard, depending on how the records fall out.

 

[OntarioRam]

I think any hopes of contending for a Super Bowl are out the window.

But apparently, the Rams are going to use the off-season to focus exclusively on the offense.

And the cupboard is not completely bare on the offensive side of the ball, even before we try to add to it via the draft and free agency. The 2 most important offensive skill positions (QB1 with Stafford; WR1 with Kupp) are taken care of. McVay is an elite offensive coach which is huge. You have to think last year's historic o-line injuries will not repeat. That should help tremendously.

The NFC is very weak right now. For the first team in years, the Rams will have an easy-ish schedule. Not a schedule among the NFL's hardest.

A strong offense might be enough on its own to at least see this team playing meaningful games down the stretch that the fans can enjoy.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

True and I don't argue, but I think Steeler fans want more than 1 ring. Tomlin has one, we have been to 2 SB's in the past five years. I hope McVay's record, if he sticks around for that long, will be more impressive than Tomlin's. Pittsburgh has a solid model and a captive market, I think in our market we have to be a little more aggressive when warranted.

Let’s not forget that Tomlin went to two within 3 years as well, and has had to deal with aging Ben and a QB transition. Steelers fans want more, but no qb recently has won more than one except for Brady and Mahomes.

 

[oldnotdead]

As i've posted before, I think it's setting up for 2024 but trying to be competitive in 2023. They began this in December when they signed Murchison as Gaines' replacement only we didn't know that then. There is truth in that they need to see what they have on the roster by playing guys that can't see the field. Hoecht was a good move to DE. If he loses weight and regains his speed he could be very good when he learns the position.

Durant is a definite keeper. If Morris would get his head out of his ass and play Rochell they would have their boundary CBs in Durant and Rochell. Scheme wise if they are going to play a two deep shell (Tampa two) then there is no need for a SCB. They have 3 safeties in Fuller (middle zone) and Lake and Yeast with enough speed to play the deep shell. They can play a rotation with Brown and Murchison in the middle. They have Hardy who can play in rotation at edge. They aren't re-signing Howard so with only Jones and Brown they need another LB.

The offensive skill players are set with no changes there. If Robinson stays he plays X, Jefferson Y, Kupp Z with Skowronek, Tutu, and Powell. On the OL they have options. Noteboom returns to LT if healthy, and Allen and Havenstein probably start one more year. At OG they have Shelton, Jackson, Bruss, and Thomas. IMO they are all starters in 2024. Like I said if used properly Thomas can give them a true pulling OG.

This gives them a roster that is competitive this season. If they stay relatively healthy they should be at least a wildcard but like I said in another post they can contend for the division depending upon how well Seattle plays. Both SF and AZ are unsettled at QB.

If Snead has a great draft this team can be a contender even with a roster most don't think much of. Edge, CB, LB, QB2 are their primary needs. Punter in the 6th round, LS they might already have on the roster. Last year's TC there was a second LS. PK they can pick up Gould or Pineiro cheap and both are better than most think.

This season IMO hangs on the draft and it also will be the setup for next year.

 

[PARAM]

I think any hopes of contending for a Super Bowl are out the window.

That doesn't matter as long as 2023 makes 2022 the outlier. I'd be happy as a pig in shit if the Rams are competitive and fun to watch in 2023. The Superbowl is played by 6.25% of NFL teams every year. That's not something to expect year in and year out unless you cheat like the Patriots or have Patrick Mahomes under center.

 

[Malibu]

And all that aside we may still be in that 9 win range and in the mix for the wildcard, depending on how the records fall out.

That is a pipedream we will be lucky to win between 2-5 games our offense will never catch up to our pitiful defense.

 

[AvengerRam]

That is a pipedream we will be lucky to win between 2-5 games our offense will never catch up to our pitiful defense.

I’ll take that bet.

 

[Merlin]

I’ll take that bet.

Yeah I would too. 2-5 wins would require Stafford to suffer an injury setback and basically miss the season. Which is possible but I like our odds to get 6 wins.

Now to get to the 9 range looks a lot tougher and will require a great draft but let's see how things play out it's only March.

 

[RamsSince1969]

Let’s not forget that Tomlin went to two within 3 years as well, and has had to deal with aging Ben and a QB transition. Steelers fans want more, but no qb recently has won more than one except for Brady and Mahomes.

Warner throwing that pick six for a 100 yard runback to James Harris................................... Cardinals are cursed. I still can't believe what I saw. Steelers really had the football gods blessing that Superbowl.

 

[payote75]

Acquiring a Brian Burns or Sweat for bit less to me is not putting the remodelling or rebuilding on hold. There is no guarantee you get a player of that caliber in the 1st round no matter where you pick and the rams have proven they go for the proven commodity as opposed to the "what ifs".
Also extending them is no different than signing them as a FA if the interest was there. You add a Burns and most of our grandmother's could play corner with he and AD rushing. Point is that speed up the rebuilding and he is young enough to sign long term. It's almost like Ramsey trade.

That said if your eggs are going into the offense and you have have young corners that's a difference maker for those corners. I'd still target Burns for sure and to me he also receives the torch from AD and who knows maybe AD sticks around if they fit effortlessly. Add JJ and the defense just needs to be adequate if the offense is the focus. Seems like the Andy Reid KC style. Coach has shown many times over he is not afraid to borrow from others. That's why this draft is huge.