I agree (about beating the champ). Respect is earned. The 1999 Rams earned it and were the darlings of the NFL. I loved that attention.
Just have to take care of business and beat Seattle that first game. I hate to think of the first game as being so important but, to me, it is.
Division game... against what is considered the division (league) favorite.
GREAT chance to earn that respect we all want so badly.
As far as Seattle crumbling... predominant history says they will, evantually. But then I look at New England and how thay've managed to stay at or near the top for so long. I can't stand them, but I have to respect that. And it does give me pause when wondering if Seattle can do the same. They still have that very good GM, don't they?
Anyhow... here's to the Rams winning that first game... gaining some respect... and Seattle following history and crumbling!