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This doesn't look like a team that will run the table down the stretch. We know they have weaknesses that will probably keep them from being a true contender.
BUT...
If you look at the key positions that GMs classically build their teams around, those being QB, LT, Edge, CB, they certainly have a shot to be a team that can get into the playoffs and make some noise. Re: those positions:
Goff has to play better. But that aside he is still growing, has handled a lack of a run game and a lot of pressures while QBing us to a 5-3 record, and has superb scheming and coaching on his side going forward. It's not a stretch to think he goes on a bit of a run and keeps us in the hunt well enough to get us into the playoffs. But whether/to what extent that happens does come down to the talent around him and the run game production so there are plenty of questions but also plenty of talent in the skill positions.
Whit has faced a murderer's row of elite edge rushers thus far this season. His early struggles have ebbed game to game though to the point where I think the Rams are getting playoff level blindside protection now. Next season is next season, his age and struggles with power moves probably mean he'll retire but we have time to sweat all that later. For now, I think he's good enough.
Edge took a big hit with Clay breaking his jaw. Ebu is a very good backup edge, particularly when he's rotating and kept fresh, but you don't want him in there for too many key snaps. Obo really does look like he's going to live up to some high expectations. Fowler is balling his @$$ off. And we get Clay back and oh by the way I think he'll be lighter (hard not to lose weight drinking meals through a straw) which could actually benefit him on the quickness side. Are we good enough here for the playoffs? Certainly we are yes.
CB was the position that was not going to be able to improve going forward, especially when we lost Talib. Rams experienced Peters without Aqib last season and said hell no to round two. And then went out and took advantage of an elite option who was available. Once again the price was high and this offseason is going to be crucial however we have time to worry about that later. Key right now is are we good enough at the CB position? I think so. Ramsey will lock up one option, Hill will require help to lock up another. We're good in the slot and have a rook we haven't seen yet either so honestly the pieces are probably there.
In closing I go back to the QB. IMO the defense is going to tighten up week to week. But we need that run game to get rolling so that this offense can get back to attacking its opponents.
BUT...
If you look at the key positions that GMs classically build their teams around, those being QB, LT, Edge, CB, they certainly have a shot to be a team that can get into the playoffs and make some noise. Re: those positions:
Goff has to play better. But that aside he is still growing, has handled a lack of a run game and a lot of pressures while QBing us to a 5-3 record, and has superb scheming and coaching on his side going forward. It's not a stretch to think he goes on a bit of a run and keeps us in the hunt well enough to get us into the playoffs. But whether/to what extent that happens does come down to the talent around him and the run game production so there are plenty of questions but also plenty of talent in the skill positions.
Whit has faced a murderer's row of elite edge rushers thus far this season. His early struggles have ebbed game to game though to the point where I think the Rams are getting playoff level blindside protection now. Next season is next season, his age and struggles with power moves probably mean he'll retire but we have time to sweat all that later. For now, I think he's good enough.
Edge took a big hit with Clay breaking his jaw. Ebu is a very good backup edge, particularly when he's rotating and kept fresh, but you don't want him in there for too many key snaps. Obo really does look like he's going to live up to some high expectations. Fowler is balling his @$$ off. And we get Clay back and oh by the way I think he'll be lighter (hard not to lose weight drinking meals through a straw) which could actually benefit him on the quickness side. Are we good enough here for the playoffs? Certainly we are yes.
CB was the position that was not going to be able to improve going forward, especially when we lost Talib. Rams experienced Peters without Aqib last season and said hell no to round two. And then went out and took advantage of an elite option who was available. Once again the price was high and this offseason is going to be crucial however we have time to worry about that later. Key right now is are we good enough at the CB position? I think so. Ramsey will lock up one option, Hill will require help to lock up another. We're good in the slot and have a rook we haven't seen yet either so honestly the pieces are probably there.
In closing I go back to the QB. IMO the defense is going to tighten up week to week. But we need that run game to get rolling so that this offense can get back to attacking its opponents.
