The Rams Making The Playoffs?...... They're Coming Up Sixes
Can the St. Louis Rams make the playoffs this year? Luck will play a small role, but with the pieces they now have in place, the Rams can control their own destiny - especially if they can hit on the sixes.
As the St. Louis Rams get closer to the end of training camp, the excitement and anticipation levels grow as each day passes. After many years in the NFL's wilderness, the Rams faithful believe this team is ready to challenge for a playoff spot. What will it take for the Rams to reach the postseason in 2013??
They're Coming Up Sixes
When looking at many of the factors that are key to the Rams making the playoffs, the number 6 is significant to all of them:
The Rams cannot have more than 6 losses this season.
There were 6 games last season where the Rams scored 15 points or less.
6 is the number of games the Rams will play against NFC West opponents this year.
The Rams will need to win 6 home games this year.
A plus 6 turnover differential is a necessary goal to achieve this coming season.
6 is the number of games Rodger Saffold missed last year, and the number of games Jake Long has missed in the last two seasons combined.
The Rams have 6 players on the roster that they drafted in the first round.
The Rams will need to score an average of 6 more points - per - game than in 2012.
6 is the number of games the Rams won in 2012, when they held their opponent to 17 points or less.
Sam Bradford, over three seasons, has only once [in his rookie year] achieved a completion percentage that started with the number 6.
6 (or less) is the number of penalties the Rams need to average per game in 2013.
Greg Zuerlein had 6 missed field goals of 50 yards or greater in 2012.
Sam Bradford ranked 33rd among 39 QB's - with a third-down passer rating of 69.3.
Rolling For Sixes In 2013
When the Rams held opponents to 17 points or less last season, their record was 6-1. The defense building upon its success and performance of last year is essential to the Rams playoff aspirations.
The Rams led the league in penalties last year (130 for 978 yards), an average of just over 8 - per - game. Notwithstanding turnovers, nothing can kill a drive - or momentum - in a game more than penalties. If the Rams can reduce their penalties to 6 or less per game (96 total), they would likely be in the top ten of least -penalized teams in the NFL.
The Rams play a total of 6 games this year against division rivals Arizona, San Francisco, and Seattle. Last year, their record in the division was 4-1-1. The Rams will need to have similar success this year in divisional games if they are to make the postseason.
Completion percentage is one the defining statistics for a successful quarterback. Nine of the twelve teams who made the playoffs in 2012 had quarterbacks who achieved a completion percentage of 62% or better. Sam Bradford's completion percentage was 53.5 % in 2011, and 59.5 % last year. Given the improvements to the offensive line and receiving corps, it's imperative that Bradford improves his completion percentage. 62% is a reasonable target for Bradford to achieve.
Each of the 12 teams who made the playoffs in 2012 had records of 10-6 or better. The Chicago Bears were the only team that didn't make the playoffs with at least 10 wins. In order to be in the hunt for a playoff spot, the Rams cannot afford to have more than 6 losses.
In 2012, the 12 playoff teams had a combined home record of 76-19-1 (.792). The Rams' home record was 4-4. To reach the playoffs, the Rams must improve on their record at home. Given the difficulty of their road schedule, the Rams must achieve a 6-2 home record to secure a playoff spot.
The Rams ranked 29th among 32 teams in third-down conversion percentage [32.1]. They ranked last in the league in gaining first-down yardage on third-down rushing attempts, and were 28th in picking up first downs by means of third-down passing attempts. Sam Bradford's 69.3 passer rating on third-downs will need to rise substantially. Overall improvement in this area is essential for the Rams' offense to succeed in 2013.
