Uncomfortably optimistic

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

Pupped

Legend
Joined
Aug 5, 2021
Messages
9,220
Name
Pupped
That's what I am as a Rams fan this year. This is just a lil "before the season starts" stream of consciousness ramble.

I feel like this is an exceptional Rams team.. the deepest we've seen on offense... and I really like the defense under Shula with that front.

The Rams opted for a little more veteran depth on the Oline.. that's really, really smart right now, imo. We've seen what happens when there isn't enough depth and they addressed it, knowing that with an aging QB who can't run and is dealing with a back issue.. protection is key. There is some concern here with Jackson's condition and that and Stafford's back are the two biggest issues/worries for the season for me.

I also think that's one reason they kept all 4 TEs. I feel like with Davante and Puka and the other options at WR and even Ferguson.. they'll be keeping 7 in for protection a lot.. knowing that Davante and Puka can still do damage.

Ferguson could be an absolute wildcard at some point.. he's just an incredible athlete.. so fluid and so good at tracking the ball and at moving the ball when it's in his hands.

Mumpfield will make several big plays this year.. because he knows how to get open and is an exceptional route-runner. Really looking forward to watching him.
Whittington is going to truck people with the ball in his hands and as a blocker.
Tutu will not get enough touches to make people feel good about his contract.. but it won't be a bad thing or a negative indicator. It will be because there are soooooo many awesome targets on this team. I just don't remember ever thinking a Rams WR corps was this deep and talented. I can't wait!!!!

The RB room is also a stronger room. Corum with a year in.. Hunter as a quality depth piece with some needed explosiveness... and Williams dying to show he's worth his contract.

This offense.. man... I've just seen what Stafford has done with somewhat limited resources and targets.. now? As long as he's healthy... it's' gonna be wild. I think we'll see him set his Rams-best numbers this season... or at least very close to them. When your 4th WR is Whittington/Mumpfield/Smith... you are in some excellent shape. And.. again.. Ferguson is looooooming. And you have a healthy Higs!!!!

Special teams are going to be excellent. Two incredible young kickers and a fleet of young athletes in coverage... and Smith back at returner.

The defense... Chris Shula, let's start there.
We have a guy who is young, smart, aggressive.. and steeped in Rams culture. He's shown the ability to utilize what he has to get the best out of his players. He's not married to a scheme.. and is creative. He's building on what he's seen with Wade, Brandon and Raheem.. and stealing from around the league. This unit will make at least a 15 team jump in defensive standings this year.

The front is going to be soooooo much fun. I just can't wait to see what they're cooking up. Adding Poona.. and the growth of Tyler Davis.. give a little more dimension to what Turner and Fiske already bring. Verse is going to be an absolute menace. Motherfucker was killing it in the postseason and he's just building on that. He will finish top 3 in DPOY voting. I'm fascinated about seeing Young in the Hoecht role on some passing downs.. moving around the line and using his explosiveness and length to raise hell. Edge depth is my single biggest worry on these units.

The LBs are going to get the job done and be an upgrade over last season. The Rams will NOT be run all over this season with the additions on the line.. more maturity of the front.. and Landman and Speights.

The corners are, arguably, the weakest unit on the defense.. but I don't think they're weak. The Rams will play one of the lowest numbers of "man" coverage this year.. and will succeed by mixing up coverages a ton.. building on a second year together. The corners and the safeties combined are a good unit.

The biggest hurdles.. before the season starts.. Stafford's back, Jackson's blood clots, and just a mother of a schedule. If this team wins 12 in the regular season.. they will absolutely be a Super Bowl contender.

GO RAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Love the thought you put into this, OP.

I am fully optimistic. The only two small issues that have the potential to derail our season are a) Stafford's back and b) corner depth. We're strong everywhere else.

If Stafford can go fully, and there's nothing to suggest he can't, I think this is the best team we've had since 2001. I am HIGH on the Rams.
 
Comfortably dumb?

iu
 
I think Davante is going to show people he has more left in the tank than a lot of people thought. It’s going to be an “oh shit” moment for opponents, especially with Puka out there as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LARAMSinFeb.
I think our defense has some holes and our offensive line is above average.

Talent wise Philly has us beat in those two areas and Detroit might as well.

Our combo of Stafford Puka Davante and Mcvay -If they are on, gives us a chance to compete in the NFC for the title.
 
This game will come down to which DL can more decisively win the line of scrimmage. While that's a key every week, it is everything this week as each offense could struggle and especially since the Texans weak link has been their OL. So it's imperative that the Rams win that battle in a big way.

Otherwise, the Rams may have a tough time winning a higher scoring game this week against that defense, with a QB/passing game that will likley not be super sharp due to Stafford's missed time in camp.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fanotodd
I'm extremely optimistic... haven't felt this good about a team since 2021. Only injury can derail this train. I think we're in for one of the best pass rushing defenses in history... of the NFL.
 
I might have a wet dream if the Rams sweep the whiners and win the super bowl this season. :)
 
Always like optimism even when I am not fully feeling it, so nice post.

If LT and QB are healthy we are in business. If from there the corners are better than expected this is a title team. But you know... This team never does shit the easy way. The season is always up and down. Titles are nailbiters.

Though I'd love to see them buck that trend this season.
 
Always like optimism even when I am not fully feeling it, so nice post.

If LT and QB are healthy we are in business. If from there the corners are better than expected this is a title team. But you know... This team never does shit the easy way. The season is always up and down. Titles are nailbiters.

Though I'd love to see them buck that trend this season.
There’s always reasons. Of course it’s never an exact science.IMO Alaric Jackson is already better than game 3 last season.

Stafford is Stafford who will be in more control than in 2024 in game 3 under Beaux Limmer. Plus Adams & HIGBEAST are such great 3rd down options.

Ahkello wasn’t even in uniform or The NFL at this time last season.WTF NFL !

Then Forbes wasn’t on The Rams till late.SO he has just been balling out.Go look at Detroit game last season & see how well Durant was playing & to think it’s a contract year & he got beat out of a starting job.

Then add the Safety group from a year ago & that there ALL back together again.

That’s just for starts.
 
  • Cheers
Reactions: RamFan503