What gets in our way?

[Wisconsinram]

It's been a joyous offseason celebrating our SB victory, multiple big-time signings, and more. I don't want the wave to end! I login in here multiple times a day to find wonderful content and reflection of our success.

I"m now focusing on next year and wonder what everyone's thoughts are on where we are vulnerable. I'll admit that after reviewing Maddon's play rankings (I know!!!!), I became a little concerned about our depth as it relates to one of our stars going down. I had horrible thoughts of what we would do if 99, Kupp, Noteboom, Jalen, or many others were out for the year (I deserve downvotes for typing that!).

My own biggest concern, however, is the O-line. I am a firm believer in the lines (I have banged the drum for Biadasz, Cushenberry, Humphries, and more). If I am honest, I look at our current lineup and am concerned. And this from a lifelong Badger fan, where we are set to start three of them.

Noteboom will do fine, Edwards was our weakest link, Allen was fine, and I suspect Bruss will be fine (average given a rook). I love Hav and feel as he can be counted on. However, what will we do when the injury bug inevitably hits with a line full of "fine" O-lineman? Although I wish we had more "Hav's" (i.e. we can eliminate that position as a concern), I feel as though we are "hoping" for a top 10-15 line and our depth is unproven.

On a team reliant on McVay's offense, we all know that everything is predicated on being stout upfront. Run game, pass pro, etc. Good QB's have looked horrible given poor O-line play. Great RB's have looked mediocre given poor line play.

The Oline is my biggest concern.

What is yours?

 

[Merlin]

I've been concerned about the OL for at least a few consecutive offseasons but strangely enough I'm not this year. I've settled in with the idea of Boom, just gonna hope he holds up. Not worried about OG either.

There's a good chance the OL starts slow. Buffalo's defense for example is going to be hyped up for that week one game with Von off the edge for them. But I just feel like they're gonna be fine.

What I really want to see is more power run game. More moving of dudes on the interior in the run. That's why they drafted Bruss, and guards can start quickly and play well if they're strong enough to hold up. His game has enough power, actually more than enough I think. Question is will he be ready for the fun and games, all the stunts and whatnot the Bills will test him with. That's a well coached front with talent.

To answer the thread question I would have to go with injuries. This team just looks like it's locked in otherwise. Maybe they celebrated too much or are set up for a big fall by hungrier teams. I guess that's possible. But it's hard to imagine them letting their heads get too big with McVay running things so injury seems like the key for us.

 

[Wisconsinram]

I appreciate the thoughts, Merlin. I agree, that if we are healthy throughout the year, we'll be tough.

I do see us utilizing the Oline via movement to create space in the run game. I just hope we can stay healthy!

 

[ScotsRam]

Counting on RB room - Akers in particular - to perform at a high level after serious injuries.

Injuries in general. Complacency.

We continue to doubt the o-lines that this staff puts together and they continue to prove us all wrong so I am not worried there.

 

[Oregonram]

Without a doubt for me, if Matt Stafford goes down, we lose probably at least 40% times of offensive effectiveness. Have to keep Matt upright by providing an effective running game to keep the heat off of him.

 

[oldnotdead]

The OL isn't what will kill the season. As I posted in another thread:

1. Injuries: The season ending type, more than one at the same position.
2. Sloppy play: Missed opportunities, drops, fumbles, INTs and penalties.
3. Crucial bad or missed calls by the officials, i.e. Bengal's 3rd qtr TD.

They have good enough depth to weather short term injuries, as long as the injuries are not at the same position, like CB, RB, WR, etc. Sloppy play can be minimized by staying focused. Bad officiating happens, as long as it isn't game altering.

IMO those are the things that can derail their run back. Otherwise, this team is loaded enough to win a second consecutive Lombardi.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Whitworth leaving will be a blow to the running game. Having a rookie right guard will likely be rough to start the season.

Noteboom has never played a full year. How does he hold up? Do defenses find weaknesses in his game?

Aside from injuries it’s the Oline that is the biggest question mark for me.

 

[Flint]

I’d say injuries, all the extra snaps last year come up and bite guys.
But it’s going to be interesting cuz I think the offense is going to be different. Teams have spent the offseason dissecting the rams offense and coming up with a plan to stop Cooper Kupp and the rams went and added a guy who could certainly lead the team in receiving Opposite him, no one really knows what that’s gonna look like. And speaking of unknowns, is Tutu a secret weapon or a rare swing and miss and you could throw Harris in there too. Does he even have a position?
Stafford silenced the doubters and proved himself an elite qb but could the rams have him turn around and hand it off more this year? The run game fluctuated between ordinary and terrible last year with an avalanche of injuries contributing. Everyone will be back and ready (we hope) and some changes in the line hopefully result in a run game that deserves respect.
There’s always unexpected injuries especially in a year after you win it all but the rams already had a bunch of guys who were hurt or redshirting so maybe this is the team to pull off a repeat.

 

[Allen2McVay]

These are mostly really good and legit points. Any of these factors could prevent the Rams from repeating.

The biggest factor that can stop the Rams is the simple reality that it's Really Difficult to win a Super Bowl.

McVay said it just the other day at his press conference that's on the Rams' site"
"We can be a better team this year, and I think we got a chance to do that; and it might not mean we win a Super Bowl."

The Rams won it last year, and they are the Champions. However, were the Rams really better than the Bucs, Niners and Bengals? Was Cincinnati better than Kansas City? Was K.C. better than Buffalo? Could any of those games have been any more competitive? Some one has to win a close game.

The Rams are one of about 6-8 teams that appear to be primed for a Super Bowl run prior to Training Camp. Most (not all) will make the playoffs, be relatively healthy and playing good football. A couple not on the current list will also be in that category.

And one of those teams ... just one ... will win it. That team will have to execute in crucial moments ... like the Rams did ... and probably catch a break or two ... like the Rams did (thank you Jaquiski Tartt!).

McVay also talked about focusing on the moment, enjoying the process, stacking blocks ... all with the focus on getting to that point where the Rams can compete for the Lombardi.

 

[den-the-coach]

Nothing!

 

[fanotodd]

How about last year’s unsung hero—the Rams’ FO.
Being aggressive and resourceful helped the team overcome a banged up squad of RBs (Michel), losing a vital starting WR in Woods (OBJ), a depleted pass defense due to injuries in the secondary and an OLB in Hollins (vmiller). They will need the resources to continue their business.

It’s a long season that is starting already while the team is still recovering from last year. There will be roster turnover throughout the year. On paper, the Rams are set, but it never plays out that way.

Additionally, despite the hoopla surrounding the opener vs the bills, a lotta key early conference/division games await. A slow start could put the Rams in a hole.

 

[PARAM]

I prefer to look at it like "what do we have to overcome" rather than "what gets in our way". Even realizing the latter occurs much, much more often than the former (for every NFL team).

 

[Kupped]

I’d say injuries, all the extra snaps last year come up and bite guys.
But it’s going to be interesting cuz I think the offense is going to be different. Teams have spent the offseason dissecting the rams offense and coming up with a plan to stop Cooper Kupp and the rams went and added a guy who could certainly lead the team in receiving Opposite him, no one really knows what that’s gonna look like. And speaking of unknowns, is Tutu a secret weapon or a rare swing and miss and you could throw Harris in there too. Does he even have a position?
Stafford silenced the doubters and proved himself an elite qb but could the rams have him turn around and hand it off more this year? The run game fluctuated between ordinary and terrible last year with an avalanche of injuries contributing. Everyone will be back and ready (we hope) and some changes in the line hopefully result in a run game that deserves respect.
There’s always unexpected injuries especially in a year after you win it all but the rams already had a bunch of guys who were hurt or redshirting so maybe this is the team to pull off a repeat.

Great take.
I think the looks that frustrated a lot of us last year will be more common this year. I talking about going 5 out on 3rd and one.. that type of thing. Having Robinson there the entire offseason and having Jefferson, Skow, Tutu and Harris all being a year older is going to make that receiving core really, really dangerous. I expect Staff to eclipse 5K yards.

To answer the question that started all this... injuries is the only thing I think keeps the Rams from being one of the top 4 teams at the end of the season.

 

[majrleaged]

It's always injuries and depth and how the coaching staff compensates for the wholes that are created. It is very unlikely our front office will have the same opportunities available this year to bail us out. So hopefully what injuries we incur will not be season ending to the core players.

 

[PhillyRam]

Key injuries are my only concern

 

[Karate61]

We practically lost our entire receiving corps during the Super Bowl, and won it.

Rams will be fine. Run It Back!

 

[snackdaddy]

Complacency can creep in when a team has won a championship. But I think our locker room is strong enough to hold everyone accountable and not let that happen. So to me it comes down to injuries. If we don't suffer too many key injuries I think we have a shot to run it back.

Bucs might be hungrier this time around. But something about them doesn't scream championship squad. Sure, they have Brady. And a couple good receivers. I imagine their run game might be below average. The defense struggled some last year. They have the same thing Brady had in New England though. An easy division and path to the playoffs. At some point Brady's age has to be a factor. Will it be this year?

Packers still have Rogers but his receiving group isn't anywhere near what it was. I'm sure they make the playoffs. With the Bears and Lions that's 4 easy wins. Vikings I don't know about. I'll believe it when I see it. They've been an underachieving team for years.

If the Rams get past everyone in the NFC, there is one team I think is getting better. The Bills. They have an elite quarterback and some receivers. And the defense is pretty good too. The Chiefs receiving group has taken a step back without Tyreke Hill. Like Rogers Mahomes has his work cut out for him. Raiders have gotten better but I don't see them as good as the Bills. And that division is tough. Those teams will be beating each other up.

I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a Rams/Bills Superbowl. If Stafford has a receiving group with Kupp/Robinson/OBJ/Jefferson I think that gives the Rams the edge. Especially if a healthy Cam Akers plays like he did late his rookie year.

 

[oldnotdead]

Jefferson had a breakout year. He was hampered the later part of the season by an injury which he played through. With Robinson the urgency at WR isn't there anymore. Right now OBJ is a luxury they can't afford. I'd rather they spent the money on extending Gaines who is a FA next year. I've heard the Rams offered him a deal that he rejected as he wanted full pay for a year that he's going to play only the tail end. The Rams offered him a base with incentives just like last year on a two year deal to prove he's not injury prone. He should have taken it.

If the Rams are healthy this starting roster is good enough to match up to anyone. Jefferson is healthy, they added Robinson who is an upgrade to Woods, and Tutu and Harris are healthy. The need isn't there. Losing OBJ when they needed him most was a huge red flag. As much as McVay wants him back that ship has sailed barring a rash of injuries again.

The way this roster is shaping up, the OBJ money is better spent elsewhere, i.e. for example on Gaines or an edge.

 

[Steve808]

The Rams won it last year, and they are the Champions. However, were the Rams really better than the Bucs, Niners and Bengals? Was Cincinnati better than Kansas City? Was K.C. better than Buffalo? Could any of those games have been any more competitive? Some one has to win a close game.

We beat the bucs twice last year so I'd say we're better. And we were on the verge of blowing them out in the playoffs if not for that Akers fumble near the buc's goal line right before the half.

We beat Cincinatti despite a horrible call to start the second half that gave them the lead and momentum.

The whiners are debatable since they had beaten us twice in the regular season. But like Troy Aikman said. If you're going to beat your division rival for the first time in 7 games, the NFC Championship game is the time to do it.

 

[Merlin]

One other interesting thing will be how deep the AFC playoffs are. That conference is loaded. So whoever comes out of that group is gonna be one hell of a team. Just from that you might be talking a situation where the Super Bowl is decided in the AFC Championship game. Had Odell not gone down we'd be saying that about last year's NFC Championship game, because Cincy had major flaws in the OL and secondary.