Why aren't the Rams getting more love? (and do we really mind?)

[AvengerRam]

Last year, the Rams were one of the hottest teams in the NFL down the stretch. Their season ended with a one point loss against a team that should have made the Super Bowl.

Since then, the Rams have upgraded their roster in several areas. I think it's fair to say that the Rams will go into the 2024 season with more talent and/or depth at QB, RB, interior OL, EDGE and in the defensive backfield.

And yet, when I listen to or read the talking heads and commentators discuss teams that are expected to contend, few seem to include our Rams.

Why is that?

I have three theories:

1. 2023 naysayers find comfort in believing last year was a fluke. There were many pushing the narrative that last year's team was a rebuilding squad paying the price of having gone "all in" to win a championship. Now, rather than admitting that they were wrong, or that the Rams overcame their circumstances by building a durable playoff roster through a spectacular draft, some seem to be falling back on the notion that the Rams have a lot of holes and won't be able to compete with the top teams.

2. Over-estimating the Donald effect. Don't get me wrong... losing Donald is huge. He can't be replaced. That said, the Rams have assembled a deep and promising group of young players who could prove to be very effective. The notion that the loss of Donald will result in fewer wins, despite all the Rams' additions throughout the roster, is pessimistic overreach, in my opinion.

3. Drinking the 49er kool-aid. A lot of people seem to want to jump on the 49er bandwagon and, as a result, have pushed the Rams to a lower tier. I, for one, could see a 49er collapse, similar to other second place finishers in the past. Also... use a little imagination... its entirely possible that the two best teams in the NFC are both in the West.

So, despite last year's finish, the Rams seem to be an afterthought that is flying under the radar.

I say... good.

Maybe our opponents will underestimate us too.

No shortage of crow to serve later.

 

[Londoner]

Completely agree with you.

Here in the UK, our over/under is 8.5 wins. Given the excellent points you have raised above, I find that a bit low.

The AD effect is the main reason I am seeing for our decline, but that has been countered by strengthening the offence and an excellent draft.

I’d be stunned if we don’t reach the playoffs.

 

[OldSchool]

No we don't mind, let McVay use it. And it's 100% happening because 99 retired. They're writing our D off as terrible like a lot here did last year.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

I wouldn't underestimate #1. A lot of people found comfort in the narrative that we went "all in" and bought our SB. I'm sure it's tough to swallow that we're just a top-notch, innovative culture and organization. (I don't think there's any better evidence than how our coaching staff has spread around the league.)

Seems to keep guys like Florio awake at night.

 

[Corbin]

Meh... No pressure with no constant talk of expectations.

It's part of the reasons the Cowtits have so many issues as an organization is the Owner always adds a ton of pressure top of what is already there (plus he sucks as GM), but it's just an added layer of difficulty.

Purdy boy's weaknesses have been exposed for what they are and he's going to have a time dealing with them if his counterparts don't keep performing and his stars don't get injured/degrade. Let them feel the pressure.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I think it's just storylines. We don't have as interesting an offseason storyline as other teams right now.

 

[OnceARam]

It’s also a media market thing.

 

[Jorgeh0605]

I think your reasons are all correct. But no I don't care. Business will pick up once the season starts, then all the talking heads will be talking about us like they never left.

 

[Rams43]

Avenger makes good points. As usual.

Personally, I think Rams are gonna surprise teams and pundits alike this season. Especially after first 4 games and they’ve settled in.

Pass rush has been bolstered and secondary is miles ahead of last year. Those were our 2 biggest areas of weakness.

I predict that Purdy will struggle this year against this Ram D. And I also predict that Rams OL will now outmuscle 49er D and enable Rams to control the clock much better.

In short, AD will be missed but overall I think this is a better and far more balanced D this year.

 

[AZRams]

No we don't mind, let McVay use it. And it's 100% happening because 99 retired. They're writing our D off as terrible like a lot here did last year.

Yeah, exactly. It was supposed to be an awful unit last year and AD was still here...

 

[dang]

I always prefer the underdog role especially when I know better. This team is a playoff team that can make some noise despite what any one says.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

I guess it depends on where you're looking but I've seen plenty of praise. Sometimes I think our expectations are too high as homers. Here are a few examples:

We've received an A draft rating, and Rich Eisen has liked our draft and had Les Snead on show.

PFF has listed Matt Stafford as a top 7 qb going into 2024, and Kupp and Puka as top 15 receivers.


View: https://youtu.be/Vd3HQONFaik?si=mBLijSi9VNJ1e6T5


In this SI article that was posted within the 9ers thread, they gave us praise and predicted that we'll win the first matchup.

2024 49ers Schedule and The Impact of Less Rest

For the second straight season, the 49ers have the least rest compared to their opponents of any team in the league. Four games against teams coming off a bye,

www.si.com

2024 49ers Schedule and The Impact of Less Rest​

Week 3 at LA Rams
I have the Rams losing their opener in Detroit, which will add to the urgency of this game where they can’t afford to fall to 1-2. They will play with urgency. LA is a bad matchup for the Niners similar to Cincinnati last year: an elite QB, dynamic receivers, a productive run game, and solid defense. The Rams' investment in their offensive line in free agency pays off.

 

[RamsJunkie]

Colin Cowherd has us as winning the division and a top 5 team in the nfl next year. I haven't heard a lot of praise either but its out there. Anyone who has any damn sense can see the rams are gonna be a force this year. We got 5 prime time games so that says the NFL knows we are gonna be a good team next year. When we are 8-0 at the halfway point led by the #1 offense in the league and a young hungry opportunistic defense all the dumbasses will be eating crow.

 

[dang]

Colin Cowherd has us as winning the division and a top 5 team in the nfl next year. I haven't heard a lot of praise either but its out there. Anyone who has any damn sense can see the rams are gonna be a force this year. We got 5 prime time games so that says the NFL knows we are gonna be a good team next year. When we are 8-0 at the halfway point led by the #1 offense in the league and a young hungry opportunistic defense all the dumbasses will be eating crow.

You may not like Cowherd but he is a huge McVay fan. And he purposefully admits when he is wrong unlike 90% of the NFL talking heads.

 

[gogoat1]

No one wants to see AD retire. But its foolish to think our defense is going to be a lot worse this season. I think it will be better.
Besides, how do you help a young defense ?
Answer, develop a punishing, bruising running game, long drives that rests the defense.
Well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, it certainly looks like the Rams are going that direction to me !
Football 101.

 

[0311rams]

I don't feel like rams' teams hardly ever get the respect we have earned through the years until McVay, but we haven't been consistent enough really. having said that, a lot of question marks regarding this team is understandable. It's almost like to get the hype we are thinking about we will have to kick ass this year as simple as that. o line needs to jell again, RB need to stay healthy and develop. all the receivers need to show up. Stafford needs to stay healthy. the defensive front needs to readjust from Donald leaving. what about the defensive coach? place kicker is a question mark as are special teams as a whole. after all they have the Job of figuring out the new kickoff rules and excel at it. McVay managing time outs, lol. I can see why maybe a lot of media isn't too excited......Yet! I like a team under the radar, but I also expect a lot from McVay, fair or not. Can't wait, Go rams!

 

[AZRams]

I don't feel like rams' teams hardly ever get the respect we have earned through the years until McVay, but we haven't been consistent enough really. having said that, a lot of question marks regarding this team is understandable. It's almost like to get the hype we are thinking about we will have to kick ass this year as simple as that. o line needs to jell again, RB need to stay healthy and develop. all the receivers need to show up. Stafford needs to stay healthy. the defensive front needs to readjust from Donald leaving. what about the defensive coach? place kicker is a question mark as are special teams as a whole. after all they have the Job of figuring out the new kickoff rules and excel at it. McVay managing time outs, lol. I can see why maybe a lot of media isn't too excited......Yet! I like a team under the radar, but I also expect a lot from McVay, fair or not. Can't wait, Go rams!

I would disagree about the consistency...

Playoffs in each of McVay's seasons but two with only one losing record. Three division championships, two Conference championships and one SB win.

Feels consistently good to me...

 

[OldSchool]

Colin Cowherd has us as winning the division and a top 5 team in the nfl next year. I haven't heard a lot of praise either but its out there. Anyone who has any damn sense can see the rams are gonna be a force this year. We got 5 prime time games so that says the NFL knows we are gonna be a good team next year. When we are 8-0 at the halfway point led by the #1 offense in the league and a young hungry opportunistic defense all the dumbasses will be eating crow.

I absolutely agree with Cowherd and thought we were a playoff team going into next year. If AJax duplicates last year and KW stays relatively healthy to pair with Corum the offense will be a monster.

Yes we lost AD but we have more overall talent in the front 7 than we have in a long time. Veterans in the secondary as well. I think the defense is better than last year.

 

[tempests]

Bucky Brooks from NFL.com had the Rams as a Super Bowl team.

IMO the Rams still have something to prove and that includes beating the 49ers in their head to head.

 

[Ram65]

I guess it depends on where you're looking but I've seen plenty of praise. Sometimes I think our expectations are too high as homers. Here are a few examples:

We've received an A draft rating, and Rich Eisen has liked our draft and had Les Snead on show.

PFF has listed Matt Stafford as a top 7 qb going into 2024, and Kupp and Puka as top 15 receivers.


View: https://youtu.be/Vd3HQONFaik?si=mBLijSi9VNJ1e6T5


In this SI article that was posted within the 9ers thread, they gave us praise and predicted that we'll win the first matchup.

Interesting take on the drafting of Verse with the trade to move up to get Fiske.

OK, I think they are overthinking it. He screwed up his message about the trade.

Oh well. In time they will regret not liking the trade and defensive teammates the Rams drafted.