Quote
Saguaro
Take a look at the circumstances last year.
Quinn, in effect, either out or not really Quinn for the whole season.
Ogletree out for almost the whole season.
A mostly rookie oline starting.
Later, a banged up, and shuffled around oline with even greener rookies starting.
Foles ok for a few games, then just terrible for the rest that he played.
An unprepared (in terms of reps) Keenum at QB when Foles was out.
Gurley missing the early part of the season.
Changing OC midseason.
A kicker in a slump that directly cost them two wins, and factored in other losses.
Now, you and I are on the same page when it comes to excuses. I'm not calling those excuses, but they were factors.
There will be injuries again this season. I know that, I just don't know who and how many.
But given the above circumstances, they still won 7.
With all that headwind, they still won 7.
With all those negatives, they still won 7.
Is it reasonable to hope...
that Quinn, or Ogletree, or both, will play this year? I think it's reasonable to hope so.
that Gurley, good as he was, will be just a bit better in year two, further from the knee surgery? I think it is.
that another year of experience and sorting out roles will result in a better Oline? I think it is.
that Boras can be better than his predecessor with a year's preparation? Maybe.
that Britt, TA, and the young receivers are benefitting a little from Groh and their own maturation? I think it is.
that substituting Higbee for Cook has an upside? I think it is.
that a more prepared Keenum, and Goff are better than Foles/Keenum last year? Cautiously, I think it is.
that Legatron will be more consistent this year? No, lol.
So I just don't understand how someone can consider all of that and drop the Rams from 7 wins to 5.
I just don't understand where they're worse than they were last year, or how no improvement can take place anywhere else.
But your 5 win prediction is noted and will get credit or not, as it plays out.
I will just say this. The Rams won 7 last season because of their defense.
The defense will not be as solid overall as last season. The loses on defense will hurt them.
I have no faith in the safety position, and think they will be hurt at corner as well.
AO calling the defense gives me the willy's. He's not exactly a cerebral player.
Teams will load up on Gurley and force either Goff or Keenum to beat them.
How confident should any of us be in that?
I really hope that you and Speed are right and I am wrong. I really do.
But history is not on your side.
Best,
Laram
