I think your take is fair. It is unrealistic to expect a great offense this season. But at least for myself I don't expect great offense. I expect better offense, something that moves from bottom of the league barrel to maybe somewhere around 20th overall in scoring due to great defense and a strong running game.
The defense needs to be well into the top ten this year. If they are, and the offense runs it well, limits turnovers, and executes in the red zone, this team can go far.
There are examples of teams that win with a rookie QB and inevitably it is because they have good defense and are careful with the ball. The Rams have the pieces to execute that type of plan much like the Ravens did with Flacco.
