First, they have had successive weeks against the 3rd and 4th ranked defenses in the league in points allowed last year. Both teams finished very high in sacks/pressures. The Broncos allowed only 199 ypg through the air which was by far the best in the league (#2 was Seattle with 210 ypg). The Chiefs weren't as good against the pass, but were still 9th with 231 ypg. The results pretty much turned out that way, too. KC was tougher on the WRs than Dallas, and the Broncs put on a clinic of sitting on top of route tendencies and challenging our wideouts. It is what it is, in that the Rams are young and trying to claw their way to be good, and they faced the best last weekend but that is not being considered at large.
Oh and our 4th PS game matchup the Vikings last year fwiw were 5th in points allowed, and 12th in passing with 234 ypg. So while it's not the Broncs they are a very stout defense for our offense to show against (for reference the Rams were 13th in points allowed and 23rd in ypg with 254 ypg) which is great for evaluative purposes.
Second, they did find a couple good players who might be able to help this season in Coop and Spruce. No way to know just yet, but Coop showed hands just like he did in college, and got better and more comfortable game to game. Spruce showed he was far better than the 3s, which is very valuable and his combination of strength and hands is needed; he's gonna make the team.
I think it's important to remember that when it comes to starters and passing game threats the Rams overall don't need every receiver on the roster to play like Isaac Bruce. Here's what we have right now and it looks like a solid offense in the making to my eye:
* Kendricks. Much smoother and his hands have looked exceptional. TE coach Lilly deserves credit here.
* Higbee. Kid got his butt handed to him by the Broncs, but outside that he looks like the rare rook TE that can help an offense.
* Britt. Not what you want as a primary wideout in an offense, but he looks improved thus far.
* Tavon. They've kept him under wraps, but he's a nice matchup problem teams need to key.
* Gurley. In practice they had him running Martz-esque routes. Think he's going to factor into this year's passing game.
So if Coop and Spruce can in combination improve their slot position they might have the weapons to finish mid-league and have a respectable passing game. Particularly when you consider that our OL looks so much better.
