My premis differs from yours substantially because you tend to focus on the hot trend. 9ers are the hot trend. We don't have to agree on this and I am fine. I stated my case and I think it is an overreach to conclude after 1 season that most hunted team will be chasing in 2020. We lost this year. We have things to do as do the 9ers to bolster their organizations base and scheme strategy. I happen to be one to think we have more talent and that we obviously had some tremendous let downs in key moments. That is not a chasing thing. We are looking for answers to our opponents strengths and Seattle and 9ers both like to run. That is a growing up thing and in some cases we need to look at the players and say this guy is not delivering enough and move on or be prepared to move on.
Gurley & GZ were critical cogs that likely have given the best we will ever get out of them for the future. Something we need to consider as we retool.
Hecker had a down year but hardly past his prime. Inconsistent in critical moments of some key losses. Special teams just was not special in 2019.
OL showed signs of coming of age and a few tweaks could be even better. Jared Goff for the flack he takes from stat watchers he also managed to take the fewest sacks under horrible conditions. I see youth and the new contract had some impact on his decision making this year to press but I also see fearlessness and toughness and critical arm talent that will bold well going forward as he continues to grow. Adding an OC will make a huge difference with flexibility and game planning from week to week.
McVay has more growing to do and his steps so far this offseason shows he recognizes that. Our talent base is strong we could afford to trad a WR or two for picks and bring in and or draft upgrades in the process.
Look you say "chasing" and "catchup" but I see the Rams as having established also that we understand the importance of the Run but simply could not make the adjustments due to some coaching failures and player execution that we had not experienced with McVay. I think this is a team that is ready for success and has the confidence. I don't doubt that 9ers are going to be a challenge but I don't fear that they have aside from this year proven themselves more dominant team that is more talented and deeper than we are with the exception of the RB position. Again that more or less a schematic vision that best fits them as they were prepared to utilize the guys they had and we were waiting for Gurley to re-emerge. Its no different than when we moaned about the TEs many including myself willing to jettison them only to see their growth this year enough to know that it takes time to get everything clicking. Some times you can work around some times you can't and we just did not adjust to the Run game on offense or defense consistently. The New DC is to improve our Run defense integrity and to help us get over the hump with 2 of the best defenders in the game on our side.
Lets face it winning the division in consecutive year prior to 2019 with us coming off a SB appearance and losing coaching staff annually takes and adjustments. Its easy to forget what a great team is and not never losing or having a down season. Its evolving and growing from year to year to be the best and fulfill your organizational vision. So the challenge increases yearly but too early to call the race in favor of 9ers in 2020. They also met stiff challenges in our division. Next year regardless of SB results will be even harder for them.
I feel confident that 2020 should prove that I am right about the Rams not chasing anyone, that does not mean we will not be challenged by our division foes. Iron sharpens Iron they say.
To being the best. I think we agree o that substantially.
Los Angeles Rams
Rap on.
