Like most Rams fans i'm optimistic for the season. But at the same time i'm also very cautious with tempered expectations. I'm sure everyone knows this team hasn't sniffed the playoffs since Marc Bulger was QB in 2004. Let that sink in. Marc Freakin Bulger. I notice some posters here have high expectations with some even talking playoffs. As much as I would love that, I can't help but think of past years this team was supposed to get over the hump.
Expectations were high in 2007 after Linehan went 8-8 the year before. Playoffs? 3-13 with Linehan fired after 3 games. Same with 2011 after Spags went 8-8 with rookie of the year Sam Bradford the year before. Playoffs? 2-14 and should have had the #1 overall pick if not for a botched snap in Cleveland. And pretty much every year after Fisher's 1st season and we know how that turned out. Many times this team was expected to make a playoff push only to underachieve.
I like McVay. The offense will be much better. The defense will still be solid with Phillips. Will it be enough to overcome a pedestrian group of receivers? The Rams signed Whitworth and he seems to be an upgrade, but how much can he have left at almost 36? The rest of the line is the same except for some shuffling around. How much will they improve? How long will Donald's holdout linger? Will Johnson get a long term deal? The bottom line though is Goff. If he stinks, the Rams stink imo.
This team seems to be cursed when it comes to QB's. After Martz seemingly signed guys off the street and turned them into all pros with Warner and Bulger, the Rams have struck out with Bradford, Foles and to this point, Goff. Goff has much to prove and so do the Rams. Let's hope we see some signs this season. This is a great board. Thanks for reading.