I think they have enough talent, are playing well enough, that the playoffs should be an expectation.. for the Rams... for us? That's a different question.

So I would not phrase it the way you did, "playoffs this year isn't of much consequence" even though I believe, hope anyway, I see what you're saying. It very well could be of consequence, not making the playoffs that is. I don't have to make the case for 'confidence' and it's importance.. spanning beyond single seasons... we all get that...

As fans we can afford to live in the 'grand scheme of things' but I don't think that's really a factor for teams/players. It's a reflection, a building point for upcoming seasons... if needed, but I would be VERY surprised that after this start and then not making the playoffs the players cavalierly dismissed it, (not saying that you're saying they would).