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Billy_T
Probably in a tiny minority here, but this is how the Rams look to me now:
(I say all of this still thrilled with how the season went, and extremely optimistic about the future.)
When I think about just the "talent" level on the Rams, and I'm honest about it, and not being a homer, they still have room for a lot of upgrades. I think they actually over-performed this past year, considering talent alone, and that's mostly due to coaching and a brand new team ethos.
I agree with you that they're not big or strong enough on defense, and, unfortunately, their smaller guys don't offset that with great speed and athleticism. They're solid in both areas, but guys like Ogletree and Barron aren't exceptionally fast or athletic, while still being undersized. Their DBs aren't exceptionally athletic, either. The front line has Donald, who's of course a freak, and Brockers is very athletic for his size, but I think he's a natural DT for a 4/3, and I'm not sure he fits as a 3/4 end or NT. Quinn, of course, was a freak athlete, but injuries have taken their toll, so we don't really know what we have in him. He may now be an undersized backer, who's lost several steps. I hope that's not the case.
Anyway, if they want to go the small route, I think they're going to need to inject serious speed and agility into the lineup, especially at backer . . . along with aggression and instinct.
On offense . . . I lean toward them trying to keep Sammy, and targeting him more. He strikes me as someone who needs to be pushed to keep his head in the game, not unlike Brian Quick in that regard.
In short, they need upgrades and to get faster and more athletic on both sides of the ball. And there isn't any rule that you can't have both: speed demons and monsters. Would love to see them draft a DT like Payne in the 1st round, for instance.
I want to like Sammy. I know he has the talent. You may be right. Maybe McVay can push him to greatness.
The defense is not nearly as good talent wise as Wade got them to perform. It really is mostly Donald and a bunch of so-so guys. Brockers is a good player, so is Joyner. The rest are average to slightly above average. And they just aren't strong enough to force their will on a team with even an average OL. The glory days of Quinn, Donald, Brockers, and Long are long gone. And there never were great LBs behind them.
~ max ~
“The consciousness of good intentions disdains ambiguity.” - Alexander Hamilton
