Well, here we go again; the start of NFL training camp is here. And for the St. Louis Rams, this 2015 training camp has more significance than any other in recent history.
The obvious reason is the possible threat of the Rams moving to Los Angeles. Head coach Jeff Fisher has been in this situation before, and he is solely focused on the progress of this football team playing in St. Louis.
Fisher has yet to put together a winning season since becoming head coach back in 2012. Many fans and media alike were frothing at the mouth with excitement after Rams finished 7-8-1 in Fisher’s first season.
You couldn’t blame us after watching real men of genius disguised as a head coach between 2006-2011. The team improved, they played tough and with a bit of edginess.
The following season looked similar to the first with a 7-9 record, losing several close games despite not having their starting quarterback. Then last season’s 6-10 record was considered a disappointment and a step back.
Last season the Rams didn’t have a rusher or a receiver over 1,000 yards. Yet they managed to log over 1,139 yards in penalties. This is the biggest key for this team to get over the hump and improve the win/loss totals. The bulk of the penalties were assessed by the offense. The Rams offense averaged nearly five penalties a game.
And that’s a major concern. In order for the Rams to take the next step towards winning and becoming legit playoff contenders, they have to cut down on the penalties.
The Rams offensive line is big, youthful, yet untested. Offensive line coach Paul Boudreau is one of the best in the NFL, but he has his hands full with so many projects for the o-line. He’s becoming like the Dave Duncan of the Rams.
Rams quarterback Nick Foles may not make it to a contract extension if the line in front of him has breakdowns. There were plenty of nerve-wracking moments last season with the patchwork fix-a-flat offensive line. And even with that being the case, the QB still has to be able to make a play. Nick Foles is a big guy with a big arm and he played in front of a subpar o-line a year ago with the Philadelphia Eagles.
There was several times during last season when the Rams quarterback couldn’t hit a guy while wide open. Wideout Kenny Britt averaged 15.6 yards per catch could’ve easily had 1,000 receiving yards with a better QB throwing him the pigskin.
The heart and soul of the Rams is still the defense. And on special teams you have a Pro Bowl punter and add in a dangerous return man Tavon Austin.
Bottom line: the Rams will go only as far as the offense will take them. It’s time for them to turn the page and keep the ball moving forward and scoring touchdowns and relying less on playing field position and kicking field goals. From the start of Jeff Fisher’s tenure, the defense and special teams have carried the load. If the offense carries its load, there will be playoff football again in St. Louis.
Or Los Angeles.
For more Rams Roundup, please subscribe to our page at youtube.co/stlamericanvideo and you can hear me M-F 6-8 p.m. on Talk1380 Charlie Tuna Show.
