[AvengerRam]

1. Howdy, RFU… been a while.

2. It’s a new year, and I have a bunch of random thoughts going through my head…

3. At the top of the list is wondering how the Rams managed the historic feat of going from 3-6 and 1-4 to 10 wins and playoff births in consecutive seasons.

4. The Occam’s Razor answer is, of course, injuries. In both years, the Rams were hindered early by injuries and got healthier as the seasons wore on.

5. The second reason is the Rams unusual reliance on rookies in both seasons. Certainly, there is a learning curve for players, who must get used to NFL play and working in a new system, and coaches, who need to evaluate which players are game ready under “live fire.”

6. Those two reasons explain the slow starts, but only a team with (1) a veteran QB with supreme confidence, and (2) a HC who knows how to weather the storm and preach optimism, can finish like the Rams have in 2023 and 2024.

7. Going into the playoffs last year, I felt like the Rams were peaking and ready to contend. This year, I have more of a feeling that we have not yet seen the best version of this team within four quarters.

8. To the extent that there is a debate, I favor REST over SEEDING this year. While the No. 3 seed might result in a better WC Round matchup, it also increases the odds of having to go to Philadelphia (in my opinion, the worst matchup for us) in the Divisional Round. Better to get/stay healthy and let the seeding chips fall as they may.

9. The last two draft/rookie classes have been phenomenal. The Rams have four starters (Williams, Avila, Nacua, Limmer) on offense, five starters (Young, Turner, Verse, Fiske, Speights) and a key rotation player (Kinchens) on defense, and both kicking specialists (Evans, Karty) from the last two rookie crops. Let that sink in for a moment.

10. By contrast, our FA acquisitions (Jonah Jackson, Colby Parkinson, Darious Williams, Kamren Curl) have been, by comparison, minimally impactful (Curl has been the most significant of the four). All four were relatively affordable (Jackson being the worst value, of course), at least.

11. As usual, I’m already starting to look ahead to the next draft. I think that one in-house FA – Alaric Jackson – is the biggest domino that will determine how we approach the offseason. I’m leaning toward expecting him to be re-signed.

12. If we are not in dire need of a starting LT, I’d look next to CB, but I won’t be surprised if, after making a run at Brock Bowers, the Rams target a TE in the first round. There are two very good ones: Colston Loveland, Michigan and Tyler Warren, Penn State.

13. Back to this year… do I think the Rams have it in them to make a run at the Super Bowl? I won’t lie… I have my doubts. But the winds change quickly in this league. I could feel differently in two weeks.

14. I think Tyler Higbee’s return could be a factor. As McVay relies more on the run, his blocking is a big plus.

15. Interesting to see Jordan Whittington lining up at FB in the last game. Reminds me of how they started using Ben Skowronek in that role. Could be an interesting (somewhat) new twist for the playoffs.

16. How enjoyable has the 49ers demise been? Like the first bite of great New York style pizza. Like the moment your ears pop after a long flight. Like finding the exact spot on your back that needs to be scratched. Fill in your own (PG rated, please) example!

17. Is there a McVay QB tree in addition to a coaching tree? Playoffs may feature four starters (Stafford, Goff, Mayfield) and one QB2 (Wentz) who started at least one game for us.

18. Jared Verse is our only Pro Bowl player. Who had that in the pool?

19. Kyren deserved a spot.

20. Happy 2025!

[ramsman34]

Good to see ya, stranger!! Great insight as always.

[LFMako]

What a great New Year Gift - 20 Random Thoughts !!!! Welcome back!

[Dare]

It's been a great season, filled with highs and lows.

IMO what 2023 and 2024 proved is just how good the coaching is on the Rams. Both years have been testimony of the impact of a great group of coaches. The fact that coaches on McVay's staffs have been consistently in demand speaks volumes how this staff is held in such high regard.

I laugh at myself for cursing Blackburn last year, but IMO he deserved it. But Sean had faith in him and what he was trying to do. Now STs is a strength and no longer a fatal weakness. My apologies Chase and huge props to a job well done. How he's turned Hoecht into a kick blocking machine is amazing. The scheme they are playing intentionally provides Michael with the opportunities to use his quickness, size and strength.

Shula has done a magnificent job in transforming his raw young players into an outstanding unit that knows how to attack and disrupt. What is scary is how this defense is only going to get better. By 2026 it will be a fearsome unit. I only hope he stays long enough to complete the transformation and perhaps become he next HC should McVay not renew his contract after 2026. I've always liked Aubrey Pleasant and IMO he has DC written all over his future.

We as Ram fans are blessed with an elite organization from ownership all the way down to the assistant coaches.

The Rams are a trident, i.e. 3 pointed spear, with Offense flanked by Defense and Special Teams. That is what makes the Rams dangerous. There will always be offenses or defenses that perhaps are better. But few teams match up in all three areas. The Ravens might be one of the few that does. This season showed that any of these three units can beat you.

One more draft as good as the previous two and this team will be essentially built. If Forbes is able to play to the level of his draft expectations it will be like getting a free first round pick. I don't think they have given up on Durant, but I think they won't make the same mistake and not extend Witherspoon on a 2-3 year deal.

The way Snead is building this team it's going to be very good for years. It's a great time to be a Ram fan. Hell I've even converted a couple of neighbors who now after watching the AZ birds wither again have found a winning alternative after watching some Ram games with my family. The homemade, tacos, chips, tamales and guac with cold Modelo had nothing to do with their coming over. LOL

[actionjack]

Good to see your post back Avenger...couple thoughts.

-I agree on the seeding
- IMO Kitchens is now the starter, another defensive find. Crazy good draft and rookie FA. Crazy
-Rams could lose in the first round or go to the SB, really hard to get a consistent read on this team. I know this... the offense we showed the last 3 games wont cut it. I pray the rest helps Stafford and co. Really odd to see Stafford play like he did against the cards...

[ramsrams]

The most amazing thing to me was, after the 1-4 start, the Rams had somewhat of in excess of an 11% chance to make the playoffs.

Not only did they make the playoffs, they won the Division. AND with a week left on the schedule.

Truly amazing.

[AvengerRam]

The most amazing thing to me was, after the 1-4 start, the Rams had somewhat of in excess of an 11% chance to make the playoffs.

Not only did they make the playoffs, they won the Division. AND with a week left on the schedule.

Truly amazing.

"Never tell me the odds!"

- Sean "Solo" McVay

[PARAM]

The most amazing thing to me was, after the 1-4 start, the Rams had somewhat of in excess of an 11% chance to make the playoffs.

Not only did they make the playoffs, they won the Division. AND with a week left on the schedule.

Truly amazing.

.843 winning pct the last 2 years after the bye (16-3). 10-1 in December and January (.909) the last 2 years (not counting postseason). That's not an accident. Go back to 2021 (because 2022 was a clusterfuck of injuries) and it's 15-2 in December and January (.882)....and BOTH of the losses were in OT. That's pretty damn impressive.

[AvengerRam]

[actionjack]

Code: Select all https://x.com/jourdanrodrigue/status/1875263565411848563?s=46

Hey AV, you need to replace the "X" with "twitter" to work correctly.