[dieterbrock]

They didn't have a terrible season, they also didn't have a very good one. 9-7 is 9-7. Mediocre. Doesn't get it done in tough division, sometimes gets you in in a bad division.

Too many no show games. Dallas, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Tampa at home.

Only 13 of 32 teams had a winning record in 2019 (41%), 12 made the playoffs. Being in the top 1/3 shouldn't be considered mediocre IMO. Nothing wrong with being disappointed that we didn't make the playoffs, I sure am. But I imagine there's 19 teams out there who would have loved a 9-7 team

[actionjack]

I agree with pretty much everything that has been said in this thread.

I also think that there can be a fine line between success and mediocrity in the NFL, and it can turn on how often the team is the windshield, and how often its the bug. The law of averages would suggest that a team will, over an extended period of time, have a near even number of good and bad bounces (i.e. crucial penalties, missed kicks, tipped balls, actual bounces on fumbles, etc.). However, in the space of a 16 game season, sometimes a team gets more than its fair share of good and bad. This year, I look at three games in particular (@Seattle, @Pittsburgh and @San Francisco), in which single plays turned the outcome against us. I don't really see a similar number of positive "bounces" that gave us games.

So, I'd submit that we were the bug this year.

I thought McVay/Goff said it well in their pressor after the game when they were both asked about this. The reporter asked about how we didnt get the bounces this year versus the last. Both in their own way stated that while true, they also need to make better plays leading up to the final moments so it's not leaving it up to just the final plays. Also McVay pointed out we are were never in a few games and that cant happen.

[PARAM]

Also McVay pointed out we are were never in a few games and that cant happen.

San Francisco 1, Baltimore and Dallas. Never "in" those games. Seattle, Tampa, Pittsburgh and San Francisco 2 were all winnable games. If we win 2 of those "winnable" games we're 11-5 and playing this coming weekend. But you know that old saying, "if IFs and BUTs were candy and nuts, everyday would be Christmas".

[Elvis]

The naysayers will tell you this is the beginning of the end for Sean McVay's Rams.

I'm inclined to think it's an off year and if this is what passes for an off year with McVay, that's pretty great.

But only time will tell. So, like always, we watch and see what happens...

[norcalramfan]

I'll add some positivity perspective as well. In no particular order:

1. Love that we'll have new uniforms and a new stadium that's NFL caliber next year. Once we get through the SB much of the NFL talk will be about the new stadium, west coast NFL offices etc. LA might not be the center of the NFL universe, but Stan has made the Rams relevant.
2. Love that Corbett, Edwards and Evans got real game repetitions, something that Noteboom and Allen did not get in season one. Can only pay big dividends in season two for them.
3. I think we found our starting center in Blythe.
4. Everett, Havenstein and maybe NRC can be traded to bolster some draft capital and provide some needed cap space. (Maybe a 2nd, 3rd and 4th round pick).
5. I think we'll see some contract adjustments made that will provide additional cap space.
6. With a healthy Micah Kizer hopefully we will never see Troy Reeder in a starting line-up again. ST player at best.
7. Our defensive backfield will be legit with JJ, Rapp, Ramsey, Williams and Long.
8. No more Weddle in a Ram uniform.
9. Wentworth back on a one year team friendly contract.
10. An OC that will keep McVay balanced.
11. A new DC with more imagination and blitz packages. 3rd and 16 should never be a first down and to see it twice on one game. Bye bye Wade.
12. LA is a destination. I believe players will be attracted to locale and we can add veteran talent not the likes of Weddle.

[PARAM]

11. A new DC with more imagination and blitz packages. 3rd and 16 should never be a first down and to see it twice on one game. Bye bye Wade.

Twice on one freaking drive!!!

[actionjack]

San Francisco 1, Baltimore and Dallas. Never "in" those games. Seattle, Tampa, Pittsburgh and San Francisco 2 were all winnable games. If we win 2 of those "winnable" games we're 11-5 and playing this coming weekend. But you know that old saying, "if IFs and BUTs were candy and nuts, everyday would be Christmas".

Yep that is how I saw it and probably what they were referring too. But what I like is that McVay basically said it's not acceptable to not be in games. Yes we could have had a few things go our way and make the playoffs, but again McVay states he now looks with an even more critical eye.

The NFL is tough, you cant take anything for granted. I dont see us beginning some downtrend, but it is gonna be tough making the playoffs. As it is we a better record than a playoff team (Philly). Hopefully more self scout by McVay and Co (a longer offseason), less wear and tear on the team (no playoffs) and 3rd place schedule propel the Rams back into the 12-4 area....

[Zen_Ronin]

We also REALLY need another team in the NFCW to drop off. The Cards are coming up, how fast I couldn't say, but they are. Our division was already the toughest in the league this year, and we're bordering on FOUR powerhouses in the same division very soon, possibly as soon as next year. Personally I'd love to see the bottom drop out for the Seahawks, they've had their day in the sun. But one thing is certain, someone's got to go!

[PARAM]

We also REALLY need another team in the NFCW to drop off. The Cards are coming up, how fast I couldn't say, but they are. Our division was already the toughest in the league this year, and we're bordering on FOUR powerhouses in the same division very soon, possibly as soon as next year. Personally I'd love to see the bottom drop out for the Seahawks, they've had their day in the sun. But one thing is certain, someone's got to go!

I think Seattle is going to fade. They won 1 game by 17 points, another by 8 and 2 others by 7. The rest? 1 point, 2 pts, 1, 4, 6, 3 and 6. It takes talent to be sure but also a considerable amount of luck (hence the missed FG by Zuerlein). They had the #26 defense this season. Their offense was #8, both behind the Rams. Wilson's ability to scramble and avoid the rush, extending plays makes their 2 minute offense go.

[Hacksaw]

Wilson keeps them going. W/O him they would look a lot different imo.