How will the Rams fare in 2009? An early look

by Ryan Van Bibber on Feb 2, 2009 10:53 AM CST in News

Over at his NFC West blog, Mike Sando picks up the post Super Bowl coverage with a look at projected strength of schedule for teams in 2009. The Rams, based on opponents' records, have the toughest schedule of any NFC West team next season...but not by much.

No team in the NFC West has a schedule with an overall opponents combined winning percentage of .500, which should come as no surprise since division teams play each other twice and only one NFC West team had a record above .500 last season.

That said, the Rams schedule is no joke next year. Our division will play the AFC South, which means tough games against the Titans and Colts and Houston doesn't look like it's going to be a doormat anymore either. The Rams also play the NFC North teams and have a home game against the New Orleans Saints.

New coach Steve Spagnuolo has got his work cut out for him. It's ridiculously early for predictions, but let's go ahead and take a stab at it in the poll, while feelings are good.

Let the offseason begin.

Poll

How many games will the Rams win in 2009?

4 -12 or worse

29 votes

5-11

46 votes

6-10

71 votes

7-9

35 votes

8-8 or better

94 votes

275 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I voted for 7-9, assuming we get some good players in free agency and our first couple of picks play good.

I like how you say “It’s ridiculously early for predictions,” but you put a prediction poll on here anyway.

I have witnessed time and time again.

by srdmad on Feb 2, 2009 1:37 PM CST reply actions

true that

who doesn’t love to make a prediction!

by Ryan Van Bibber on Feb 2, 2009 1:44 PM CST up reply actions

I'll hold out of this poll

Without knowing what roster changes we make, I have no idea what team we’ll roll out…so I have no idea how we’ll do. If I had to vote right now, I’d be inclined to go with either 5-11 or 6-10.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Feb 2, 2009 3:26 PM CST reply actions

Birk anyone?

The Minnesota Vikings are likely cutting ties with veteran center Matt Birk when his contract expires on February 27, and you can add the St. Louis Rams as a team that will have a strong interest in signing the Harvard grad, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Birk will be signing a deal in the neighborhood of two years and $10 million and the Vikings are likely to save money and stick with 23 year-old John Sullivan, according to the Pioneer Press.

Although Birk has not suffered any major injuries to his knees, an ailment that often shortens the career of an offensive lineman, he did miss the final four games of 2004 due to a sports hernia, then missed the entirety of the 2005 season after surgery to repair a hip injury. That said, he has played in all 16 regular season games for the Vikings during the past three seasons and should be able to play at a Pro Bowl level for the two years that is rumored for his next contract.

by Option27 on Feb 2, 2009 10:52 PM CST reply actions

Oh hell yeah.

Matt Birk’s a player.

I have witnessed time and time again.

by srdmad on Feb 3, 2009 12:41 AM CST up reply actions

Signing Birk

would make rounds 2 and 3 for the Rams wide open….best defensive player available (probably LB/CB/S) has to look pretty good 2 rounds in a row.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Feb 3, 2009 8:40 AM CST up reply actions

If we grab a center in FA

then the three rounds have to either be OT / LB/S / LB/S at this point. If get an OT and a C in free agency (not sure how financially possible that is without some serious cuts and restructuring of contracts), then I figure WR (read: Crabtree) / LB/S / LB/S.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Feb 3, 2009 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

tough

looking schedule, kinda sucks. Rams should play the Lions on thanksgiving. At least it might be close

by sergey606 on Feb 3, 2009 4:17 AM CST reply actions

Yeah, then I would be able to watch our team.

I have witnessed time and time again.

by srdmad on Feb 3, 2009 2:35 PM CST up reply actions

I think the Lions are hoping that the Rams are their week 1 opponent… Gotta try to get that 1st win out of the way in a jiffy. I think the Rams are their best shot (besides Cincy) at getting a single victory in ’09.

by Downing Rules on Feb 3, 2009 3:40 PM CST up reply actions