:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5669077/137251932.0.jpg)
Good Friday Rams fans! In just a few short days the new year will be upon us, and with it, the Ram's season will come to an end. This Sunday the Rams will face off against the hottest team in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks. No team has been able to come into their house and beat them this year. I know I won't be the only one come Sunday that will have their fingers and toes crossed for the Rams. The last few days and the next will be spent on looking specifically at the game on Sunday. Here I'd like to look ahead to the future of the team, as our off season is only three days away.
The Glass is Half Full
Yes, I know, a Bleacher Report article almost assures a slide show. Not this one! Do you realize just how impressive the Ram's record is in the division this year? We could possibly end things up with a .917 winning percentage division wise. Wow! This bodes very well for the team going into next season. Not only has Jeff Fisher figured out how to play our division opponents, but the team has to have grown a huge measure of confidence this season. Like they say, confidence is everything.
Let Them Eat Cake
The Rams didn't have the easiest schedule this year by far. Tough match ups against perennial playoff teams made this year tough. Next year though, things lighten up a little. Over the course of the season, our boys in blue and gold only have to face five playoff teams, two of which are from our division. Bump that up to seven if you count the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears.
Albert Pujols Could Have Been the Man
The above named player could have done something akin to Stan "The Man" Musial, but instead he decided to follow the money. When Steven Jackson says he would rather go out like Barry Sanders, I don't take it as a sign of readiness to retire. I see it as a cry for the front office to sign Steven to a deal that would let him retire a Ram. With few teams willing to pay Jackson the kind of money that would lure him away, the Rams can afford to deal with Jackson. Even with a diminished role in years to come, I think Jackson sees the bright future of the Rams, and he would like to retire with a nice fat ring on his finger.
Rams vs Buccaneers is the Future
Besides the second game of the season against the 49ers, I see the week 16 trouncing of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the way forward for the Rams. No other game this season was so dominated by the defense and bared the essence of what Jeff Fisher wanted to do this year. Sure, Bradford didn't shine, but then again, we don't exactly need him to. If Brian Schottenheimer decides to stick around for a second year, Bradford will surely improve. The defense is slowly becoming the identity of this team and I would be dishonest if I said I didn't like it. I see the Rams taking over in the NFL for the aging Baltimore Ravens as the most feared defense in football. But then again, that could be the homer in me! The Rams will shore up their run defense this off season, and will not have another back replay Adrian Peterson's performance in week 15.
Randomness:
Avery is Gone, and I Don't Mean Donnie
That didn't last very long. The NBA is a fickle beast. Perform or pack your bags good sir.
Good Night Good Sir
A great man passed away yesterday. I remember being in the 6th grade watching Diane Sawyer interviewing Stormin' Norman in Kuwait. Hell of a man. RIP.
Goodbye Godzilla
Hideki Matsui is hanging up his cleats. The Hall of Fame isn't too far ahead for this guy. The 2009 World Series MVP will be missed on the field.
Teeeboooww Noooo!
Yeah, so Tim. You are getting passed over again. Oh, and Tim? Yeah would you mind praying for my job while you're riding the pine? Thanks big guy. -Rex Ryan
Have a great weekend, a Happy New Year, and GO RAMS!!!!!!