Looking Ahead - Expectations for Next Season

Heading into the 2012 season, no one was really sure what type of team the Rams would put on the field.

In a way, no one really had much of any expectations except to see progress and and competitiveness. Fast forward to the end of the season, to the surprise of everyone the Rams weren't eliminated from playoff contention until week 16. With a 7-8-1 record, it's safe to say they exceeded everyone's expectations on the progress and competitive fronts.

Now heading into his second season as head coach, Jeff Fisher has the fans of St. Louis excited again, but what are the fans expecting next season?

Obviously a lot of the pressure next season falls on Mr. Sam Bradford's shoulders. Some would even go as far to say its a make or break year for the former #1 overall pick. Is 3,800 - 4,000 yards passing a fair expectation? Maybe 25-30 TD's?

As young as the team is, "progress" is a big word. With as fast as they progressed in year one under Fisher, next season is the big jump that fans are gonna expect from the likes of Chris Givens and Daryl Richardson. Although not much was seen of Isaiah Pead and Brian Quick, they are expected to perform up to their respective draft positions and hopefully exceed the expectations -- far from being called busts, but we can only hope the thought doesn't have to cross our mind at some point next season. With free Agency and the 2013 NFL Draft in sight, more talent will be added to the roster with the obvious needs at safety, offensive line and depth at other positions....

What are your realistic expectations? A winning record with hopes of a wild card birth? The division title perhaps? How about your expectations for progress at weak spots on last seasons roster? Whatever they are what are you going to be satisfied with?

Those are difficult questions to answer this far away from next season and without any clue as to who the new additions to the team will be. But how else are we to deal with football withdrawals? Sound off Rams fans!