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After a disappointing, no touchdown loss against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, Dec. 11, it could be hard to have faith in the Rams. Not to mention their current 6-8 record and a 21st-ranked offense. How can you be optimistic about a team with a losing record?
Their poor showing at home against Arizona showed their vulnerability to be out-coached and their inability to consistently score against top-tier defenses. Luckily, this one game was not a full representation of their season.
Despite only a .429 winning percentage, Rams fans should be nothing but optimistic. A young defense that is overflowing with talent has surely proved themselves the last three weeks. Currently, the Rams have the third power ranked defense in the league and haven’t allowed a touchdown in three straight games.
A defense that has been that impressive cannot be the reason for a 6-8 record. So what is the problem?
As it clearly showed in the embarrassing offensive showing on Thursday, the Rams lack depth throughout their offense. The Rams are going to need to renovate their offense, much like they have already transformed their defense.
The Rams offense is going to need a savior if they really want to compete in the competitive NFC West. The type of talent and leadership they are lacking is surely at the quarterback position.
Their current healthy quarterbacks, Austin Davis and Shaun Hill, are restricted free agents in 2015 and are most likely not going to be resigned.
Their draft position is probably going to prevent a chance at Heisman winner, Marcus Mariota, or any other worthy starting quarterback. Therefore, they’re going to have to regain faith in the injury-prone Sam Bradford, or acquire a new starter in the offseason.
It would probably be a better idea for St. Louis to save their draft pick and help improve their lackluster offensive line or receiving core. Perhaps they will be able to snag Amari Cooper, wide receiver from Alabama, or Brandon Scherff, offensive tackle from Iowa.
Although it might sound crazy, it may be worth it for the Rams to conduct a trade to acquire a quarterback like Geno Smith or Kyle Orton. Smith could possibly be a good choice, as the signing would reunite him with his former college receivers, Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin.
The Rams even have the choice of signing a restricted free agent such as Mark Sanchez, Brian Hoyer, Michael Vick or Jake Locker.
Lastly, when is Jeff Fisher going to be held accountable for a losing season in St. Louis? With only a 20-25-1 record as head coach of the Rams, Fisher should have to prove himself if he wants to keep his head coaching job in St. Louis.
The combination of their dominant defense and their ability to upset good teams shows signs of future success.
If General Manager Les Snead is able to improve the offense in the offseason, the Rams will certainly have a fighting chance to compete in the NFC West in 2015.
The Rams final home game is Sunday, Dec. 21, against the New York Giants.
