From Nothing To Something
Jeff Fisher. A name that makes many NFL fans shudder, regardless of team affiliation. Although it feels like it has been eons, it has been less than two years since the Los Angeles Rams fired their head coach of nearly five seasons.
Sean McVay, who is eight games into his second season as a head coach, has re-imagined this team. Furthermore, his first year was nothing short of a success, winning the NFC West with an 11-5 record. Doing so gave him the backing of the front office. Therefore, they have given him the tools to put his elaborate schemes into effect. McVay and the Rams have shown they are committed to bring the Lombardi Trophy to Los Angeles.
This past offseason was a clear sign of what was to come for the Rams, who were now, to some very short extent, battling for the hearts of Angelenos with the Chargers ditching San Diego for the United States’ second largest media market. However, with what seemed like a snap of the finger, the Rams pulled off the following offseason acquisitions:
Trades
The Rams got things going on February 23rd, acquiring CB Marcus Peters and a 2018 sixth-round pick from the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2018 fourth-round pick and a 2019 second-round pick.
March was the busiest. On March 2nd, they sent DE Robert Quinn to the Miami Dolphins for fourth and sixth-round picks.
On March 7th, they traded LB Alec Ogletree and a 2019 seventh-round draft pick to the New York Giants for 2018 fourth- and sixth-round picks.
March 8th saw them trade for CB Aqib Talib, sending a 2018 fifth-round pick to the Denver Broncos.
April 3rd, the Rams acquired WR Brandin Cooks and a fourth-round pick, and sent first and sixth-round picks to the New England Patriots.
Notable Free Agency
On March 26th, they signed free agent DE Ndamukong Suh to a one-year, $14 million deal
Notable Extensions
This in itself is an incredibly busy offseason. This does not take into the consideration the extensions handed down to Cooks (five years, $81 million). Furthermore, Todd Gurley (four-years, $60 million), and Aaron Donald (six-years, $135 million) also have inked long term deals.
Although Gurley’s been the most spoken-of piece to the offensive success, Robert Woods has been Jared Goff‘s favorite target. Woods joined the Rams in 2017 after spending his first four years with the Buffalo Bills. However, he’s now on pace to have career highs in receptions, targets, yards, touchdowns and catch percentage.
In short, this team has weapons, including a few who are not named (DE Michael Brockers, WR Cooper Kupp, CB Sam Shields, etc.).
I suppose you’re noticing I’m regurgitating much of what’s already been said by many. You’re right. That’s the point. After defeating the Green Bay Packers, the Rams are sitting pretty 8-0. If you don’t believe in this team now, you’re not bound to at any point this season. In fact, you’ll likely bask in isolated glory the day this team drops a game. What a lonely island it will be.
Each move this team makes is more proof in the proverbial pudding.
The Trade Deadline
Then this happened at the trade deadline, which ended on Tuesday, October 30th at 4:00 P.M. EST.
Source: The #Rams are trading for #Jaguars pass-rusher Dante Fowler.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2018
The Rams gave up a 2019 third-round pick and a 2020 fifth-round pick for the talented defensive end. As a result, they bolstered a defensive line that has already accounted for 22 sacks, while only recording four in their first three games.
Fowler, who had been relegated to backing up Yannick Ngakoue, can be seen as an immediate upgrade from second-year pass rusher Samson Ebukam.
The Rams rank 12th in rushing defense, allowing 100.9 yards per game, and 10th in passing defense, where they allow 230.5 yards per game. This is good enough for the eighth best defense in terms of yards given up per game.
There have been times the secondary has looked suspect, much of it stemming from various injuries. The most notable was to Talib, who was placed on injured reserve after undergoing ankle surgery in September. However, he is expected to return before the postseason.
According to Pro Football Focus, Donald ranks second in the league with 47 pressures. He also comes in as the highest graded player in the league at 95.6. Furthermore, the addition of Fowler as a premier edge rusher gives the Rams PFF’s seventh best player at the position.
Consequently, the hope is the pressure put up front will help ease the load carried by the secondary. With the depth being developed, the Rams look poised to win it all.
They’re all in.
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