5 Questions About The Rams

I got an email from Zac Snyder, our editor over at Sidelion Report, asking me to answer some questions about the Rams for a preview he is doing for the Lions. After I originally didn’t see the email for about a week, Zac emailed me again on Wednesday and I answered his questions. After thinking about it, I thought I’d share my answers with everyone here and offer the opportunity for you to agree or disagree with whatever I had to say.

1. What is your opinion of the Rams’ 2012 draft?

It’s hard to judge a draft until you see the players in action, but on paper I think the Rams did an outstanding job in the 2012 NFL Draft. Michael Brockers is exactly what we needed in the middle of the defensive line, and I think one of the best picks of the entire draft by any team was getting Janoris Jenkins in the second round. Brian Quick looks like he can be a very good NFL WR, but he might need some time to adjust to the league after coming from Appalachian St. I also really like the upside of Chris Givens and Roke Watkins, two guys the Rams got later in the draft. They didn’t address every hole on this roster, but they got a heck of a start.

2. Matthew Stafford had to prove doubters wrong after two injury filled seasons to start his NFL career, are any Rams fans having doubts about Sam Bradford?

Sam Bradford is probably the biggest question mark on this Rams team right now. I think most fans here in St. Louis believe that Bradford has the ability to be an elite QB, but recently there has been a growing concern that he suffered from “Cabin Fever” in the pocket last season and that me might struggle to recover. If the offensive line gives him time, I believe Bradford could take the league by storm just like Stafford did last year. I would say that there are a good number of Rams fans who aren’t as confident as I am, but overall I think Rams fans are willing to give him at least this season to prove himself.

3. What is the general feel around the fanbase regarding Jeff Fisher taking over as head coach?

The Jeff Fisher hiring has completely rejuvenated the fanbase here in St. Louis. I think the fans recognize that bringing in a guy who is proven as an NFL head coach is exactly what the Rams needed after striking out with Scott Linehan and Steve Spagnuolo. Fisher brought a fantastic staff with him to St. Louis, and St. Louis fans truly believe that Fisher is going to get this thing turned around much like Dick Vermeil did when he came to town years ago.

4. How real of a possibility is it that the Rams don’t work out a resolution to their stadium situation and leave for another city?

I know plenty of people here in St. Louis who are highly concerned about the possibility of the team moving to LA. Personally, I feel like the chances are significantly lower than most people think, but there is a chance. Stan Kroenke hasn’t done anything to lead me to believe he wants to move the team out of St. Louis. He helped bring the team here in the first place, and he has opened the checkbook to make this team better ever since he took over as owner. If i were a betting man, I’d have no problem putting my money on the line in favor of the Rams staying put, but this is still an issue that could escalate if it doesn’t get resolved soon.

5. What are your expectations for the Rams this season?

It’s so hard for me to put expectations for the upcoming season on this team right now. We have made so many changes, both in the coaching staff and in player personnel, that I don’t know what’s realistic. I certainly think the team will be greatly improved from last year, but it’s hard to be much worse. I think this organization is a few years away from being a legit threat to make any kind of postseason noise, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the 2012 version of the Rams won anywhere from 4 at the low end to 9 or 10 if everything fell perfectly in place. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, so if I had to predict a record I would say 6-10.