St. Louis Rams Keys to Success: 2015

The St. Louis Rams are close to being a real contender. The talent is there, it’s just a matter of putting it together week to week. Last year, fans were treated to some very exciting games, including a win over Seattle, Denver, and two shutouts back to back against the Raiders and Redskins respectively.

On the other hand, there was a few games on the other side of that spectrum also, losing in some heartbreaking fashions, that left fans knowing their team was capable of more.

So here are some keys to success the Rams will need in order to finally raise the bar and push into the playoffs:

Defense

I know most fans will push the offense here, but my concern is on the defense. Fisher expects to not have an outstanding offense, and that is why he loads up on defensive talent to make up for it. That being said, a 17th overall defense is unacceptable.

After the two shutouts in a row, it is a little crazy to think we can hold Denver to single digits but cannot hold the Giants and Vikings to under 30. This defense is paid way too much to give up as many points and yards as they did. especially on the ground, allowing 110 yards a game.

The Defense has to play not only better, but more consistently. It really is not acceptable until the defense is at least top 10.

Turnovers

Turnovers hurt the Rams pretty bad last year, not as much the ratio (-2) as the timing and points off of the turnovers. The eagles game was lost because of a blocked punt touchdown, a fumble recovery touchdown, and a fumble that was almost returned for a touchdown. Yet the Rams only lost by single digits. The Arizona game at Phoenix was similar, as Davis threw two late picks to Peterson, (almost back-to-back plays actually) and allowed Arizona to run away with the game. Dallas also returned a late interception for a touchdown, sealing the deal by just three points. The chargers game was down to the final play on the goal-line, and again, another interception.

Sorry for the overload of examples there, but my point is clearly paved out. These turnovers cannot happen in order to win games. If these games mentioned above turn out as wins instead of losses, the Rams finish 10-6 and clinch a playoff berth.

Nick Foles should help with the turnover ratio. It is possible that he still throws interceptions into the double-digits, but usually his interceptions are down field, not short dump-offs that result in a pick-six. (see: Austin Davis)

Wake up sprinting

The Rams always struggle with this every year, and it is crucial they get going as fast as possible for the best chance to win in 2015. The Rams come out of the gate as if awaking from a thousand-year slumber, getting blown out at home to the Vikings 34-6 is a prime example of how that works. Rams also gave up 30+ points in the first three out of four games.

Run the ball

If you are going to base a team in rushing, that is completely fine. The Seahawks do it every year. What is not OK, is having a run based team that finishes 20th in yards. The Rams have to control the tempo of games, and with the lackluster run game last year, and the lack of offensive line this year, it will be no easy task.

If all of these get improved on even a little, the Rams have a great shot at being a real contender in the playoff race.

Next: Grading The St Louis Rams' Free Agency

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