St. Louis Rams 2013 Bold Predictions: Offense

The offseason may seem like it takes forever after free agency and the draft and once the preseason starts the discussion on whether or not the preseason is too long will once again take place. However, before we know it the season will start, even if it’s still another two and a half months away. The Rams have big expectations this season and the Rams have some players that are expected to take that next step; example a, Sam Bradford. With that said here are Ramblin Fans’ bold predictions for the 2013 NFL season.

Sam Bradford Will Throw For Over 4,000 Yards, 25+ Touchdowns, and Less Than 15 Interceptions

If it’s one player with the highest expectations headed into the 2013 season it’s Sam Bradford. Fans want Bradford to finally live up to his number one pick, Heisman Trophy Winner ability. Bradford had his best season in his short career last season throwing for just over 3700 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. 4,000 yards is definitely within reach and with the added weapons he should without a doubt be able to do it as well as throw for 25+ touchdowns. Bradford has also been pretty good about protecting the football. Bradford has yet to throw over 2o interceptions in a season which is a good thing. Bradford has no more excuses as he now has the weapons he has wanted since his rookie season in Jared Cook and Tavon Austin, and don’t forget about Chris Givens. Today’s NFL is a passing league and it’s time for Bradford to perform. If Bradford puts up numbers similar to this, he could not only shut down his critics but possibly lead the Rams to the playoffs and earn a spot at the pro bowl.

The Rams Will Have A 1,000 yard Running Back and Receiver

It is unsure on how effective the Rams running game will be with the loss of Steven Jackson, who was without a doubt the Rams best offensive player. The Rams now have second year players Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead along with rookie Zac Stacy. It is thought that the Rams wont have a 1,000 yard rusher, but I say don’t rule it out, it definitely could happen. Fisher has a thing for developing running backs and having a successful running back. Fisher developed and was successful with players such as Eddie George, who had seven 1,000 yard seasons under Fisher, LenDale White, who had a 1,000 yard season under Fisher, and Chris Johnson who had two 1,000 yard season and a 2,000 yard season. When all is said and done, the Rams running game will be just fine.

The Rams haven’t had a 1,000 yard receiver since Torry Holt was on the team. So to say the least, it’s been a while. The Rams have added numerous weapons and Chris Givens will contribute a lot more this season. Givens had 698 yards on limited targets, he is now the number one guys and will see more targets this season. Cook is another guys that could have 1,000 yards receiving. Cook is a physical monster and many believe he was misused in Tennessee. Bradford and Cook have reportedly built a connection in camp and look to carry that into the season. The most unlikely candidate to fulfill this prediction is Tavon Austin. Many forget that Austin is only a rookie, yet they are expecting him to score every time he touches the ball. Although he has that ability, you have to expect him to struggle some. Had you asked if the Rams would have a receiver have 1,000 yards receiving last year or even two or three years ago, the answer would be definitely not. The Rams were a run first offense, but the Rams now are looking to change the identity if the offense and put the team’s fate on Sam Bradford’s arm and see where he will take them.

Rams Will Average More Than 20 Points Per Game

The Rams have been at or near the bottom of nearly every category of offense for the last 5 years or so. Points per game was one of those categories. With the added weapons the Rams should be able to put the ball in the end zone more often. The Rams offense has been a weak point and have seemed to do well and then have a streak of three and outs. The offense has been a liability. The coaching staff obviously new that and have done something about it. That’s also what makes the addition of Tavon Austin so valuable. Austin has an amazing returning ability that will hopefully give the offense a shorter field to work with. The Rams will score more touchdowns than we have seen for a while this season.

The season is still what seems like a long time away, but it will be here before we know it. To recap, my bold predictions are that Bradford will throw for over 4,000 yards, 25+ touchdowns, and less than 15 interceptions, the Rams will have a 1,000 running back and receiver, and they will score more than 20 points per game. If my bold predictions do in fact come true, the playoffs should be imminent.