Los Angeles Rams will do well to listen to their alumni

Fallout from Eric Dickerson’s recent comments on who the Los Angeles Rams should start at quarterback sparks conflict within the Rams nation. But did everyone except Eric miss the bigger issue? 

Despite varying opinions amongst fans and questions still surrounding the Los Angeles Rams’ offense, Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson has taken some direct and undeserved flack. His publicly expressed starting quarterback preference ruffled some unworthy feathers. Fortunately, too few real Rams fans wanted to hear it and like everything else social media, its moment has past.

First, if you don’t recall when phones weighed pounds not ounces you cannot have valid counterpoints to any Rams Legend Community member’s views. You simply don’t know enough and the Rams faithful will let you know it.

Additionally, Dickerson wasn’t telling the Rams how to run their team or criticizing this past offseason. He was merely stating that for him, quarterback Sean Mannion deserves a shot based on prior circumstances. In that same context he also indicated that at this point in time Jared Goff has to be given the opportunity.

Mr. Dickerson was there at the beginning of the 2016 season on the sidelines and at practices. He saw what most of us did not and had discussions with players we were not privy to. Therefore, despite what was shown on Hardknocks and All Or Nothing, we as fans don’t know everything.

I don’t always agree with him or anyone else. However, being a longtime die-hard Rams fan first and foremost, I respect my team’s legends. And in this case, I have ones back on behalf of the fans that spoke up.

Dickerson was right.

Mannion deserved more of a chance to start after it was clear the Keenum experiment was going nowhere. He had more NFL experience, and frankly, he looked more poised in preseason play. Goff not only appeared unsettled into what was to be a new way of playing quarterback for him but apprehensive in battle at the NFL level. This means, your supporting cast feeds off your confidence…or doesn’t.

In fact, given what Los Angeles was working with at that time, Carson Wentz might have been the better choice. But that ship has sailed.

With what has transpired since Goff must now get his first fair chance free of Fishernomics. In 2016, the Rams failed to put him in position to grasp all things NFL. One can even argue that under career backup quarterback Chris Weinke and “learn on the fly” offensive coordinator Rob Boras, Goff’s big debut was doomed before it began. I believe, as do many, that the franchise is on the road to redemption—re-signing Aaron Donald soon gets them “boocoo” brownie points!

Truthfully, head coach Sean McVay has little reason to be as all-in as the front office (every coach’s dream is to draft their own guy). Still, like the majority of Rams fans, he is hopeful Los Angeles’ latest golden boy will shine.

Does a deeper problem exist within the Rams organization?

Admittedly, even after Jeff Fisher’s departure, the equilibrium of Rams World still feels a bit on tilt.

Dickerson’s comments to FoxSportsRadio’s Doug Gottlieb on Colin Cowherd’s “The Herd” didn’t stop at his choice for signal-caller. He also mentioned that Rams Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jackie Slater is now working with the recently traded lineman, Greg Robinson…with the Detroit Lions.

Huh?

Did the offensive line in Los Angeles get so good so fast that most of us just flat-out missed that boat? And wasn’t Greatest Show on Turf co-star receiver Torry Holt sleeping with the enemy at Arizona Cardinals mini-camp just last month? Has no one in the Rams front office heard the stories of how smart a player Marshall Faulk was?

The Los Angeles franchise should try harder  to welcome input from their own community of legends. With the notable exception of Wade Phillips, they probably won’t receive such a willing source of knowledge any place else. Still, not even Phillips can match the heart and soul, blood, sweat and tears past players have invested. Personally, I’d have six-time Pro Bowl selection, center Doug Smith, on the payroll and Dick Vermeil on speed dial.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Rams edition

McVay has so far shown no signs of letting his perceived pre-mature NFL status go to his head. He surrounds himself with sources to learn from. His check-signers should be as open and gung-ho about turning their image around to match should McVay and staff succeed in winning. Not only is it smart business, but also it’s just plain smart to listen to people that have been where you’re trying to go.