Forget what you knew about them. This brand new LA Rams roster is about having fun

Have the LA Rams stumbled upon another revelation in terms of winning formulae in the NFL? In a season with the LA Rams desperate for NFL salary cap space, desperate for play-makers, and their backs against the wall in terms of viable options, the Rams are 10-7 and are heading to the NFL Playoffs.

The Rams had no chance to compete for mercenaries, those players who would sign a contract with any team that offered them the biggest sack of cash. And despite the LA Rams outcome this season, no respectable NFL veteran had an faith in the LA Rams ability to get to the NFL Playoffs this season. And the LA Rams, for all their faults, only want to associate with players who want to play for them.

That trait began to show up in the 2023 NFL Draft. The LA Rams did not have a single draft pick in Round 1, but the team had a secret formula that would add players who could change the trajectory of the team overnight. LA Rams GM Les Snead made football fun again for everyone in the LA Rams organization by drafting players who literally loved to play football.

"“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”"

Confucius

The Rams loaded up with laughter and passion, but they still had to put in the time to learn the intricacies of the NFL version of football. That required a lot of time, patience, and elite coaching. In many ways, the 2022 NFL season that ended with a record of 5-12 allowed the Rams an opportunity to deploy everything learned over the past six seasons, and reboot the team with all that precious and hard-fought knowledge.

And so, this was not about a team built on players with great football talent who may fit the Rams culture. This has become a team built on players with a great fit with what the Rams culture is all about and who may have the talent to play well in the NFL.

And my oh my, the rookie class of 2023 for the LA Rams has epitomized a brand new standard for crushing it in a single NFL draft. The Rams have gotten meaningful playing time out of nine rookies this season and should expect to see more from two or three more rookies in 2024, Not everyone progresses at the same pace, and not everyone gets golden opportunities to perform in the NFL simultaneously.

But whether shattering records, becoming an elite starter, or simply competing for playing time, this young group of Rams football players are born and bred to play the game at their optimal ability. And they find ways to laugh at themselves and each other along the way.

The LA Rams do not back down from competition. Even at 10-7, the LA Rams played the best in the NFL this season nearly to a stalemate. The Rams split the season with the San Francisco 49ers, each winning a game in the other team's stadium. And the LA Rams traveled across the country to force the Baltimore Ravens to overtime amidst a deluge.

Forget what you think you know about the LA Rams team right now. This brand new LA Rams roster is about having fun. And now that they are in the 2024 NFL Playoffs, let the fun begin.