The LA Rams never promised fans a rose garden

The LA Rams (3-5) have been a competitive team this season until they were ambushed in Week 8 by facing their second consecutive opponent coming off a BYE week. Before their lopsided loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the LA Rams were one of the NFL teams that were arguably better than their 3-4 record portrayed.

The Rams were never beaten by more than one score previously. And the Rams shot themselves in the foot more often than not, paving the way to their losses. Even against the Dallas Cowboys, you cannot rule out the fact that a pick-six, blocked punt, and a host of extremely questionable penalties or non-penalties that all seemed to go in the favor of the Dallas Cowboys were not instrumental in changing the complexion of the game.

There is a great deal of frustration and disappointment among Rams fans right now. But in the throes of doom and gloom messaging, try to keep a perspective. No, the Rams are not going to fire the entire coaching staff, anymore than they gave them bonuses for the upset win against the Seattle Seahawks to start the season.

Rams still have bright spots on the team

Even as the team did not end up with a win, young players are still competing, still learning, and still improving. In a game that gave young Rams players every reason to curl into a little ball and stop playing hard, they continued to try. And even with a dominating pass rush, the Rams offensive line only allowed two quarterback sacks in the afternoon.

When the NFL schedule first came out, I sat down and made my predictions for the Rams 17-game schedule. Here is what I had to say about the Rams Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys:

"Unfortunately, the Rams must face a very competitive NFC East on a down year, and that makes this contest a bit one-sided. I'm just not convinced that the LA Rams offensive line has the right starters playing in this one, nor am I convinced that the Rams will not become too pass-happy if the team falls behind in the scoreboard. The Cowboys have a pretty good defense that is susceptible to a balanced offense. That is not what the Rams will throw at them"

Bret Stuter

Per those preseason predictions, I had the Rams forecasted to be 2-6 at this point in the season. Right now, the Rams are 3-5.

The LA Rams are not out of the NFL Playoffs hunt, but they are now among the Top-10 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. And with Stafford struggling with a thumb injury, the 2024 NFL Draft QB class appears ripe and bursting with talent.

I applaud the optimism of so many Rams fans. But there is a real distinction to make between a hopeful outlook and aggressive expectations. At 3-5, the LA Rams are still right on track to preseason expectations. Success does not come easy in the NFL. For the LA Rams, it will be a long climb back to relevancy.

Be patient. Enjoy the journey. Even if the Rams have not fully assembled a championship roster, there are plenty of young players who look the part. This team has two different rookies who have earned the NFL Rookie of the Week honors. One player, Puka Nacua, has earned that honor multiple times.

Hang on, help is on the way. Young players will develop and get better. New rookies will join the Rams roster next year. I have not lost faith in brighter days ahead. I hope that you haven't either.