2015 NFL Predictions: NFC West in-depth preview
St. Louis Rams:
Key Additions: QB Nick Foles, DT Nick Fairley, OLB Akeem Ayers, RB Todd Gurley, T Rob Havenstein
The Rams needed a change at QB, as they simply didn’t want to deal with the constant injuries to Bradford. Statistically Foles will not be as good as he was in Philly, but I think they made a good trade here and got a solid QB. Fairley was a low risk signing and will give the Rams three good DT’s.
Ayers looked like he might already wash out of the league before getting traded to the Patriots, but then he blossomed. He should be a solid addition to this great defense. Gurley has the potential to be a star if he can get back into his pre-injury shape. Havenstein was a very good right tackle in college and that should transfer to the pro level and he will start right away and help the decimated line.
Key Losses: QB Sam Bradford,T Mike Person, T Joe Barksdale, T Jake Long, G Davin Joseph DE Kendall Langford
Bradford was driving the Rams management crazy with his injuries, so they shipped him out and they are happy to be rid of him, though when healthy he could be a good QB. The Rams seemingly wanted to revamp their offensive line. Letting Long go was a no brainer, especially after his season ending injury last year, as he was simply owed to much.
Barksdale is a solid tackle, but the Rams seem satisfied with who they have. Person isn’t very good as he showed when he started the entire 2014 season. Joseph also started the entire 2014 season, but the Rams were not satisfied either. Langford is a good player, but the Rams are so stacked on the defensive line, that he was not needed.
Verdict:
The Rams offense will be the key to their season this year. Nick Foles is a good quarterback, but nobody who can put a team on his shoulders and lead them. That role must go to the running game which will feature Gurley and Mason. That will be a nasty combination and should have a lot of success, if the line can play at least decently.
Foles main targets will be Britt, Austin,Quick, Bailey and Cook. All four WR’s are very decent, but won’t blow you away and Cook is an above average tight end who should help Foles. The line will be key for the success and the pressure will be on the rookie RG and RT. If they can play well, the line will be good and Rams offense will have some success.
This defense is great. If Long can return from injury as good as he was prior, the Rams defensive line is the best in the NFL. Loaded with four first round picks, Long, Donald,Brockers and Quinn will be an unstoppable force, both in stopping the run and the pass. Ogletree and Laurinaitis are both great linebackers.
Ayers is clearly the worst player on this front seven, but that is no shame when you see the quality of players he is surrounded by. The secondary is their weak spot, but it isn’t all too bad. Gaines was surprisingly good last year and if he can repeat that, him and Jenkins will be a solid duo. McLeod and McDonald are also solid safeties which results in a decent secondary too complete a very good defense.
Prediction:
Best Case Record: 12-4
Worst Case Record: 8-8
Prediction: 11-5
Team’s Offensive MVP: T Greg Robinson
Team’s Defensive MVP: DT Aaron Donald
Rookie Standout: T Rob Havenstein
My prediction obviously displays my belief in the Rams this year. I think they have the talent to really have a great year. A lot of that will depend on the passing game, but if that can come through, they will be on the road to success. Best case scenario is that they get through the division with a 5-1 or 4-2 record and just lose a few games against both North divisions.
Worst case scenario is that the Rams continue their unpredictable play in which they seem to be able to beat any team, but they can also lose to most teams too. In that case the offense will really disappoint and the secondary will be very inconsistent and struggle at times.
Next: Will the Seahawks have a record good enough for No.1 seed