Suggestions of a Los Angeles Rams culture change after a preseason win over the Raiders shows how far down the franchise is
More than two weeks before the start of the 2017 NFL season, miracle-worker Sean McVay already is earning praise for a Los Angeles Rams culture change. For the first time in years, the Rams showed the foundation of a potent offense during their 24-21 preseason victory over the Oakland Raiders on Saturday.
Quarterback Jared Goff overcame his “bust” and now has great potential. Washed-up Todd Gurley again is an upper-tier running back after netting 39 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. That sentiment shows how desperate those following the Rams — both professionally and as fans — have been to find any shred of hope.
The team hasn’t had a winning record since 2003, after all.
Turf Show Times talked about McVay’s arrival in Los Angeles. The coach would figure to need a couple of years to effect a Rams culture change, reporter Joey Aucoin said of the prevailing sentiment.
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"However, I believe that it’s already happened and that the players have bought into McVay’s culture."
Bleacher Report’s Doug Farrar talked about the Rams offense having a fighting chance:
"McVay’s plan worked like a charm, even against a Raiders defense that seemed disinterested in coverage and tackling at times. Goff completed 16 of 20 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown, resembling an NFL quarterback over a number of snaps for the first time. While that’s a low bar, the Rams needed to start somewhere, and McVay’s game plan for Goff was outstanding."
Even our postgame report lauded the Rams offense being vastly improved.
That said, it’s time to put the brakes, temporarily at least, on the Rams love fest. The Raiders defense, even with Khalil Mack, isn’t considered a juggernaut. And one half of football isn’t going to wash away the years of inept Rams play on offense.
Even if Goff has two more strong preseason games, that means nothing on Sept. 10 when the Rams play the Indianapolis Colts in the season opener. What Los Angeles does now could come crashing down with a poor showing in that game. That’s what years of a losing culture does to a franchise. It doesn’t wash away overnight.
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The Rams had a positive experience against Oakland. But they need a string — a long string — of more positive outcomes to start to change the culture. Turf Show Times is correct in saying that the Raiders game is something to build from.
But remember that changing the Rams culture is nowhere near complete. It is simply underway.