Los Angeles Rams: Culture shift must continue into 2018

In 2017, the Los Angeles Rams experienced a huge shift in culture with the hiring of Sean McVay. Despite their success, the shift must continue into 2018.

The 2017 season was a huge year for the Los Angeles Rams. Not only did they land a shiny new head coach, Sean McVay, but the team changed dynamically. No longer were they the laughing stock of the NFL, but they were fierce competitors and became everything we had hoped for.

Their move from St. Louis to Los Angeles was still fresh and there was pressure there. 2016 was a bust under Jeff Fischer and the team needed a change. In hiring McVay, the team got what they needed. It was a culture shift for the coaches, the team and for their fans.

In 2017, the team was more confident and thus, more prepared. Their defense grew stronger and continued to dominate even during losses. As for the offense, it was all about Jared Goff. After struggling in his rookie season, Goff felt comfortable and became one of the better quarterbacks in the NFC West. It was exciting to watch such a dynamic team pull together and, eventually, make the playoffs.

As for the coaching staff, it was a lot to handle. The most notable change was adding Wade Phillips who helped beef up the defense. Despite most of the new coaching staff, they adjusted quickly and the team was better for it. Personally, it seemed like that’s exactly what they needed.

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Most importantly, it was a wake-up call for the fans. With this culture shift came a new era of fans. There were the old fans who had been there in previous moves and even new fans from the LA area. Either way, changing the culture changed the fan experience as fans were excited again.

The Rams were back again and even made the playoffs. It was a tough season, but the Rams came out on top. How does this culture shift relate to 2018, you might ask? It’s simple and it’s that the Rams are willing to take risks now.

They’ve done a lot of dealing during this offseason. They acquired both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib to bolster their already stacked defense. The first-round trade for Brandin Cooks gives more security on offense. The team doesn’t have a lot of holes, but they’re working on fixing the few they do have.

What really stood out this offseason is new t-shirt Rams players are wearing. Posted by ESPN writer, Alden Gonzalez, the picture shows a pyramid of competitive greatness. In the middle, it reads “WE not ME.” If anything, it holds all players accountable and proves the team comes first before any player or coach.

Next: Los Angeles Rams: 7-Round 2018 mock draft

With a lot of teams passing the blame around, the Rams are on another level. In 2018, their culture shift continues but it’s not negative like before. This season, the Rams are fostering a culture of fierce competitive, confidence and a team atmosphere. There are some teams who can take a few notes from the Rams.