 STRANGE YEAR, BY JAMESJM (Nov 30) |
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The big surprise, obviously,
is that we're staring the division championship right in the face, and
"expecting" to at least get past the first playoff game. Some of us are
expecting more. <smile> But there are many other "odd" occurences from this year. First, the media, from what I saw, jumped aboard the bandwagon after the first LOSS! Did any of you notice this as well? After the 2nd loss to Detroit I heard, for the 1st time of the season, that the Rams were a lock for the playoffs, and probably the favorite in the NFC. Obviously the Rams' play in the two losses actually increased respect for the Rams for many media types. Another oddity....the criticism of our defense, that I've heard, has come almost exclusively from Rams fans (and the Herd Board). And, btw, I AM INCLUDED IN THAT. I have criticized them, and continue to do so. However, outside of "our" circle the Rams defense is actually highly regarded. It is seldom these days that I hear mention of Warner, Bruce, Faulk, and the offense in general without hearing accolades for the defense as well. Yet another oddity.....I hear, almost without exception, "The Rams are playing the best football in the NFC at this time" and nary a mention of "weak schedule". Weak schedule taunts now seem to be exclusively bandied about by flamers on this board. Still another oddity----before the season began every single person on this board indicated they would have considered the year a rousing success if the Rams topped .500 ball with one of the wins being against S.F. My how things have changed huh? We knew the offense had the potential to explode, but we didn't know if they would. And we hoped the defense could hold their own. But who expected one of the biggest factors for our success to be special teams play?! Look back over this season---each game, and compare play selection and success rate with field position---and you'll be amazed. Special teams. Field position. It is truly the name of the game! And yet, the Rams have ALSO executed some of the longest sustained drives this year since, well, ever? A BIG oddity, IMO - - I actually wish the NFC West was much tougher. The Rams need tough competition, someone to push them and make them learn adversity, persistance, and consistency. In a division with the NFC champs Falcons, and perennial powerhouse S.F......we haven't got a single competitor in the west that I consider a worthy opponent this year. Does the fact that the Vikings, Redskins, Cowboys, & Rams leading the pack make the parallels to yesteryear almost eerie to anyone besides me? From where I sit I can't recongnize the NFL...everything is new, and for the "better". About the only remaining indicator that the last decade even occurred is that the Rams continue to ignore the TE position (or are they?). |
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