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Five things we learned about the Rams this preseason
There is reason for optimism for the fans in St. Louis. The team returns a defensive front that is arguably the best in the league, they drafted a potential franchise running back in Todd Gurley and acquired Nick Foles in the offseason.
The pieces are in place for the Rams to perhaps make a push for the playoffs, which would be their first postseason berth since 2004.
With the regular season set to kick off in two days, here are the five most important things we learned from the Rams preseason.
1. Running back depth will be an issue in the short term
The club knew Gurley would likely not be ready for Week 1 after undergoing ACL surgery last November. Second-year back Tre Mason was expected to shoulder the load until then, but Mason is now dealing with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Week 1. That would leave all-purpose back Benny Cunningham as the likely de facto starter. It wasn't the ideal situation the Rams envisioned, but it's one they'll have to endure for the time being.
2. Offensive line is a work in progress
The Rams are expected to start two rookies in Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown, plus there's an ongoing three-way competition at the center position. Rodger Saffold, the most experienced of the group has been nursing a shoulder injury, while Greg Robinson has all but two games of starting experience. There has been a lot of mixing and matching of pieces up front in the preseason to try and find the right combination to protect Nick Foles and pave the way for the ground game.
3. Nick Foles is 'The Guy' ... for now
The Rams signed Foles to a two-year extension worth $24 million before he even played a single down. It's a low-risk, high-reward situation, though. If Foles performs well, the team has him locked up at a reasonable price; if Foles gets injured or performs below expectations, it doesn't necessarily hurt their salary-cap situation. But it remains to be seen whether Foles is more like the guy in 2013 (27 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) or 2014 (13 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, injury-riddled season).
4. Alec Ogletree ready to reach potential
The reviews on Ogletree in the preseason have been nothing but positive. He dropped weight in an effort to be more effective on the field, and even Ogletree allowed the game has slowed down for him. Add it all up and Ogletree is primed to make a "significant impact" in 2015.
5. Rams defense could be best in the league
Aaron Donald. Robert Quinn. Michael Brockers. Chris Long. It's the Rams defensive front that leads a unit that could challenge for No. 1 supremacy in the league come fall. Throw in Ogletree, James Laurinaitis, Janoris Jenkins and T.J. McDonald and it's a solid group under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. This group's second-half surge is reason enough to believe this group could be the best in 2015 when it's all said and done.
