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Statement Win in Seattle?
Huge win for the Rams
Coming into the game this past Sunday, it was a familer setup for the guys with the horns on the helmet. The last time the Rams won in Seattle was on January 8, 2005 in a playoff wildcard game when they beat the Seahawks 27-20. That was 10 years ago, and ironically enough that was the Rams last playoff appearance. The Rams won this game 23-17. So what does this win mean? Is it the start of something special for this team? Is it just another waistless win? Lets go into the pros and cons of this victory.
The Pros of this win
This was a huge win for this football team. They have not beat this team in this city in a decade. For a lot of these guys (Chris Long, James Laurinatis, etc) they have never tasted victory at "The Link". Laurinatis said earlier in the week "We keep it close for a half and then we get blown out in the second half". So for this team to go out and dominate in this game could be a sign that the trend has changed. I believe every team has that signature win that sets the course of the franchise, this could be that win.
Another point to make about this win is, it was against a playoff team that has been to the Super Bowl the past two years. That is not an easy task, no game in the NFL is an easy task but to beat a team that has been the standard in the NFC conference is nothing to ignore.
My final point, the timing of the win. Its a victory in December, I know the Rams are not in position for the playoffs. But winning in December, in a hostile playoff atmosphere, on the road is a statement in itself. You have to win these type of games to be a successful playoff team. The Rams still have to fix some things offensively, but I don't think they are far away from being a really good football team.
The Cons of this win
Why there are some good points for the win, there is the usual bad points. The first being is that under the Jeff Fisher era, the team plays great against nfc west opponents but not great outside the division. This year the Rams are 4-1 against nfc west teams, and they are 3-7 outside the division. What we realize is if the Rams would have just won at the least two games outside the division, then this game would have been for a playoff spot. So while the win is still good, it was not at all important from a position standpoint.
Rams record inside the NFC West vs outside the NFC West
Fisher Era
| NFC West
| Other
|
|---|---|---|
2012
| 4-1-1
| 3-7
|
2013
| 1-5
| 6-4
|
2014
| 2-4
| 4-6
|
2015
| 4-1 (pending)
| 3-7
|
Total
| 11-11-1 (pending)
| 16-24
|
What does this win mean to you?
My Thoughts
Even though the Rams are not going to the playoffs, I believe this win is not only a statement but also a turning point in the right direction. I know what you guys are gonna say, " well this should have been the year", " his offense is not getting better". I agree with you to some degree, but I also think with the changes they have made at quarterback and offensive coordinator. That he should be given another year. Is Case Kennum the answer at qb? Is Rob Boras the right fit as the OC? I think Kennum has earned himself a shot to compete for the starting job next season. As for Rob Boras, he has earned it unless there is an experienced OC out there that the Rams cannot resist.
Either way if you think this win is important or not, just enjoy it, hope they can finish off strong, and just wait to see what they do next season.
If you guys agree or disagree with me, leave a comment and lets have a discussion.
