Well the games Bradford played last year the O was 21st, so Bradford simply being back isn't going to push us beyond that.
If the line of Long/Jones/Wells/Saffold/Barksdale can start all 16 games next year it's an improved line over what we had last year, but you've got to admit you're praying for health (and that Jones is good enough to start) with that line.
Hopefully Schottenheimer has finally learnt how to use Austin, and Austin's drops last year were simply a matter of a rookie adjusting to the NFL, if Colts Austin shows up this O could be much improved, and if we can stop the idiot special team penalties.
Would love to see Bailey with Bradford, I've been told by some on here that Bailey was the only WR we had last season suited to a Clemens lead offence, hopefully he's also suited to a Bradford lead offence.
Even in the three games with Stacey last season our O was 4th in scoring in the NFC Best (although only .04 off Arizona), but that's a really small sample size so we'll see over a 16 game period.
My problem comes in the theory that Givens, Cook, Britt, Pettis or Quick are going to be up to NFC Best standards, we have no evidence for this, we can pray that Givens pulls himself out of his slump, we can pray that Cook learns that that football shaped thing heading towards your hands it's OK if you catch that, we can pray that Britt is good enough to do the things he hasn't been for 3 years, we can pray that Quick figures the game out, but that's all we're doing.
If we draft Clowney and then trade up for one of the offensive players then you're first chance of addressing what was an awful pass defence is the 3rd round, you're also either praying that either Long can play 16 games (if he can't we're dead) or you're entering next season with Austin and Bailey as the only 2 WRs who have shown they are worth a damn depending on who you traded up for. I like the idea of trading up but only if it follows a trade down, and then we miss out on your target Clowney.
I'm not just praying things get better on the O. I watched them get better last season.
The Rams had a horrible start. Bad scheming, play calling, ball drops, no run game, special team penalties, and poor pass coverage in a soft scheme.
The excessive drops went away. The run game came on. Special teams gelled and started blocking well without the penalties. TA showed he can be a super star. Cook, while inconsistent, was very productive overall and had a far better second half of the season. Kendricks is Mr Consistent.
Bailey was reliable from day one. First on special teams and then as a receiver. While he was under utilised, he was always good. I was far from the only one screaming for the Rams to give him a shot when it was apparent Givens wasn't working with Clemens. Unfortunately, they waited too long.
The Rams O line is very good. They may need a starter and they definitely need depth.
Bradford was playing excellent last season. Despite all the turmoil, mistakes, drops, penalties, and poor coaching. If he's healthy, and that's always an if with him, he should be very very good.
My biggest concern about the O is Schotty. I'm having to go on faith that when Fisher says they've learned how to use TA, they actually have. That they have the players that fit Schotty's scheme since he seems unable to adjust the scheme to the players. I hope Fisher replacing the DC puts a fire in Schotty to do better. We'll see.
So, yes, I have confidence in the O. Bradford, Austin, Stacey / Cunningham, Cook / Kendricks, and the O line are all the real deal. Bailey was a superstar in college and I expect a big season from him with Bradford under center. While Givens, Britt, Quick, and Pettis all have question marks, that's a lot of talent that could emerge this season. It's not unusual at all for WRs to take time to emerge.
The reasons I want Clowney are simple: Immediate impact and elevation to greatness.
He can start day one. With Quinn and Long as mentors and Williams as his coach, the potential for an unstoppable pass rush destroying opposing Os is obvious. There isn't anyone else in the draft that could elevate the Rams to greatness at any position day one.
Rams also need secondary help. I could envision the effect of that pass rush letting JJ do his thing again. Man coverage, sticking the receivers at the line, forcing fast passing, JJ could shine again.
With that pass rush and Williams' style of blitzing, the O should have the ball more and need to score less.
The alternative is mediocrity. Watkins is excellent and I'd love to see him as a Ram but WRs usually take time and I'm out of patience. Mathews is good and could start, but he's not going to light the world on fire. Robinson could elevate the run game but could also be the weak link in pass protection and isn't a lock to start game one.