Sam played on a talented team in college, and was used to winning - that changed dramatically after he was drafted by the Rams. St Louis was a team in disarray on both sides of the ball when Sam arrived.
Then a couple of years later, along came Fisher and Snead - subsequently the weed pulling began. Excuses, excuses .. right? The majority of those pulled weeds by the way never made it to other gardens, they just plain withered and died. Brian Schottenheimer became Sam’s third offensive coordinator in as many years - nothing like continuity for a qb to build on. Gosh more excuses - right?
The Rams sent Bradford into weekly gunfights with a squirt gun, and even that was leaky and low on water. We had one “star” on offense - Steven Jackson. Our most dangerous receiver had been signed off the Eagles practice squad. We didn’t have much if any depth on the O-line, and on D, our guys were usually gassed by the third quarter - not a lot of depth there either. Bottom line: the Rams were not a particularly talented group, and that’s phrasing it politely.
Oh, oh - I can hear it now: NO EXCUSES!!!
2014 is a new year, Sam’s third with the same coordinator. There is good reason to believe our running game will be much improved over last year’s. Our defense is primed to be among the leagues best. Depth abounds on our D-line. Our O-line looks to be greatly improved. Getting Saffold back was truly a huge stroke of luck. Add to that the acquisition of Aaron Donald for our D-line, and my oh my - we just might be able to compete with the teams in our division. Heck - we might even beat one or two up.
Anyone remember the loop where Bradford is on the bench leafing through his playbook, and just shakes his head in complete and utter frustration? I am sure most of us do. I do not expect to see anything even close to that this year. Sam will have the luxury of a strong running game. When Sam does throw, it won’t be to street free agents or practice squad players. Our receivers have may not earned star status yet, but they aren’t exactly chopped liver either. They have youth, talent and desire in abundance - all of which will help make 2014 a signature season for Bradford and our Rams.