Here's how I'm looking at this schedule:
The week 4 buy is a blessing. We will field a quality but young team. This is a great "review and improve" point. Three different teams and an away game to see what everyone is doing that needs work.
As mentioned by others, this is a good spot for Long to come back if he isn't ready. That's cool that the early games are less stressful on the Rams when Long may not be there.
I'm not scared of the Eagles. That could be the day we look at each other and mouth four and oh. X will think you mouthed "want a pina colada?" but just ignore him.
Then the Rams have the Hawks and Niners at home. That's a blessing. Better to have them here, rolling on wins, rested, and in the best possible position to up the NFC-W win tally.
Our rookies will have the best possible situation. Easier teams to start. Early rest and reset. Then tough games at home.
Then the sh1t gets real. We ARE in the NFC-W, so it HAS to get real. But that's OK. We are at week 8 when the rooks have to go on a road stretch against good teams. But it's not Denver, Niners, Hawks. It's KC, Niners, Cards. Not nearly as challenging as it could be.
If we have to play the Broncs, at home is where we want to be.
Then it gets easier again.
This war tested force that was eased into the battle early, now has to face the Hawks at home. At this point they will prove they need no concessions in scheduling, they will triumph against the defending SB champs, in their house, but by our rules.
I HATED playing the Hawks week 17 in their house in previous seasons, but not this one. This is the season to WANT the Hawks to fear the last home game.
This is the season to bring the fear to them. To bring the game to them. To make them hate this tradition.
We have a lot to see in the draft, but regardless of the draft, the Rams WILL battle this season. If the unexpected blowouts against good teams last season shocked you, with a second rate QB, a rookie RB, and a team of rookies, this season will blow your mind.