The unfortunate future narrative

[leoram]

When the Rams dominate the Bengals today like the 85 Bears did the Pats, the media will go from alternately promoting the Rams as sacrificing the future for one season, to saying they got lucky because they played one of the worst teams to ever get that far. Some will even say they were lucky they didn't have to face the Packers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Bills, or Titans. Don't believe me? Skip Bayless can't wait to form a narrative to counter how his every take on the Rams has been complete and utter BS.

But it won't matter to me. McVay and Whitworth may retire. That will matter. But celebrating this as one of the greatest teams of all time will become a fun debate. How would they do against the '99 or '01 Rams? How many from this team will end up in the HOF? Let's count...Donald, Kupp, Von, Whit, Ramsey, Weddle, and Stafford all have capable resumes. Who knows what the future holds for McVay, OBJ, Woods, and Akers? How many teams ever fielded more than 7 in the Hall?

As Ram fans, it's up to us the promote the narratives this team deserves. We know who the detractors and minimizers are. They are fans of other teams...the ones who's tears are getting us drunk with pleasure.

 

[PhillyRam]

How many teams ever fielded more than 7 in the Hall?

The 60's Packers & 70's Steelers for sure, and I would guess the Cowboys of the 70's & 90's as well. And some of those Niner teams also.

Now in the modern era, 2000's probably not many. In the era of FA I think its a factor as teams can't keep top players and that can affect a player's chances if he signs a big deal with a lesser team and never gets back in the postseason.

Where as in the past the top teams remained on top and their players stayed on good teams for a long time and that helped them get to the HOF.

 

[Flatlyner]

Well, we did have 5 on offense alone in our last SB victory. Unless London gets in someday, we really had zero on D. 7 is a pretty crazy number, but we could definitely achieve that with this team.

 

[dang]

First of all the Bengals are for real. The are 6-1 over last 7 games. Including beating KC twice away. The have arguably the best 3 WR set in the NFL. And they have a great “team” chemistry. If they play great and the Rams don’t it will be a very very tough out. I feel like the Rams vets and the 2018 SB experience means the Rams will be more than ready but they still need to execute. Go Rams!!

 

[FaulkSF]

@leoram Listening to McVay, it sounds like he wants a work and life balance. I don't know if he'll get that as a broadcaster either due to a heavy travel schedule.

Based on his leadership, I envision McVay mentoring an asst coach over the next couple of years to succeed him as the Rams coach. McVay will then have the option to remain a consultant with the team or go into broadcasting. It would then depend on what provided him the best work life balance.

 

[leoram]

@leoram Listening to McVay, it sounds like he wants a work and life balance. I don't know if he'll get that as a broadcaster either due to a heavy travel schedule.

Based on his leadership, I envision McVay mentoring an asst coach over the next couple of years to succeed him as the Rams coach. McVay will then have the option to remain a consultant with the team or go into broadcasting. It would then depend on what provided him the best work life balance.

I hope you're right. I personally think if he were my son and I wasn't such a Ram fan, I'd counsel him to seriously consider it because family should trump all. You show what's important to you by the time you spend on whatever it is you value.

When McVay is cryptic with the media (Jared is our quarterback for now) there's usually something afoot. Of course the Rams will try to extend him and probably succeed. But it's too early to tell. Heck, they still have a somewhat important game to play and how it goes will be a factor as well.

 

[den-the-coach]

When McVay is cryptic with the media (Jared is our quarterback for now) there's usually something afoot. Of course the Rams will try to extend him and probably succeed. But it's too early to tell. Heck, they still have a somewhat important game to play and how it goes will be a factor as well.

SEAN MCVAY
HC, LOS ANGELES RAMS

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Rams are expected to extend head coach Sean McVay this offseason.
McVay has two years remaining on his contract but there's been recent talk over his long-term future. An extension would give the Rams assurances McVay will be back and lock him in for the next several seasons. McVay has never had a losing season, going 55-36 in five years with the Rams, and oversaw a top-10 scoring offense this past season.

 

[Billy Baroo]

A game too early for this post.

 

[Ramlife]

First of all the Bengals are for real. The are 6-1 over last 7 games. Including beating KC twice away. The have arguably the best 3 WR set in the NFL. And they have a great “team” chemistry. If they play great and the Rams don’t it will be a very very tough out. I feel like the Rams vets and the 2018 SB experience means the Rams will be more than ready but they still need to execute. Go Rams!!

Being confident is great but assuming the Rams are gonna walk over this team is mind boggling to me. I for one hope the players are not too cocky because they cant get their feelings hurt real quick, Joe Burrow is a champion Qb and a Heisman winner and you add this receiving corp for him to dish the ball out to and here they are. Darious Williams could very well struggle in coverage against any of the 3 receivers. Then you have David Long on whats left and it spells trouble. If the Rams dont pressure the hell out of Burrow which they should.. but if they don’t? Im am very very nervous about the final result. These guys are here because they’re damn good. I hope everyone realizes that. Go Rams...

 

[RamsFanCK]

This McVay retiring narrative is honestly dumb as hell.

 

[leoram]

I'm really not assuming a win here. I'm speaking it into existence because I want to THOROUGHLY enjoy this game. I hope it's boring as hell for the rest of the world as I feast on every play.

 

[majrleaged]

I hope you're right. I personally think if he were my son and I wasn't such a Ram fan, I'd counsel him to seriously consider it because family should trump all. You show what's important to you by the time you spend on whatever it is you value.

When McVay is cryptic with the media (Jared is our quarterback for now) there's usually something afoot. Of course the Rams will try to extend him and probably succeed. But it's too early to tell. Heck, they still have a somewhat important game to play and how it goes will be a factor as well.

You know,, many times reporters ask a question that elicits a response that then gets reported out of context. So does anyone know what the question was. He still has at least 5 years. He is not going to bail on this core group of guys. If he starts a family and learns how to delegate and manage his time, it could be much longer.

 

[tempests]

I'm really not assuming a win here.

Go ahead and assume it. It's the Super Bowl. If you cannot believe in your team in this game, you never can.

I've heard enough about the Bengals. We have a really good team of our own.

 

[RhodyRams]

no QB has won a college championship and the SB

NONE
ZERO
ZILCH
NADA

 

[leoram]

Go ahead and assume it. It's the Super Bowl. If you cannot believe in your team in this game, you never can.

I've heard enough about the Bengals. We have a really good team of our own.

Great advice. It just didn't work so well in 02. I'm trying to stave off the memory of what happened in the last game of the season and how the Rams nearly gave away a game that they thoroughly dominated against the Bucs. I want none of it. That's why it's difficult.

But I will push through and do it anyway. I'm assuming a glorious blowout. I will give Cincinnati credit...they had to go through a lot to get a chance to share the same field with one of the greatest teams in history. Welcome to my Fan Attic.

 

[oldnotdead]

Geez dude, McVay won't retire. Both he and Snead are under contract through the 2023 season. Both are likely to be extended next year. The media is blowing a comment by McVay out of proportion. They got rid of Goff to accommodate McVay. IMO the key will be how long the extend Stafford. IMO McVay will be in LA another 4 years.

Whitworth said in TC this would be his last season. His waffling of late still won't change anything. Look at the negative cap and you will see why. His salary would almost erase that negative number. His play now isn't what it used to be. His age is showing. He will hopefully be added to the coaching staff.

I can easily see Eric Waddle replacing Ejiro Evero as secondary coach.

IMO they will extend Stafford for to clear cap this year. That extension will add another 4 years to his contract (i.e. until he's 40). IMO McVay's tenure will extend until Stafford is done (3 to 4) years. If they extend McVay an additional 2 years beyond 2023 IMO that would be his likely retirement. Regardless McVay has already committed to 2022.

From what I hear Snead has an eye on what the Packers are going to do with Matt LaFleur whose contract expires at the end of the season. If he is extended for 4 years as expected, then both he and McVay would have contracts of equal lengths making him a top target for Snead.

Essentially the Super Bowl window is open for at least another 4 years IMO. You have to know that this HC position will be attractive to any prospective HC and Snead will have his pick.

The other contract to watch is Bryce Perkins. He's essentially locked up through 2022 but as an ERA in 2023 the Rams control his contract for two more years. Perkins was an UDFA but was given a two-year extension to see how he develops. IMO he was acquired as an option to Goff. His problems were limited experience in reading as a pocket passer, and poor deep throw arm strength. In 2021 preseason he looked pretty good showing his growth in going through his progressions. His arm strength out to 20 yards is fine and he throws with good accuracy. Arm strength can be improved and with him in the QB room behind Stafford, one of the best at reading defenses Perkins is behind the best QB for his development. The Rams obviously like Perkins because how many UDFA do they sign to a 2 year contract and keep on the roster as a 3rd QB? Two more years of developmental growth and the Rams may have a homegrown follow-on to Stafford.

The outlook for this team for the foreseeable future looks very good. I for one am not going to worry about things years down the line. Snead has shown he's one of the best GMs in the NFL. So "in Snead we trust" is how I look at it.

 

[OregonRamsFan]

First of all the Bengals are for real.

The Rams are “for real” as well. I almost feel sorry for what will happen to Joe Burrows. Almost.

 

[Merlin]

If we win this nothing will be able to spoil it for me.

 

[Loyal]

You know for once, I don’t care what the narrative is. A Super Bowl Champ is a Super Bowl Champ, etched in gold on Lombardi in the case. The 2021 Rams will never have to explain away a Super Bowl victory and no one will be able to take it away..

Four quarters to immortality in this game.

 

[snackdaddy]

First of all the Bengals are for real. The are 6-1 over last 7 games. Including beating KC twice away. The have arguably the best 3 WR set in the NFL. And they have a great “team” chemistry. If they play great and the Rams don’t it will be a very very tough out. I feel like the Rams vets and the 2018 SB experience means the Rams will be more than ready but they still need to execute. Go Rams!!

The Bengals struggled to beat the Raiders at home. They faced a Titans team who quite frankly was not viewed as a legit number one seed. Most people had them behind the Chiefs and Bills. Tannehill was terrible in that one. Mahomes had a bad second half.

I really don't like to be too confident because shit happens in the NFL. But this one is there for the Rams if they just play Rams football like they did the first 3 games. If I had a gun to my head forcing me to put my life savings on the game, I honestly take the Rams and the points. And being this confident makes me uncomfortable. Its not in my nature. I'm generally more pessimistic than optimistic.