Prediction Saturday: Rams face biggest game of season
Over the course of this 2016 season, the Los Angeles Rams have finally arrived at a defining moment. Tomorrow, against the Atlanta Falcons, this team who has stumbled to the suddenness of another losing season, has an opportunity to show fans they aren’t always the tabloid fodder they’ve become most known as.
Through twelve games, head coach Jeff Fisher has padded his resume with eight more losses that guarantees another losing season EVEN if the Rams win their last four. Forget the news of contract extensions, this team needs to win a game despite Jeff Fisher. They need to win for them.
At some point this year, they subtly segued to also-rans. A group who loved their “Ol’ Ball Coach” and pleased as punch that he may be hanging on for another season in the California sun. Wins have become a subjective metric of success, a throw away stat. Maybe, just maybe, an afternoon in front of a small group of fans on the verge of not giving a damn is overdue.
Long overdue.
BUT……., tomorrow is a winnable game.
It’s not New England. No one on the Rams roster will confuse the Atlanta Falcons for the Patriots. Matt Ryan is nice, but he’s not Tom Terrific. Last week was a look at NFL royalty, tomorrow, not so much. Bill Belichick and his team was a measuring stick for how far they have to go. Atlanta is a little closer to where this team can get sooner rather than later.
But not THAT close.
ESPN shows the Falcons as having a 69.4% of winning. That’s fair. And the offensive acumen that separates these two teams is significant. Fans will also get a look at who Los Angeles hopes Jared Goff will eventually play like; Matt Ryan.
Talentwise, the Falcons are better.
Playmakers? Ditto.
AROUND COVER32
QB Rankings: The QB position is as strong as it’s ever been
Power Rankings:: The Cowboys remain king
Losing Culture: Can one win help a losing culture in Los Angeles?
Tone Deaf: How Fisher is leading his team to obscurity
Gurley Part Of Problem? Is Gurley part of the “mediocrity” problem in L.A?
Chargers Coming To Town? San Diego and Lo Angeles may be closer than the miles say
So, do the Rams have a shot tomorrow?
Yes.
After consecutive games in New Orleans and New England, the home team is finally home. In fact, three of their next/last four games will be played in the soon to feel like “cavernous” Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
As for the level of fan support in those game?
TBD.
But for reasons I just can’t explain, I feel like the Rams are due for a win. Maybe it’s because of the simply understood law of averages.
Maybe the third trip out West catches up with the Falcons. Maybe it’s time for the rookie QB to get his first win. Maybe after a forgettable 3/4 of the season, a “W” is in order.
Or maybe their just due.
Either way, I’m going with the prodigal team limping home, and putting a relatively complete game together.
Goff will look like it’s beginning to click, and the defense will play better than they have.
It’ll be close.
Rams 27
Falcons 24
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