Are the L.A. Rams Super Bowl Contenders?
By: Isaiah Alejo
Last season the Rams went 10-6 and made it into the National Football League (NFL) playoffs. They won against the Seahawks in the wildcard round, but lost in the divisional round to the Green Bay Packers. Following their loss in last year's playoffs the team knew the position they needed to upgrade was quarterback. The Rams did just that, on March 18, 2021 the Rams sent Quarterback Jared Goff, 2021 Third-Round (Compensatory Selection), 2022 First-Round and First- Round 2023 pick to the Detroit lions. In return, the Rams got Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, and now it is all smiles in L.A. With how the Rams team is constructed, they are in a win position now. Hence why the team went into this offseason to get their guy, Matthew Stafford.
It is safe to say that Stafford has been a great addition for the Rams. In his ten-year career he has been elected to a pro bowl, has thrown for 46,051 passing yards, 291 passing touchdowns, a passer rating of 90.5 and has 32 game winning comebacks. Many NFL experts and fans do not view Stafford as a great quarterback because of his time with the Lions. Stafford went to the Playoffs three years in his career and lost in all three games. The rest of his time with the Lions is what you would consider rebuild years, basically when a team is trying to rebuild their roster to compete for a championship. The Lions failed to consistently surround Stafford with players that would help him compete for a championship. If they were to successfully do this during Stafford’s time with them, he would be viewed as a top five quarterback throughout the league.
The Rams finally have their two superstars in Stafford and Cooper Kupp. Through three games Kupp has 25 receptions for 367 and five touchdowns. Even though Kupp will get all the attention from opposing defenses, this Rams offense can attack in many ways. They have their speedy receiver in DeSean Jackson, a savvy complimentary receiver in Robert Woods and a down-hill runner in Cam Akers. The unsung heroes of this offense are the offensive lineman (OL). The Rams offensive line has been playing excellent through the first three weeks of the season and are a huge reason why the Rams are a perfect 3-0. This team through three weeks looks like the best offensive team in the National Football Conference (NFC), and the statistics prove it. Through three games this offense has thrown for 913 passing yards, and have rushed for 251 yards. They have a nice balance with the pass and run game that will keep their opposites guessing on what they want to do offensively. If the Rams can keep this balance throughout the season they will be a difficult offense to stop.
The Rams defense headlines two superstars as well with reigning defensive player of the year Aaron Donald and All pro cornerback (CB) Jaylen Ramsey. The Ram’s brought back two defensive players that would be complimentary pieces to their superstars. Emerging CB Darious Williams is coming back with a one-year contract, and All pro pass-rusher Leonard Floyd signed a four-year contract that is worth 64 million dollars. There is a saying throughout the sports world that defense wins championships, and with the way this defense is built, this team has a chance to bring home a championship. Through their first three games this defense has looked like a championship defense, and they were on full display against the reigning Super Bowl champions. They made Brady’s day at the office miserable with taking him down a total of three times. This Rams defense is a force to be reckoned with, the combination of having a great pass-rush and great coverage down the field is a recipe for success.
The 2021 Rams has a chance to be a special team, and they have all the pieces to make them a Super Bowl contender this year. If the Rams can maintain the success they have had, they will be the favorites to come out of the NFC this season. Can the Rams team stay red hot for the remainder of the season?