The Rams offense got a face-lift this offseason. They literally traded the face of the franchise (Sam Bradford) for what possibly could become the new face (Nick Foles). It was a trade that left many scratching their heads on both sides of the trade. People are still wondering what is wrong with Foles, that we don’t already know, that Philly would trade for the often-injured Bradford.
The NFC West has been one of the best divisions in the NFL. Seattle, San Francisco and Arizona have all made the postseason at least once (if not all three years) in the last three seasons. The Rams have been stuck in the basement. After selecting high in the last few drafts, are they ready to take it to the next level?
How will Foles fare in his first season with the Rams?
Here is the 2015 NFL team preview for the St. Louis Rams.
2014 Win/Loss Record: 6-10
Key Additions: QB Nick Foles, DT Nick Fairley, OLB Akeem Ayers & QB Case Keenum
Key Losses: QB Sam Bradford, QB Shaun Hill, RB Zac Stacy, OT Jake Long, OT Joseph Barksdale, DT Kendall Langford & OF Davin Joseph
2015 Draft Picks: RB Todd Gurley, OT Robert Havenstein, OT Jamon Brown, QB Sean Mannion, OT Andrew Donnal, WR Bud Sasser, OG Cody Wichmann, ILB Bryce Hager & DE Martin Ifedi
Non-Division Schedule: AFC North, NFC North & (Washington/Tampa Bay)
Fantasy Sleeper: WR Tavon Austin – He’s the model ‘post-hype sleeper’ this season. He came into the league with fantasy players drooling all over him. He hasn’t paid off and many have soured on him. He has ‘yards after catch’ speed and could break a few for touchdowns.
Projected Starters
Offense – QB Nick Foles, RB Tre Mason, WR Kenny Britt, WR Brian Quick, WR Tavon Austin, TE Jared Cook, LT Greg Robinson, LG Jamon Brown, C Tim Barnes, RG Rodger Saffold & RT Robert Havenstein
Defense – DE Chris Long, DT Aaron Donald, DT Michael Brockers, DE Robert Quinn, OLB Alec Ogletree, MLB James Laurinaitis, OLB Akeem Ayers, CB Janoris Jenkins, CB Trumaine Johnson, SS T.J. McDonald & FS Rodney McLeod
Team Analysis: The Rams finally cut ties with former #1 overall pick Sam Bradford this offseason when they traded him to Philly for quarterback Nick Foles. Foles had a nice run with the Eagles, but it was quite short. He had his own injury issues, but I like him in St. Louis. It was clear both quarterbacks needed a change of scenery. The Rams offense has some new faces, which was needed. Running back Todd Gurley should be a nice addition once he’s 100% healthy. The defense will once again be the more dominant group. They have a lot of young players, but all came highly regarded in college. Most came from the package they received when they traded the #2 overall pick to Washington a few years ago. The Rams will be good soon, but they still need a few more pieces on offense. It also doesn’t help they are dwarfed in their own division by Seattle and Arizona.
2015 Wins Over/Under Line: 8 (Prediction: UNDER)
2015 Projected Win/Loss Record: 6-10 (4th in NFC West)
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About the Author…
Bobby Roberts (otherwise known as Sweetbob) is the creator of ‘America’s White Boy’ and contributor at Project Shanks. His writing has been featured on ESPN’s ‘SportsNation’, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks, Guyspeed, and various other sites. You can follow him on Twitter at @Sweetbob.