Los Angeles Rams Struggle, but Playoff Door Stays Open

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Rams Fall Short of Expectations but Still Have a Path Forward

It is time to reconsider expectations for the Rams. They do not look like a good football team, especially after allowing Arizona to kick six field goals. If Arizona had converted one or two of those drives into touchdowns, the Rams could have been crushed.

The Rams are not close to what many thought they would be at the beginning of the season. However, they have only been outscored by three points, while Arizona has the same record and has been outscored by 50. Despite losing to the Cardinals, the Rams could still finish the season as the better team.

The Rams may have to sneak into the playoffs at 9-8 and hope their veterans can make a difference. Adams is expected to be out for a couple of months, Stafford has not looked right, and the team must rely on players such as Donald and Garrett. Reaching the postseason remains a fair question, but the weakness of the NFC keeps the door open. Atlanta, Tampa Bay, the NFC East and Seattle do not make the path seem impossible.

Scoring differential matters, and the Rams have lost several close games. A play or two could have made them 3-3. Still, even if they finish 9-8, it is difficult to envision this particular team suddenly turning it on and making a run like the New York Giants did after finishing around .500.

Writing the Rams off in October would be premature, but the idea that everything will simply be fine must be reconsidered. Their problems exist in several areas, including special teams. After firing one player and bringing in Groupie, the situation could hardly have gone worse. The good news is that Nevis is still available.