Los Angeles Rams: Four crucial story lines to watch for next season
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Rams are looking to bounce back from a disappointing homecoming season. Four key story lines may dictate if the team is successful in doing so.
The Los Angeles Rams‘ homecoming to the City of Angels did not go as anticipated. After 21 seasons in the city of St. Louis, the Rams returned home to Los Angeles in 2016, the place they had called home from 1946 to 1994. Despite having the Hollywood story line, in Hollywood, the Rams failed to make their first year back in Los Angeles a memorable one.
After starting the season 3-1, defeating the Seahawks, Buccaneers and Cardinals in consecutive weeks, the Rams finished the season 1-13 in route to a 4-12 record. Their only other win came in week ten when they defeated the Jets in a very high scoring 9-6 game. Los Angeles then finished the year on a seven game losing streak.
This was not the return the organization, nor fans, were anticipating. Coming off of a very promising 7-9 2015, the sky seemed to be the limit for this young Rams team. But, whether it was due to poor coaching, a lack of depth or key players just not performing, the Rams put together their least amount of wins since 2011.
In fact, the team is looking to make their first postseason appearance since 2004 and post their first record above .500 since 2003. The city of Los Angeles has hosted playoff football since 1985; three years before the Dodgers last World Series win.
While the Rams may not quite get there yet, they certainly are looking to take some steps in the right direction. Therefore, what four story lines are pivotal to the Rams success next season?