It can be done.
A dome team that throws more than it runs. A defense that averages less than 2 sacks per game and has trouble stopping the run. A team like this can win it all.
The similarities between the Colts and the Rams are significant. While
Marc Bulger is no Peyton Manning, most would say, he did put up some Manning-like numbers this year. The Rams WRs are on par with the Colts' tandem.
Steven Jackson and Stephen Davis are certainly as potent at the Addai/Rhodes combo.
Likewise, the defenses have a lot in common. Both are a bit undersized and rely in speed over bulk. Both gave up over 5.0 yards per carry on the ground this year. Both have a shortage of pass rushers.
Even the special teams are similar. The Colts were better than the Rams returning kicks, but had problems in coverage, as Devin Hester can attest.
So there is good news for Rams fans today. A team
can win it all playing "dome football," as the Rams/Colts styles might be called.
What the Rams need to do is consider what separates them, an 8-8 non-playoff team, from the Colts, a Super Bowl Champion. Here are the biggest differences:
1. Pass Protection: If you want to point to one HUGE gap between the two, its sacks allowed: Colts 15, Rams 49. To play a pass-oriented game, the passer must be protected. For this reason, the Rams must solidify the offensive line. At this point, its not clear whether this will require new talent, or merely the further develoment of the existing unit. But if the Rams want to contend, the sack total must be cut in half.
2. The TE Position: Here's another big disparity - TE receptions: Colts 67, Rams 27. This statistic is related to the issue of pass protection. When the QB has a big TE to throw to over the middle, opposing teams must devote a would-be blitzer to coverage. It also gives the QB a nice option when in trouble. The development of Klopfenstein and Byrd (or Walker) is therefore more important than most realize.
3. Confidence in the System: The Colts had every reason not to get over the hump. The system had failed before - both prior to and after Tony Dungy took over. Dungy too had failed to reach the top after years of coming close. But the team stuck together, stayed with the program, and got over. The Rams must likewise continue to have faith in their system. Yes, the running game must be relied on more - but not at the expense of utilizing the skills of Bulger, Bruce and Holt. Yes, the defense must get better against the run, but perhaps a complete overhaul is not the answer.
They've always said that "defense wins championships." Well, I suppose that, on average, that is true. But its not the only way to win.
"Dome football," if done right, can get it done too.
Linear Mode
