What Do Rams Need to be Playoff Contenders?

[TorontoRam]

Watching playoff games to date (and looking at the teams who are still in the hunt today) IMHO several things mark the successful teams (in no particular order of importance because IMO they're all important):

Mobile QB (flat out run and/or be extremely mobile in the pocket)
Team chemistry (anticipating one another's moves)
Speed on both the O and D side of the ball (speed and quickness)

Do the Rams have enough or can they get enough of the aforementioned in the next two seasons say(and anything else someone would like to add) to get to much less win a game in the playoffs?

[AvengerRam]

I disagree with you... almost entirely.

You need a strong O line and playmakers.

Just like 5, 10 and 20 years ago.

The running QB thing is a fad.

[bruce4life]

Everything in sports is cyclical. The running qb was popular with the likes of mike Vick, mcnabb, Garcia, etc and then defenses eventually adapted. The same situation will arise with these qbs.

[Nick]

Mobility in the pocket is important in the sense that you don't want a statue like Drew Bledsoe standing back there.

But really, if you look at this year's crop of playoff teams, there are far more pocket passers who display adequate-at-best mobility than there are guys I would refer to as "mobile QBs."

To conclude that extreme mobility if not a flat out running QB is vital to being a playoff contender based on this year's playoff teams seems rather strange to me.

[bradwill]

Kaepernick can run like a mo-fo but he's also QB-ing behind a really stellar OL. 9ers' OL completely dominated GB last night and opened huge lanes for everyone behind it, whether that was Gore or Kaepernick. GB got nowhere trying to blitz and pressure Kaepernick and he had all day to throw or decide to run. They totally dominated the GB defense to the point it was like watching Alabama-ND all over again.

I don't think it's possible to waste resources on the OL. Really would like to see the Rams go early in the draft on the OL. There is a lot of money tied-up in Bradford so let's give him the best protection Rams can afford and look for the big playmaker WR later or through FA or trade.

[Rambos]

What Do Rams Need to be Playoff Contenders?

I find it strange that your title refers to what the Rams need and then your list starts with extremely mobile QB. Seems more like a cheap way take a shot at Sam more then a serious question as to what we need to address in the off season.

I could take this a tad more serious if the last two SB where won by mobile QBs and four of the six reaming QB in the playoffs where mobile QB not pocket passers.

Just seems a little premature to put that at the top of your list.

[tomahawk247]

The Rams played mobile QBs in 5 games last season. Against Seattle and San Francisco twice (even if Smith started, Kaepernick played the majority in the first game), and against Washington once.

Results? 3 wins, a tie and only one loss for the Rams.

It's just a fad

[sosa39rams]

What do we need to make the playoffs?

-4 or 5 more solid-amazing players
-a DC
-Consistency
-Continued development

[Dwight Frye]

New safeties?

[TorontoRam]

New safeties?

I appreciate the replies, all of which seem very credible. I'm also aware that the Rams are in a division with two of the teams who are loaded with talent (QB, RB, OL, D, WRs) and, IMHO, they are not going to dominate next season, so my concern isn't whether the Rams will be successful but how long it's going to take to become successful (defined by playoff appearances AND playoff wins).

[Beastified]

The Rams are much closer than many people think. The Rams could make the playoffs next year without any draft picks this year - I'm not even kidding. The natural progression of the 10+ rookies along with young players like Quinn and Bradford should automatically account for more wins next season. Sprinkle in a year of experience and continued built chemistry between the players and you have a playoff team, in my opinion. People forget about Watkins, Quick, and Pead. Atleast one of those guys should make an impact next season.

The progression of the team along with 2 1sts, a 2nd, and a 3rd (3-4 new quality starters at the minimum) , puts no doubt in my mind. The Rams will be playing in January next year. I saw somebodys pic on this website and yes, IT HAS BEGUN.

[HUbison]

Seeing as how we went undefeated this year in two games against a certain NFC team that is heading to the Championship game, I'd say we're closer than some want to believe.

[VegasRam]

Seeing as how we went undefeated this year in two games against a certain NFC team that is heading to the Championship game, I'd say we're closer than some want to believe.

No question about it. I would add that we all want to believe - maybe just have a hard time letting ourselves.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[fliptalianstallion]

At this state of the league, they need to learn to stop running QBs (which they've shown they're capable of). With our major losses to GB and NE this season, we also need to learn how to slow down elite passing offenses. Now they just need a stable O-line, a few offensive playmakers, and chemistry between Bradford and his receivers.

[CRAZYHORNS]

I appreciate the replies, all of which seem very credible. I'm also aware that the Rams are in a division with two of the teams who are loaded with talent (QB, RB, OL, D, WRs) and, IMHO, they are not going to dominate next season, so my concern isn't whether the Rams will be successful but how long it's going to take to become successful (defined by playoff appearances AND playoff wins).

How did the Rams perform against their divisional foes? I believe much better than expected. The Rams challenges in 2012 was not the division but the NFC North. The Rams lost all 5 games against the North.

Go Rams