The 2017 season from the Los Angeles Rams was hopefully a preview of great things to come. While this season did not end how the Rams organization wanted, it created a lot of hope for fans looking towards the future.
It is important for everyone to remember that this is a team that got to this point ahead of schedule. Aside from those within the locker room, very few foresaw this team making the kind of progress it did this season.
After the 4-12 showing last season, it is understandable why this season’s performance took many by surprise. It was gruesome watching this team play football.
The Rams were dead last in total offense last season according to pro-football-reference.com. Their offense was only averaging 4.4 yards per play (league worst).
They were second in the league in punts and led the league in punting yards. This season was a complete switch up for them.
After hiring Sean McVay and revamping their roster, the Rams had the necessary pieces to turn things around. They made a change to the entire team culture and actually saw themselves accomplishing all that they did this season.
The Rams went from worst to first in regards to their scoring offense. Then their offense went from dead last in total yards and improved to tenth.
They also remained stout on special teams. They were second in punt return yards and third in kick return yards. The Rams were also second in field goal makes and third in field goal conversion percentage.
This was one of the more balanced teams in the NFL this year but they rode on the back of their offense to much of their success this year.
In games where the Rams were able to score 22 points (league average) or more, they were 11-1. When they were held under 22 points, they were 0-5 (including their Wild Card loss to the Atlanta Falcons)..
The improvements in their performance led to their first NFC West title in 14 seasons. It was also their first playoff berth since 2004.
Above all else, this team was able to revive the Los Angeles fan base. There are a lot of things to do in Los Angeles that can take people away from a football game.
Towards the end of the season they were performing at such a high level they became a draw for the city. This team established a presence in a city where it is tough to do so.
It is now up to them to take what they did this season and carry it into bigger and better things moving forward.
Brendan Abban is the host of the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BAbban24 or email him via [email protected]. This article was originally written and published on SB Nation.
