The Los Angeles Rams have had quite the start to their season. They are 6-2 and are currently leading the NFC West division. Despite their success midway through the season, the Rams are still validating themselves to the public.
People tend to exercise a level of trepidation when predicting the Rams future success. In large part because people do not believe this team will keep it up.
The Rams recent history of consistent losing makes it difficult for many to believe that they could turn things around so quickly.
This franchise has not had a winning record since 2003 when they were 12-4. In the 14 years since their last winning record, the Rams are 68-139 not including this season.
It is hard for any team to shake a losing reputation despite midseason success. There is also the quality of the Rams wins as well.
The Rams have their share of quality wins on the season but each quality win is coupled with a less impressive win.
They have wins against quality teams such as the Dallas Cowboys (5-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3), and Arizona Cardinals (4-4). Then there are the wins against lesser teams such as the Indianapolis Colts (3-6), San Francisco 49ers (0-9), and New York Giants (1-7).
However, discounting their wins over subpar teams is unfair in and of itself. Part of being a good/great team is beating the teams everyone expects to lose.
It is a testament to their consistency and ability to show up week in and week out. They have made a statement midway through the season.
Head coach Sean McVay makes note of this during media availability:
“what were teams’ records at the halfway point last year? You don’t remember unless you’re at the halfway point. It’s how you finish games and how you finish seasons”.
He is right. If the Rams lose the rest of their games this season, this 6-2 start will be remembered just as well as their 3-1 start from last year. It will be a constant reminder to never buy into the hype.
Teams do not get into the playoffs based on their performance for half the season. It is about the entire journey. The Rams are half of the way there.
They will truly show if they have turned over a new leaf if they can finish out the season similarly to how they started it. They are first in the NFC West which means they control their own destiny.
That is the first time a Rams team has been able to say that in a very long time.
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.
