Detroit Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: St. Louis Rams
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions head back out on the road after back-to-back Thursday home games. It’s off to St. Louis to take on the Rams in week 14 – the first of three road games in the final four of the regular season.
To check in on the Rams as they prepare to report to training camp, I got together with Mike Condon, editor at Ramblin’ Fan.
Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. How would you assess the team’s offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
"The offseason for the Rams went well. Overall a B+ rating. The only reason they didn’t get an A was due to the fact they ignored veteran help on the O-line and opted to go the route of all rookies. The draft was also a very successful one it would seem. They selected RB Todd Gurley in the first round as many know, and if healthy he looks to make a run at Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, he needs to get healthy first. Unfortunately, he will be starting camp on the NFI list. They addressed the O-line with selections in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th round. Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown, selected in the 2nd and 3rd round respectively, could be starting come Week 1, and don’t forget Isaiah Battle selected in the 5th round of the supplemental draft a few weeks ago."
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2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2015 and why?
"Todd Gurley takes the cake here. He was an absolute machine in college posting over 3,000 yards in three seasons at Georgia. As a freshman he would score 17 touchdowns, and totaled almost 50 in his college career. He had his junior season cut short by a devastating knee injury that resulted in a torn ACL. There are questions about his health leading into camp, and as I mentioned earlier will begin camp on the NFI list, but once he returns he should be a spectacle on the football field."
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
"Offensive line is still the biggest questions mark this team has. The success of this line will determine the success of both the Rams new focus on the ground game and the success of newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles. The line starts well with second year player Greg Robinson and returning veteran Rodger Saffold, but after that it’s anybody guess. Havenstein and Brown should compete for a starting position. The battle for center is still up in the air with Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones and Demetrius Rhaney. Barnes seems to hold a slight edge heading into training camp, but this one may take some time to sort out."
4. What are your expectations for the team in 2015?
"My expectations for the team in 2015 are simple, earn a spot in the postseason. This team has the talent to do that this year, and I think anything less than that is a huge disappointment. The schedule is a little intimidating in spots, but nothing the Rams can’t overcome. They will need to get off to a fast start which has been an issue for them under Jeff Fisher. The schedule just screams 9-7 or 8-8, but the division is ripe for the picking and by winning a few games that don’t favor them (i.e. Pittsburgh, Detroit, Baltimore or Cincinnati) this team can push for 10 wins. That’s the magic number. 10 wins earns you a wild card spot in the NFC in 2015, in my opinion."
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up?
"I’m marking the Lions game as a win for the Rams, I will admit a tough one, but a win. It’s deep in the season, Week 14 to be exact, so this roster will have had plenty of time spent playing together and we will know exactly what we have at that point. I think the Lions hold the advantage when it comes to the passing game, but running the ball and defense belong to the Rams. The loss of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, who ironically is now in St. Louis, will hurt the Lions defense far more than people think. Whether the Rams are starting Tre Mason or Todd Gurley at that point in the season is an unknown, but both backs are far better that Joique Bell. Bell is on the doorstep of 30-years-old and has only registered stats with Detroit in the last three years despite entering the league in 2010. St. Louis will need to limit the damage done though the air, but should come out on top to the tune of something in the area of 24-21."
For more on the Rams, check out Ramblin’ Fan.
Next: Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Eagles