THE WATER COOLER:
What is a reasonable expectation for the Rams (W-L wise) in Jeff Fisher's first season?
BRYAN BURWELL:
Boy that's a tough one, particularly not knowing what the Rams roster will look like. However with Fisher's track record it seems reasonable to expect an improvement to six or seven victories in Year One.
JIM THOMAS:
Well, let's see who they draft, and what happens in free agency. Obviously, another big key is getting Sam Bradford back on track. While not a pushover, the schedule doesn't look as foreboding as last year. But if I had to pick a number, I guess I'll go for 6-10.
JOE STRAUSS:
It's pretty difficult to say until we know how much the talent is upgraded. I've already heard breathless media assurances of a .500 record offered with the same certainty of August promises that the 2011 Rams were playoff bound. Right now, the Rams resemble a 4-12 bunch that needs to remove some overpriced lard from its roster. Hopefully, the next GM won't have a problem shedding his predecessor's mistakes. The Jason Smith situation, for example, has long been inexcusable. Enough!
KATHLEEN NELSON:
6-10. If, as Fisher himself said, this team played hard for Spags, then it was working at maximum effort. So, any improvement will come from an upgrade in talent and coaching, rather than a boost in attitude or morale. If he and the new GM can find a few free agents for immediate impact and cultivate the draft picks and youngsters here, I think fans would be happy with a four-game improvement.
REID LAYMANCE:
The Rams went from 1-15 to 7-9 with a last-place schedule in 2010. They get the benefits of that again in 2012. I think a similar jump is not out of the question again. He was 7-9 in his first full season in Houston and journeyman Chris Chandler at QB.
JEFF GORDON:
The 49ers are light years ahead. The Seahawks are well ahead. The Cardinals are improving, but still within reach. With this division trending upward, getting back to 7-9 would be a huge step for this franchise. The softer non-conference schedule should help quite a bit. If the Rams can kill it in free agency and add some real weapons there and in the draft, perhaps a .500 finish would become realistic.
Readers: How do you think the Rams will fare in 2012? Post your predictions in the "Comments" section.
