2003 Rams Schedule Offers Opportunity
By Rams Nation's Don Ackerman
In today's NFL, last year's record is like last year's newspaper: It's interesting
but does not cover what is happening today. In today's NFL, last year's chump
is today's champ.
As Rams fans, we know how that goes, don't we? But enough of that, let's break
down the 2003 season
The Ramp Up (Giants, 49ers, Seahawks, Cardinals, Bye)
The early part of the NFL season will be the time when this team builds up
momentum in 2003. The Rams face good teams and divisional foes.
For the third straight year, the Rams open on the road. Just like the previous
years (Denver & Philadelphia), the Rams face a good test on the road with
the Giants. No matter what happens, the Rams won't have much time to celebrate
or second guess themselves. The 2nd week in the NFL is Niners Week. After last
year's humiliation on Monday Night, the 49ers should be charged for this game
and the Rams know that if they want the NFC West crown they will need to take
the crown away from San Fran. The Seahawks and Cardinals are tests to whether
or not the Rams are improved. In their 2nd year as divisional foes, the 'Hawks
and Card's will be more familiar with the Rams and be prepared to upset the
Rams.
For me, the bye's in a good spot. After last year's disappointing 0-5 start,
I'm hoping this bye will be a time of reflection and preparation for the Bump.
The Big Bump (Falcons, Packers, Steelers, 49ers, Ravens)
Once the bye is over, the Rams have to buckle up. They will face the hardest
part of their schedule. There's no guarantee but barring injuries, these are
5 playoff clubs. If the Rams can ride the Big Bump and succeed, the Rams can
prepare for the next part of their 2003 schedule: The Playoff Launch Pad.
The Playoff Launch Pad (Bears, Cardinals, Vikings, Browns, Seahawks,
Bengals, and Lions)
The final 7 games of regular season look promising but the road to the Super
Bowl always goes through Upset City. The Rams should be able to handle this
stretch well. If the Rams can do what we know they can do, this stretch should
be the Playoff Launch Pad where the Rams put it together for another run at
the Super Bowl.
After the Dust Settles
So where is Saint Louis after 16 games? I wouldn't have guessed 7-9 last year
but 11-5 looks possible and 10-6 sounds reasonable considering the rebuilding
in Martz' kingdom and the schedule. Lately, the Rams like to make a Super Bowl
run one year, then let down the next. The good news is that the let down was
last year. I see the Rams making the playoffs and hope to see you in Houston
for the game on Feb 1 (Super Bowl XXXVIII in case you lost track of which roman
numeral we're on)!!
Ram on,
Don