from off der net
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Saguaro
Some areas to improve in 2014.
All of these stats are drawn from Jeff Fisher’s first two years as head coach. Source is nfl.com
Points per Game
Offense 2012: 18.7 PPG, Rank 25 — 2013: 21.8 PPG, Rank 21.
A 3.1 PPG improvement from year 1 to year 2. To get into the top third of the league, they will need another 4 PPG improvement.
The NFCW 2013 NFL Rankings:
Seahawks 8
49er’s —- 11
Cardinals 16
Rams —- 21
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Defense 2012: 21.8 PPG, Rank 14 — 2013: 22.8 PPG Rank 12.
Although allowing 1 more PPG, the defense improved it’s rank slightly, as scoring was generally up. 20 PPG or lower would probably put them solidly into the top third.
The NFCW 2013 NFL Rankings:
Seahawks 1
49ers —– 3
Cardinals 7
Rams —- 12
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3rd Down %
Offense 2012: 32%, Rank 29 — 2013: 34%, Rank 28.
This is a weak area for the Rams, ranking in the bottom 8th of the league both years. Fans were frustrated at times when 3rd and long resulted in a pass well short of the marker, or a conservative running play. It will be most interesting to see whether the Rams stated desire to throw downfield, and the new receiver attitude emanating from Kenny Britt might help here.
The NFCW 2013 NFL Rankings:
Seahawks 17
49ers —– 18
Cardinals- 22
Rams —– 28
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Defense 2012: 38%, Rank 12 — 2013: 39%, Rank 18.
Allowing one percentage point more conversions to opponents in year 2 dropped them from a respectable 12th to a mediocre 18th. This will need to be reduced to around 34% for the Rams to be a top defense. Hard to do with the giant cushion tactic.
The NFCW 2013 NFL Rankings:
49ers —— 6
Seahawks 10
Cardinals – 11
Rams —– 18
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Penalty Yards
2012: 978, Rank 29 — 2013 1009, Rank 29
This is a familiar problem for the Rams and Fisher. Middle of the pack is around 820 penalty yards. To reach that the Rams would need to reduce their penalty yards by about 12 yards per game. Would that be so hard? Apparently it is, as the Rams are a model of consistency in this area from year to year.
The NFCW 2013 NFL Rankings:
Cardinals – 8
49ers —– 18
Rams —– 29
Seahawks 32
I believe that improvement in each of these areas is not only possible but likely and necessary if the Rams are going to take a step forward and at least compete for a playoff spot.
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