This offseason, theRams.com will be taking a look around the internet for the top Rams headlines of the day. Here's a look at what's out there for Monday, Feb. 12th about your Los Angeles Rams:
Renewed NFL Rivalries: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
The NFL is known for some of the best rivalries in professional sports. And on Monday, NFL.com columnist Adam Schein is taking a look at some of the new and rekindled rivalries that are set to take hold during the 2018 season. The Rams were included on the list twice — once for a rekindled rivalry with San Francisco, and the second for a budding rivalry with the Chargers.
2) San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
"When Jim Harbaugh left San Francisco, the pure hate between the 49ers and Seahawks lost its luster. But now, the Niners are poised for hostility with another NFC West squad. NorCal vs. SoCal -- an old-school rivalry renewed!
The Rams, of course, just enjoyed a breakthrough season, going 11-5 to win the division title. Meanwhile, the 49ers finished the regular season with a flurry -- after starting the year at 1-10, they closed out the campaign with five straight wins. Different levels of accomplishment there, no doubt, but what makes this rivalry renewal so enticing is what these two teams have in common. Each franchise boasts an enviable (and youthful) coach-QB combination: Sean McVay and Jared Goff in L.A., Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo by the Bay. Thus, this rivalry can be a special one for years to come.
I know I'm going to pick the 49ers to make the playoffs, given a full season of the Jimmy G-Lil' Shanny pairing. But are they better than the Rams? I want this matchup in prime time! Both installments!"
8) Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams
"Year 1 in the Battle for L.A. was a resounding victory for the Rams. Sean McVay's team generated plenty of buzz, while the Bolts' fan support was, uh, lacking, to put it nicely.
In 2018, both Los Angeles teams should be thinking about winning playoff games, not just making the dance. Once again, there will be major competition for eyeballs and presence at the box office. And these teams are scheduled to face off in the L.A. Coliseum. I can't wait."
Rams Among Top-Five Special Teams Units of 2017
Throughout the NFL offseason, the folks at Pro Football Focus have begun to release their rankings for various position groups and players throughout the league. This week, PFF released its final installment of the 2017 special teams rankings — based upon a unique rating algorithm which uses machine learning to weigh each grading field by how much it contributed to winning games.
The Rams' special teams unit, widely regarded as one of the best in the NFL, came in at No. 3 for the 2017 season.
Previous ranking: 3
"Perennially one of the league's best units, special teams bit the Rams when they needed them the most in the playoffs. Pharoh Cooper, the league's highest-graded return man, committed multiple turnovers in the loss to the Falcons, overshadowing what was an otherwise brilliant season. Cory Littleton was all over the field in every phase of special teams, earning the highest special teams grade among non-kickers/return men."
