Anonymous exec questions if Rams have the 'consistency' to win

6 days ago 2

The Los Angeles Rams have, at times, looked like the best team in the NFL. They finished with the No. 1 scoring offense and the No. 10 scoring defense. Matthew Stafford could win NFL MVP after he led the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns. The defense finished with the seventh-most sacks with 47.

However, as one NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando, the Rams lack "consistency." And that issue concerns the anonymous executive.

"I think the Rams have the highest highs of any team in the playoffs, but can they have the consistency to win the Super Bowl?" the exec said. "I don't know if I could say that."

For about 12 weeks, it would be easy to make the argument against this quote. The offense looked unstoppable and the defense could stop anyone. The Rams were riding a six-game winning streak between Weeks 6 and 12, and it was hard to find another team who looked as good as L.A.

Things got a little rocky in the second half of the season, though — hence the consistency questions.

While the offense continued to put up numbers, the defense started giving up points. The defense allowed 26.6 points from Weeks 13 to 17, during which the Rams went 2-3. That isn't counting the two pick-sixes the Rams gave up in Week 13 to the Panthers and Week 17 to the Falcons. The once-stout run defense oscillated between giving up more than 135 yards (in Weeks 11, 13, 16 and 17) to fewer than 100 in Weeks 12 and 18.

Matthew Stafford and the offense papered over some issues with lots of scoring, but some of that was to keep pace in games.

The consistency questions are valid, but the Rams' record still stands. And apart from a few strange losses, L.A. remains a true contender in the NFL with quality personnel at quarterback, head coach and on the defensive line.

The first test will come against the Panthers in the Wild Card round, where the Rams have a chance at redemption for their earlier loss.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Anonymous exec questions if Rams have the 'consistency' to win

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