Can the Rams Really Go 0-16?
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by Oh No Romo
Can the St. Louis Rams really go 0-16? It’s a thought-provoking question when you stop and think about it, but seriously, is the feat even possible?
After a demoralizing loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, nothing is out of the realm of possibility.
Here’s something for you, the Rams are 0-7. Last season, they went 4-3 in their first seven games. The only other team in the NFL that is 0-7 is the Miami Dolphins. The last team to start the regular season 0-7 was the Cincinnati Bengals in 2002.
Both the 1989 Dallas Cowboys and the 1996 New York Jets started the regular season 0-8; they both finished the season, 1-15. Both teams tied for the worst record under the 16-game format was established almost 30 years ago.
What about the offense? Seven years ago, people were calling the Rams “The Greatest Show on Turf,” now they are the lowest scoring team in the NFL.
They average just 11 points a game, worst in the NFL. In their first seven games last season, the Rams averaged 23 points per game. The Rams offense has scored 79 points in seven games. Last year, in their first seven games, the Rams scored 163 points. They would go on to score 367 points for the regular season.
The Rams average 274 yards a game on offense, third worst in the NFL, behind the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers.
What made the offense work last season was the rushing attack, led by Steven Jackson. He was in the top five in many of the rushing categories, including fifth in rushing yards with 1,805 and a tie for fourth in rushing touchdowns with 13.
Last season was without a doubt a career year for Jackson. This year, he has struggled quite significantly. It does not help that he has dealt with a groin injury. In three games this season, Jackson has rushed only 69 times for 233 yards and no touchdowns.
It’s hard to tell if the Rams will finish the season 0-16. They play the Cleveland Browns this week, a team that has had its highs and lows.
Week 11, the Rams will go on the road to face the 49ers. Their week two match up was the closest to victory that the Rams have gotten all season long. The 49ers offense is one of the worst in the NFL.
Week 13, the Rams play the Atlanta Falcons at home. It’s been a terrible year for the Falcons and the Rams best chance to win a game.
If the Rams got to a point where they would lose their first 15 games, they get to take on the Arizona Cardinals on the road during the final weekend of the season. The 1996 Jets picked up their only win of the season against the Cardinals.
Only time will tell if the 2007 St. Louis Rams will go 0-16 and with nine games left in the season, anything is possible.
