The St. Louis Rams haven’t made the playoffs since 2004, the current third longest playoff drought of any team in the NFL. They trail only the Buffalo Bills, who haven’t made the playoffs since 1999, and the Oakland Raiders, who haven’t made the playoffs since their Super Bowl appearance in 2002. The next two seasons after their playoff berth in 2004, the Rams finished 6-10 and then 8-8 the next season in 2006. But then, the fans sat through a team that only won six games in a three-season span (2007-2009). Then in 2010, the Rams drafted who they thought would be the savior of the franchise, Sam Bradford. There was serious hope, as the Rams went 7-9 and were one win away from making the playoffs. But in 2011, injuries hit Bradford and the Rams and they finished with a record of 2-14. They were back at square one. In the next three seasons (2012-2014), the Rams weren’t bad but not great either. They never finished with a record worse than 6-10. But then came the off-season before the 2015 season.

Ram fans were sick of Bradford, with him being overpaid and always injured. Rumors had come out around the time of the Super Bowl, saying the Rams had interest in acquiring Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles. This made Rams fans excited, but free agency and trades couldn’t officially begin until early March. The excitement died down but then months later on March 13, 2015, the news broke out. Nick Foles had been traded to the Rams. The Rams definitely appeared to get the better end of the deal, as they got rid of Bradford and also gave up some draft picks but got some better draft picks than what they dealt (they gave up a fifth round pick and either a third or fourth round pick, depending on how much Bradford plays in 2015. And then Rams got a second and fourth round pick from the Eagles).

The Rams also made some other good moves this off-season. They signed LB Akeem Ayers, who had just won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. The Rams also signed former first round pick DT Nick Fairley from the Detroit Lions, making their defensive line even more intimidating.

Another thing Ram fans rejoiced about was the departure of now former Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Schotty is known for his bad play calling and also his inability to call plays to get speedster Tavon Austin the ball. Tavon Austin could be given the ball on end-arounds, screens; he could even be put in the backfield. Yet, Schottenheimer failed to get the full potential out of Austin and use him in the offense. It’s hopeful that new OC Frank Cignetti can call plays that get the ball in Tavon Austin’s hands more often.

Now, let’s get to our draft picks. The Rams selected RB Todd Gurley, who drew comparisons to Adrian Peterson coming out of college. Gurley is coming off of a Torn ACL and is hopeful to be ready to participate in training camp. It’s unsure when he will be 100% and ready to play. But when he can, look out. He has serious potential to be an elite running back in the NFL. The Rams selected four offensive linemen throughout the draft, bolstering their staff up front.

There’s no need to worry about the defense. We’ve seen what they can do and they will certainly keep us in ballgames. The offense has new firepower, with a new play caller in Frank Cignetti and new offensive weapons like Nick Foles and Todd Gurley. When the question is asked, “Will the St. Louis Rams make the playoffs in 2015?” It should be answered with a resounding yes. The Rams are on the rise and things are going to come together and the Rams will reach the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons.