The 1978 showed the Rams have a strong base built after finishing with their 2nd winning season in row, the first time in Rams history with back to back winning seasons. This off season they are continuing to build off the franchise success. The 1979 off-season is in full swing at Rams HQ and they have their fans talking with the moves made so far.

Offense

The offense went from being ranked 21st in 1977 to 13th in 1978. Enter new offensive Co-Ordinator Jeffrey Trump, he will attempt to take the offense to the next level. Trump was a defensive coach in Minnesota before being released and signing with Los Angeles

Quarterback, well this has been the biggest surprise thus far as the Rams sign Charles Denton from Denver in a big dollar deal. Denton threw for 2700 yards and 17 td’s in 11 starts last season with Denver. He is added to 1978 starter Theodore Mullens who threw for 4000 yards and 21 td’s and upcoming phenom 2nd year QB Jorge Bishop. “We had the capital and saw an opportunity to add to the depth at QB. We will see what happens in the pre-season, the best QB will win the job. Having 3 potentially great young QB’s is a good thing” said gm greyghost.

Wide Receiver was another position that sent shock waves throughout Los Angeles this off-season as star MLB Pat Henry and a draft pick was sent to Tennessee to acquire Wide out Jeffrey Taylor (signed to a 5-year deal since being acquired). The Rams were not done as they signed free agent WR John Robins from Minnesota to a 6-year deal. “We love the receivers we have, but we wanted speed in the games at certain times, both players bring that” said ghost. They will join returning wide receivers Pennypacker, Clark, Cox, and Hansen.

The offensive line remains the same with the exception of 2nd year Salvatore Pope taking over full time at LT for retired William Behrens. Pope drafted in the 2nd round draft pick in 1978 played in 16 games last season and starting 7, allowing zero sacks. Don Hobby was signed for depth at RG.

The Rams have discussed the potential of signing free agent former New Orleans and Cincinnati RB Malcom Luna to add depth to the RB position, but no deal has been agreed on.

The 1978 Rams defense was the big surprise of the organization as they moved from the 12th ranked defense in 77 to the 6th ranked defense in Paydirt. “We were shocked and elated at this improvement, but this season we play 11 out of 16 teams that were fighting for the playoffs in the final game of the 78 season. If the defense doesn’t maintain then it could be a long road ahead” said greyghost. Most of the main components are still intact, but there have been some additions.


Defense

The defensive line still maintains it presence and could arguably be considered one of the deepest with Johnson, Armijo, Rupert, and Lane. They are backed up Simmons and Goll who could start on many teams. Kurt Johnson was signed for depth at DT.

There is a big change in the LB corps as 3rd year LB Tony Sawyer moves into the MLB spot vacated by Pat Henry. Sawyer is a former #1 pick by Carolina acquired from Kansas City. “Tony has been willing to move around in different positions on the defense which has been great. He has earned a starting job” said Ghost. He is joined by 3rd year linebacker Brett Stotler and veteran defensive captain Karl Johnson.

There have been major veteran additions with the signing of veteran defensive backs Dewey Williams and Glenn Curry through free agency. They join last year starters Boston, Thomas, and Quesada. The only given currently is Thomas will be the starter at corner. The rest is up in the air who lines up at which position. Ricky Kaatz was signed in free agency and Jose Jones was acquired from Detroit for depth.

Free agency is nearing an end and for most in the Rams front office that indicates an 8-day vacation until spring training as the building process has allowed the organization to take a breath by not taking part in this seasons draft. Beginning tomorrow there will be one person in the office forwarding any potential trade calls to greyghost who will be on retreat with the rest of the organization in Maui(not RL, just paydirt sim,lol).

In an expected announcement, Beercloud has turned in his resignation effective week 9 of the 1980 season. The Rams and Beercloud have been at odds for a while now and it was time for a change. LA will now begin their search for a replacement.