Rams Facing 'Burning Question': Playoffs or Tank For QB Caleb Williams?

Two years removed from a Super Bowl, questions surround how strong the Rams can be in 2023.

To say the Los Angeles Rams have had an eventful offseason might just be an understatement. Two years removed from a Super Bowl title and the roster finds itself in flux. 

Gone are key pieces of that title run, most notably cornerback Jalen Ramsey who was traded to the Miami Dolphins this offseason. Other pieces do remain, though, such as the elite quarterback-receiver duo of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. 

One of the big questions surrounding this roster entering the season is just how good they will be - with CBS Sports wondering whether or not they'll be a contender for the playoffs or race to draft Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall. 

The talent is definitely there, and Sean McVay is still an offensive guru on the sidelines. Stafford and Kupp alone showed they can carry the offense in 2021, doing so all the way to the lifting of the Lombardi Trophy. That, paired with a potential Cam Akers breakout season, and the Rams offense has sneaky potential to be one of the NFL's best again. 

On the other hand, though, there are plenty of concerns about the Rams. Most notably, their health. Stafford and Kupp are both returning from injuries, while the offensive line last season was plagued with injuries throughout the season.

However, wondering aloud if they will be in the race for Williams is a fair question. After all, it takes only one bad injury to Stafford to potentially sink the Rams' season just like last year.

And, of course, Williams has been labeled the next surefire quarterback prospect. Landing him could change the trajectory of whichever team selects No. 1 overall - which could be the Rams. 

Ultimately, the Rams shouldn't outright tank. They have the talent to compete for a wild card spot in the playoffs, just one season removed from going a disappointing 5-12. 

Of course, injuries and general bad luck could see the Rams end up with a high pick in the draft next season. That's just football, after all. For now, though, they should look to continue bolstering their roster to show that their 5-12 showing was not the new norm. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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