St. Louis Rams: Is This What Hope Feels Like?

The St. Louis Rams have been in striking distance in every game they've played so far this season.

Playing at Detroit, it took a Lions touchdown with 10 seconds left in the game to beat them. Hosting Washington, they pulled off an amazing come-from-behind win. Playing at Chicago, they trailed 10-6 going into the fourth quarter, only to see the game get away from them in the only "bad loss" they've had so far this season.

Then in Week 4, they beat Seattle in a defensive slugfest.

So, Rams fans, is this what hope feels like?

The Rams are 2-2 right now, exactly where I thought they'd be before the season started. They host Arizona—the surprise team in the NFL right now—in a Thursday night game. If they beat Arizona at home, they would be tied for first place in the NFC West.

Read that last sentence again.

The Rams are coming off of the worst five-year stretch in the history of the NFL. They are the youngest team in the NFL right now. If they can win a game at home Thursday night, they'll be tied for first place.

Jeff Fisher is the man.

When Fisher came to St. Louis, he instilled a culture of toughness at Rams Park. Just watching this team play, it jumps off the screen how much more physical they are. Redskins' rookie QB Robert Griffin III even accused the Rams of being dirty.

I'll take that as a compliment.

When was the last time the Rams got under somebody's skin? In the world of tackle football, when was the last time the Rams didn't assume the fetal position when the going got tough?

The best part is, because the Rams are so young, they're only going to get better.

By my count, 11 "freshmen and sophomores" made an impact in today's game. The Rams' box score is full of first- and second-year players who are making a difference. The Rams hold five picks in the first round over the next three years.

If the Rams can cash in on those picks, this is going to be a very dangerous football team. If they can continue to find late-round gems like rookies Greg Zuerlein and Daryl Richardson, the sky is the limit.

Could we be looking at the dawn of a new era of football dominance in St. Louis?

I sure hope so. For one day, sit back and enjoy it, Rams fans.

This is what hope feels like.