Knox Says Playoffs Are Realistic Goal : Rams: As camp opens today, coach is optimistic that team can improve on last season’s 6-10 record.
The Rams won only three of their final nine games last season, and in recent months have lost three starters to free agency.
Running back Cleveland Gary, their leading rusher and receiver, wants to play elsewhere. Defensive tackle Sean Gilbert, their best hope for the future, must fight in court to stay out of jail. Todd Kinchen, the top candidate to improve a shaky wide receiver corps, injured a knee playing basketball during the off-season.
The team hasn’t put together a two-game winning streak since 1990, and this year the Rams face a tortuous schedule that includes three road assignments in their first four games.
But Coach Chuck Knox, ordinarily a master of understatement, has boldly suggested that success is within his team’s grasp this season.
“Making the playoffs,” Knox said, “that’s our goal. . . . I think it’s a realistic goal.”
The Rams begin that quest today, with the opening of training camp at Cal State Fullerton for rookies and selected veterans. The other veterans will report Thursday.
“In order for us to make the playoffs, obviously a lot of things have to happen,” Knox said. “Our veteran players have to improve and play better than they did last year.
“We have to improve in our turnover-takeaway ratio. We were minus-four in that department last year.
“We also have to get some help out of the new draft choices we have and the veterans we got in free agency and in trades. Talent wins, and we’ve got to upgrade the talent level of our football team every year.”
The Rams have been aggressive shoppers, but not always by choice.
The Raiders stunned them in the opening hours of free agency by swiping starting left tackle Gerald Perry. The Rams responded with the signing of Irv Eatman, who played right tackle for the New York Jets last season.
The Chargers signed starting right guard Joe Milinichik, so the Rams countered by trading for Leo Goeas, a reserve San Diego offensive lineman.
Linebacker Kevin Greene, arguably the Rams’ best defender in recent years, accepted an offer to join the Steelers after Pittsburgh lost linebacker Jerold Williams to the Chargers. Henry Rolling, who was replaced by Williams in San Diego, signed with the Rams.
The Rams lost wide receiver Aaron Cox to Indianapolis and running back Robert Delpino to Denver, but landed Buffalo starting middle linebacker Shane Conlan and Washington designated pass rusher Fred Stokes.
“We’re kind of like we were in Buffalo,” said Knox, who took the Bills to an AFC East title in his third year in command. “The year before we got to Buffalo they won three games. Our first year we won five, then we won seven and then 11. . . . There are some parallels here.”
If history is to repeat, however, then might the Rams still be a year away from posting more victories than defeats?
“We won six last year, so we’re ahead of that first year in Buffalo,” Knox said. “We have a very, very tough schedule, but if we can win the close ones . . . we could be right there this season.”
Knox replaced John Robinson a year ago, after the Rams had dropped to 3-13. The team’s 6-10 record included a 27-23 victory over the Super Bowl champion Cowboys at Dallas.
A promising collection of offensive skill players acquired in the draft has added to Knox’s positive outlook for 1993. Rookie running backs Jerome Bettis and Russell White are expected to replace Gary, who has asked to be traded.
Tight end Troy Drayton, considered the top pass-catching tight end available in the draft, and wide receiver Sean LaChapelle also are being counted on to upgrade the passing game.
“I would tell the fans to keep the faith,” Knox said.