It's finally over. The 2011 St. Louis Rams have finished the season, a year designed to cure you of any remaining delusions as to the enjoyment of rooting for your hometown football team. It was hard work, but I think this final game—in which a futile but invigorating rally against a streaking NFC West rival was keyed not by first-string quarterback Sam Bradford, but by the scrambling abilities of fourth-stringer Kellen Clemens—was the perfect capstone to a season in which anything pleasant was unlikely to portend any future greatness. Sure, Clemens' legitimately impressive escape of the 49ers' brutal run defense during Sunday's game looked great and provided a momentary boost, but it ultimately offered no specific hope for the team's future.
It was the perfect end to a lame-duck season that started out very nearly ducky.
Now, we turn to the future. Coach Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney, the captain and designer of this 2-14 ship, are out. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could be heading across the state, to Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium (though reportedly not as the Chiefs' head coach). Bradford likely will learn a third offensive scheme in as many years, possibly with another ostensible No. 1 wide receiver, and running back Steven Jackson will be another year older.
In other words, there's not a lot to look forward to.
Give it time, though. Against all odds, your love of football might just be in remission. In a few months, the Rams will have a new head coach with new plans of building around the team's would-be star and the second pick in the NFL draft, and...
Well, I hate to say this, but you could be right back here, yelling at your TV, next year. Sorry, but sometimes the cure just doesn't take, no matter how aggressive the treatment.
