Terron Armstead was on some nice groups throughout his 12-year NFL profession with the Saints and Dolphins, however the retired sort out thinks the 2026 Los Angeles Rams may very well be the perfect crew in NFL historical past.
“If this roster is healthy, I see no reason why they don’t go undefeated,” Armstead stated in a current sit-down with Wealthy Eisen. They have been discussing the implications of the commerce that introduced Myles Garrett to the Rams.
Is it doable for the Rams to go undefeated?
In fact it’s; it’s been achieved earlier than by the 1972 Miami Dolphins, however solely in a 14-game season. Might or not it’s achieved right this moment?
Don Shula was employed by the Dolphins in 1970 to interchange George Wilson, who apparently had an actual eye for expertise however lacked the teaching abilities to capitalize on it. Wilson was bitter after being fired and prompt Shula had inherited a ready-made crew.
In 1970, the Dolphins went 10-4 and reached the playoffs for the primary time. They returned in ‘71 and defeated the KC Chiefs in the longest game in NFL history, 82 minutes and 40 seconds of game clock. Then, after shutting out Shula’s former crew, the Colts, within the AFC Championship recreation, they have been humbled by the Dallas Cowboys, 24-3, within the Tremendous Bowl.
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 13: Larry Csonka #39 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings throughout Tremendous Bowl VIII at Rice Stadium January 13, 1974 in Houston, Texas. The Dolphins gained the Tremendous Bowl 24-7. (Photograph by Concentrate on Sport/Getty Photographs) Getty Photographs
In 1972, the Dolphins have been excellent on either side of the ball, main the league in each factors scored and factors in opposition to. The operating again tandem of Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris grew to become the primary teammates to each run for over 1,000 yards in a season. They have been undoubtedly a run first offense.
The Dolphin’s protection that yr was nicknamed the “No Identify’ protection by Cowboys’ head coach Tom Landry resulting from their lack of high-profile gamers, however they gave a masterclass in cohesive defensive play.
Is Armstead proper? Can the Rams do the unthinkable and have an ideal season? Has GM Les Snead assembled such a great squad? I don’t see why not; all of the items are in place.
On offense, the 2025 Rams led the league in scoring final yr with 518 factors, and, except for Tutu Atwell, all the related starters have returned for this season. These would come with:
MVP Matthew StaffordReceptions chief Puka NacuaTouchdown chief Davante AdamsPerennial 1,000-yard rusher Kyren Williams
With the thrilling prospect of the potential of head coach Sean McVay’s new twists with ‘13’ personnel offensive schemes, this offense may enhance.
Woodland Hills, – June 08:Rams Myles Garrett (95) at Rams follow on Monday, June 8, 2026. (Photograph by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Each day Information by way of Getty Photographs) MediaNews Group by way of Getty Photographs
On protection, the Rams did a terrific job of self-scouting, recognizing their best weaknesses and making strikes to enhance. And boy, did they ever.
The Rams acquired All-Professional cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs by way of commerce. They gave up the No. 29 general first-round decide within the 2026 NFL Draft, a 2026 fifth-round decide, a 2026 sixth-round decide, and a 2027 third-rounder, then promptly circled and redid his contract, making him the highest-paid nook within the league.The Rams then signed former Kansas Metropolis Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson to a three-year, $51 million contract with $34 million assured.The icing on the cake, after all, was the Rams buying and selling for Myles Garrett. They gave up Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round decide, a 2028 second-round decide, and a 2029 third-round decide.
Whereas the Rams have been tenth in PPG allowed final yr, these adjustments may enhance that standing; for my part, they’re at minimal a top-three protection this season.
Wanting on the Rams’ opponents this season, I’d be hard-pressed to choose one, in any particular person recreation, to beat the Rams. On paper, they need to be favored in each recreation this yr—on paper.
However as everyone knows, the soccer will not be spherical; it takes humorous bounces that may drastically change a recreation, and most significantly, the damage gods should be smiling for the entire season. The 2007 New England Patriots went 16-0 after which reached the Tremendous Bowl at 18-0, however came upon that even the New York Giants may beat them.
The 1972 Dolphins led the league in each offense and protection. This Rams crew may do the identical factor, however they’ll should do it over three extra video games.
The Rams would want an virtually excellent file with bounces and accidents to have an ideal season. Do I feel it can occur? No, however there’s at the very least one particular person on the market who believes it’s within the realm of chance.
