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The Rams are fresh off a 2-14 season in 2011 and consistently ranked toward the bottom of most power rankings prior to Week 1. However, despite a loss in their opener, the Rams took a good team to the wire in Week 1 and earned the respect of some analysts. Among those impressed was SB Nation's Joel Thorman, although he dropped the team one spot in his weekly power rankings:
29. St. Louis Rams (LW: 28, 0-1): This was my surprise team of the year pick and, even though it was a loss, they hung with the Lions. Progress!
A similar reaction came from CBS Sports' Pete Prisco, who also dropped the Rams one spot, from No. 28 to No. 29, in his rankings:
That was a tough way to lose a road opener against a supposed good team. But that also shows they will compete better than many expected.
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