NFC West Q&A: Who is on the hottest seat in the division?

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NFC West Q&A: Who is on the hottest seat in the division?

Les Snead's job security would get a big boost if Jared Goff shows major improvement in his second season. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Les Snead's job security would get a big boost if Jared Goff shows major improvement in his second season.

Who is on the hottest seat in the NFC West?

Alden Gonzalez, Los Angeles Rams reporter: Snead. He came in around the same time as former coach Jeff Fisher, received an extension with Fisher, but wasn't let go alongside Fisher. When the Rams fired Fisher toward the end of the 2016 season, COO Kevin Demoff said everybody was under review, including Snead. It wasn't until the new coach, Sean McVay, was brought in that Snead's job status for 2017 solidified.

Snead is now one of few Rams executives or coaches who remain from 2016, not to mention 2012. In this offseason alone, an entirely new coaching staff was configured and a handful of scouts were fired. From 2012 to 2016, the Rams finished no better than 7-8-1 and as bad as 4-12. They have yet to construct an adequate offensive line or receiver corps, and they still don't know if they have a franchise quarterback.

A lot of that blame fell on Fisher, who had most of the control. But the pressure's on Snead to build chemistry with McVay and make the type of prudent moves that can finally steer this franchise in the right direction. The Rams badly want to be legitimate playoff contenders by the time they move into their new stadium in 2020, especially with the Chargers now giving them competition in the market.

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NFC West Q&A: Who is the best newcomer to this division?

Alden Gonzalez, Los Angeles Rams reporter: Left tackle Andrew Whitworth is the most accomplished newcomer and also the most badly needed. He replaces Greg Robinson, the failed No. 2 overall pick whom the Rams recently sent to the Lions for a sixth-round selection in 2018. And he will protect the blind side of Rams franchise quarterback Jared Goff, who absorbed 25 sacks over his final six games last season. Whitworth is 35, but he’s a three-time Pro Bowler who's considered among the game’s best pass-blockers. In 2015, Whitworth was a first-team All-Pro. In 2016, Pro Football Focus had him allowing only 15 total pressures and graded him second among NFL tackles.

The Rams signed Whitworth away from the Bengals with a three-year contract that guaranteed him $15 million. They hope he can be a mentor for what is still a young group of offensive linemen. And they believe he is key to helping get the most out of both Goff and running back Todd Gurley, the former Offensive Rookie of the Year who’s coming off a disappointing season.

 

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NFC West Q&A: Can Todd Gurley still become an elite running back?

After a strong rookie year, Todd Gurley found little room to run last season. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Todd Gurley went from Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2015 to one of the least productive runners of the 2016 season, compiling 885 rushing yards on 278 attempts.

One thing Gurley lacks is supporting cast. The Los Angeles Rams, who ranked last in yards in each of the past two seasons, have way too much work to do on offense. There are reasons to believe that Gurley will be better moving forward, though. Sean McVay, a prodigy when it comes to the way offenses function, should dream up creative ways of opening up running lanes for Gurley. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth will no doubt improve an offense line that was one of the NFL’s worst units last season.

Heading into his second year, Jared Goff still has a lot to prove, and that receiving corps still leaves something to be desired. Because of those two question marks, defenses will continue to stack the box and focus primarily on stopping Gurley, confident the Rams passing attack won’t hurt them all that much.

Do you believe Gurley can still be an elite running back?

Josh Weinfuss, Arizona Cardinals reporter: In a nutshell, yes. He’s a talent, and in the NFL, talent will shine when paired with the right pieces. Beyond that, Gurley’s talent didn’t just disappear last season. He averaged 2.7 yards per carry before contact in 2015 compared to 1.59 last season -- a sign he wasn’t getting enough space to move before the defense converged. Some of the blame has to fall on the offensive line, which was improved this offseason through the signing of veteran tackle Whitworth. Whitworth may be 35, but his presence on the line should bolster its physicality and productivity, giving Gurley room and allowing him to run more freely. Gurley has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL, with the talent to rival the likes of David Johnson and Ezekiel Elliott. Another factor that could fuel his resurgence involves the expected improvement of Goff. If Goff can grow like most players do between their rookie and second seasons, then an improved passing game will open up the ground game for Gurley, allowing him to return to the elite running back conversation.

Nick Wagoner, San Francisco 49ers reporter: This doesn't seem like a simple yes or no question anymore. Gurley had an impressive stretch of brilliance as a rookie, largely buoyed by his big-play ability. Nobody topped his 14 20-plus-yard runs in 2015. Despite those numbers, Gurley was hindered by a questionable offensive line and questionable passing game, and his production dipped in the final stretch of the season. Last year, Gurley couldn't recapture the magic he displayed during the first half of his rookie campaign. Once again, some of the blame has to fall on a poor supporting cast and an unimaginative offense, but Gurley also didn't resemble his 2015 self on the rare occasion when holes were open. He broke 47 tackles as a rookie, good for seventh-best in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Last year, that number dropped to 41, even though Gurley had 71 more touches. As a result, he ripped off only two 20-plus-yard runs and averaged just 3.18 yards per carry. Yes, teams were focused on stopping Gurley, and yes, he didn't have much help, but the truly elite running backs find ways to get yards. Gurley should be better in McVay's offense, but the new head coach's emphasis on passing leads me to believe that Gurley will be less of a focal point for the Rams in 2017. Though McVay's presence might help Gurley put up better numbers, it might also prevent him from becoming the elite back many thought he'd be after his rookie season.

Sheil Kapadia, Seattle Seahawks reporter: I’m not sure about elite, but Gurley can still be a quality back in the NFL. The numbers suggest that blocking was a huge issue for Gurley and the Rams last season. Gurley averaged 1.59 yards before contact, which ranked 41st out of 42 players last season. In 2015, that number was 2.70, good for 10th among running backs. The Rams need to devise some way of threatening defenses with their passing game at least occasionally in order for Gurley to return to his 2015 form.