When Sean goes back and grades his team

[Merlin]

I say when because he is going to do it, as he's obsessive and is going to burn all offseason over the performance of his offense in the playoffs and team overall. And when he does here's the things I expect him to focus on:

1. Run Game Potency. He is going to see the offense he wants to have in that Dallas game. That game his offense dictated the run, and if anything this year's playoffs in spite of all the regular season hoopla of "OMG Offense" demonstrated that defense still reigns supreme as something you gotta have to hoist that Lombardi.

What will this do in terms of moves for Les and Kevin and company? I think it drives a focus on the OL first off, where they will quickly extend Whit to lessen the impact of Saffold's departure in FA. Yeah I'm back to thinking he is going to depart and the Rams will reload on the interior with some youth and lean on their staff to get improvement through good coaching and fundamentals of that talent. The players zone type schemes seek aren't always the big brutes with all the measurables, and the Rams will capitalize on this and I think end up with a line that is younger and capable of dictating the run game better than last year.

I also think the signing of CJ Anderson will be a priority, as he brings something in our ZBS run attack that Gurley doesn't give us in that "pillow man" as Parcells used to call it, who suddenly in games vs top defenses becomes a very nice piece to have.

2. Lack of Edge Pressure. It's a damn shame to see this defense with a Hall of Fame 3T struggle to provide edge pressure next to him. And in this particular defense, which performs at its best with that edge pressure and DBs ball hawking, it's honestly inexcusable.

What this will result in for the front office is a push for an answer on the FA market who can reduce the level of need, as well as drafting of more edge talent to provide upside. How that ends up looking who knows, as this FA market is extremely good at this primary need for us. We'll probably end up with a median type signing with a draft pick, but the Rams might chase a top option like Clowney. But we're going to be in play here soon in FA IMO.

3. Single High Safety Play. Wade covets flexibility in his safeties, and the roster he had this past season was packed with LOS and run support types. Johnson has some flexibility, but we badly lacked a deep middle option and were burned a great deal as Joyner demonstrated he lacked the instincts to provide it. This is a very high need to ensure we're not giving up quick scores to opponents and continuing to build a defense that can hold a lead.

Impact on our offseason is that it's probably going to be addressed right out the gate in FA, since the market is deep at the position (looks like both Landon and Amos will be hitting the market too ), and since it's a position that is more affordable than most others. Rams are going to sign a safety quickly IMO.

4. Run Game Susceptibility. Our struggles vs the run go much deeper than any one position, but over the course of the regular season it was something that made some of our games closer than they should have been (Seattle x2 ahem). This is a lower priority than pass defense IMO, but it's something that becomes more critical in the playoffs so it's going to be something they go after.

Impact we will see is the addition of a NT and ILB in some combination of draft and FA. I do think NT will be addressed in the draft. ILB should be relatively affordable in FA, and I don't think the Rams will chase a big money deal either. But they will look for a replacement even as they plan to keep loading young talent in the draft.

5. Return Specialist. We need badly to get a guy in here who can return punts in particular.

Impact is probably going to be in the draft. You can get returners well into midrounds, key is someone who can do it safely but yes it would be nice to have an ability to bust a big one here and there. IMO our special teams provide some of the best lanes in the league for our returners so just get one or two guys in here among picks for DBs or WRs who have experience on returns.

6. TE Development. There is no way Sean is going to look at our TE play over the year and be happy. Maybe he still feels like Everett can be the guy he wants in the passing game, but it's going to be something that irks him in the film review.

Impact isn't likely in terms of offseason moves, given the depth of our needs in more important areas. But it would not surprise me if they bring in a cheaper FA type or draft a TE if one falls to them they like or even make a move of non-essential players for a guy like Reed. Improving the TE position is one way to make this offense more explosive and difficult to shut down, so it's going to be on McVay's mind.

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

Merlin,
Great post but I have a few questions and comments:
1.) What do you mean by the "pillow man" comment? What was Parcells referring to?

2.) I'm all in on improved TE play but was the lack of production from Higby and Everett last year due to their deficiencies or the fact that Coach Mac failed to incorporate them into the game plan? I'm beginning to wonder if Gronk himself would have much of a chance in this scheme.

3.) I agree that McVay will scour the film and assign grades and all, but I'm just as interested that he assign a grade to himself for a decrepit game plan and failure to adjust to anything Belicheat threw at us. I know what grade I would give him but I think it would be more compelling and meaningful if he were to assign a grade to himself.

4.) Also, do you really believe we have enough money/cap space to resign CJ? Don't get me wrong I like all Rams fans love what he did and brings to the table but I still think he gets a lucrative deal elsewhere and at the end of the day we will have to re up Malcolm Brown or go with John Kelly.

Excellent and thought provoking thread. Keep up the good work!

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[dang]

Merlin. I would be interested in your opinion on which FAs to pursue in your assessment and their projected cap hit.

 

[OnceARam]

3. Single High Safety Play. Wade covets flexibility in his safeties, and the roster he had this past season was packed with LOS and run support types. Johnson has some flexibility, but we badly lacked a deep middle option and were burned a great deal as Joyner demonstrated he lacked the instincts to provide it. This is a very high need to ensure we're not giving up quick scores to opponents and continuing to build a defense that can hold a lead.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

FS who can cover ground is a huge offseason need.

 

[Jacobarch]

Merlin. I would be interested in your opinion on which FAs to pursue in your assessment and their projected cap hit.

Same

 

[Merlin]

Merlin,
Great post but I have a few questions and comments:
1.) What do you mean by the "pillow man" comment? What was Parcells referring to?

2.) I'm all in on improved TE play but was the lack of production from Higby and Everett last year due to their deficiencies or the fact that Coach Mac failed to incorporate them into the game plan? I'm beginning to wonder if Gronk himself would have much of a chance in this scheme.

3.) I agree that McVay will scour the film and assign grades and all, but I'm just as interested that he assign a grade to himself for a decrepit game plan and failure to adjust to anything Belicheat threw at us. I know what grade I would give him but I think it would be more compelling and meaningful if he were to assign a grade to himself.

4.) Also, do you really believe we have enough money/cap space to resign CJ? Don't get me wrong I like all Rams fans love what he did and brings to the table but I still think he gets a lucrative deal elsewhere and at the end of the day we will have to re up Malcolm Brown or go with John Kelly.

Excellent and thought provoking thread. Keep up the good work!

~ArkyRamsFan~

Thx Ark.

1. Pillow man was the nickname Parcells gave Otis Anderson, who "softened up" the defenses they played. Him in tandem with Gurley works in that way.

2. There is nothing wrong with this scheme irt the TE position. In fact it's about as ideal a scheme as it gets for the position, both from a quality of coaching perspective plus schematically allowing for them to make a big impact. The WCO doesn't make great players, though, like any scheme the players have to be good enough to take things to that next level. Everett might still do that. But I personally remain disappointed in how they have developed.

3. Yes I think McVay will learn from his gameplan. But also just IMO he felt obviously they could beat the Pats' defense with what they schemed. He was wrong, and can add himself to a loooong list of OC types who got schooled by the GOAT. Too much is made of this in my opinion and in fact it had just as much to do with a few players not being able to adjust than it did the coaching.

4. The purpose of that post was to try to look at things from a need ranking perspective, since we've talked a lot about just about everything already but I personally am curious about how McVay might rank those areas his team came up short. Yes I think there is money to sign CJ. And I think they will get it done to ensure they can be the offense McVay wants them to be, which is a little more ball control capable while retaining that ability to strike over the top and through the air.

Appreciate the feedback.

 

[Merlin]

Merlin. I would be interested in your opinion on which FAs to pursue in your assessment and their projected cap hit.

Dang:

I would sign a Safety for sure, right out the gate at the beginning. It's a cheap position overall, and is very nicely stocked in FA with options that are young with upside. And it's a position that hurt us during the season. Haha Clinton-Dix is who I'd go get, because he's natural in coverage and his instincts in this defense would be a huge upgrade. Amos is also quite good after a slow start in his first couple seasons, where he really improved in coverage, but Haha is a cut above these others in the way that I think benefits us most. But there are multiple options, go get the guy you think fits and install a starter via FA here.

I'd also go after Preston Smith since I have a head coach and LB coach who know him from their Skins days. If he's too pricey I'd pursue Anthony Barr, who brings not as consistent a rush but more flexibility.

 

[Rams43]

I say when because he is going to do it, as he's obsessive and is going to burn all offseason over the performance of his offense in the playoffs and team overall. And when he does here's the things I expect him to focus on:

1. Run Game Potency. He is going to see the offense he wants to have in that Dallas game. That game his offense dictated the run, and if anything this year's playoffs in spite of all the regular season hoopla of "OMG Offense" demonstrated that defense still reigns supreme as something you gotta have to hoist that Lombardi.

What will this do in terms of moves for Les and Kevin and company? I think it drives a focus on the OL first off, where they will quickly extend Whit to lessen the impact of Saffold's departure in FA. Yeah I'm back to thinking he is going to depart and the Rams will reload on the interior with some youth and lean on their staff to get improvement through good coaching and fundamentals of that talent. The players zone type schemes seek aren't always the big brutes with all the measurables, and the Rams will capitalize on this and I think end up with a line that is younger and capable of dictating the run game better than last year.

I also think the signing of CJ Anderson will be a priority, as he brings something in our ZBS run attack that Gurley doesn't give us in that "pillow man" as Parcells used to call it, who suddenly in games vs top defenses becomes a very nice piece to have.

2. Lack of Edge Pressure. It's a damn shame to see this defense with a Hall of Fame 3T struggle to provide edge pressure next to him. And in this particular defense, which performs at its best with that edge pressure and DBs ball hawking, it's honestly inexcusable.

What this will result in for the front office is a push for an answer on the FA market who can reduce the level of need, as well as drafting of more edge talent to provide upside. How that ends up looking who knows, as this FA market is extremely good at this primary need for us. We'll probably end up with a median type signing with a draft pick, but the Rams might chase a top option like Clowney. But we're going to be in play here soon in FA IMO.

3. Single High Safety Play. Wade covets flexibility in his safeties, and the roster he had this past season was packed with LOS and run support types. Johnson has some flexibility, but we badly lacked a deep middle option and were burned a great deal as Joyner demonstrated he lacked the instincts to provide it. This is a very high need to ensure we're not giving up quick scores to opponents and continuing to build a defense that can hold a lead.

Impact on our offseason is that it's probably going to be addressed right out the gate in FA, since the market is deep at the position (looks like both Landon and Amos will be hitting the market too ), and since it's a position that is more affordable than most others. Rams are going to sign a safety quickly IMO.

4. Run Game Susceptibility. Our struggles vs the run go much deeper than any one position, but over the course of the regular season it was something that made some of our games closer than they should have been (Seattle x2 ahem). This is a lower priority than pass defense IMO, but it's something that becomes more critical in the playoffs so it's going to be something they go after.

Impact we will see is the addition of a NT and ILB in some combination of draft and FA. I do think NT will be addressed in the draft. ILB should be relatively affordable in FA, and I don't think the Rams will chase a big money deal either. But they will look for a replacement even as they plan to keep loading young talent in the draft.

5. Return Specialist. We need badly to get a guy in here who can return punts in particular.

Impact is probably going to be in the draft. You can get returners well into midrounds, key is someone who can do it safely but yes it would be nice to have an ability to bust a big one here and there. IMO our special teams provide some of the best lanes in the league for our returners so just get one or two guys in here among picks for DBs or WRs who have experience on returns.

6. TE Development. There is no way Sean is going to look at our TE play over the year and be happy. Maybe he still feels like Everett can be the guy he wants in the passing game, but it's going to be something that irks him in the film review.

Impact isn't likely in terms of offseason moves, given the depth of our needs in more important areas. But it would not surprise me if they bring in a cheaper FA type or draft a TE if one falls to them they like or even make a move of non-essential players for a guy like Reed. Improving the TE position is one way to make this offense more explosive and difficult to shut down, so it's going to be on McVay's mind.

Well, DAMN, Merlin! What an outstanding post, man.

Well thought out, linear, hits the highlights from a coaches pov.

Take a bow, man.

 

[Rams43]

Here’s my very favorite part.

2. Lack of Edge Pressure. It's a damn shame to see this defense with a Hall of Fame 3T struggle to provide edge pressure next to him. And in this particular defense, which performs at its best with that edge pressure and DBs ball hawking, it's honestly inexcusable.

What this will result in for the front office is a push for an answer on the FA market who can reduce the level of need, as well as drafting of more edge talent to provide upside. How that ends up looking who knows, as this FA market is extremely good at this primary need for us. We'll probably end up with a median type signing with a draft pick, but the Rams might chase a top option like Clowney. But we're going to be in play here soon in FA IMO.

IMO, the most important offseason task. And the one that will most enhance this D and this team’s chance to return to the SB.

 

[jrry32]

I think y'all might be disappointed with FA. A big part of what we're doing is not signing guys who will count against us in the comp pick formula. With the players we could lose this off-season, we could land up to four comp picks between the 3rd and 5th rounds if we don't sign players who cost us. I think we'll be scouring for talented cuts.

 

[Merlin]

I think y'all might be disappointed with FA. A big part of what we're doing is not signing guys who will count against us in the comp pick formula.

You may well be right. I think the Rams are making an effort to be more like the Pats with those annual round 3 comp picks. I'd be interested in seeing a list of options that allow us to retain comp pick advantage, in fact, but haven't gotten around to putting one together.

 

[jrry32]

You may well be right. I think the Rams are making an effort to be more like the Pats with those annual round 3 comp picks. I'd be interested in seeing a list of options that allow us to retain comp pick advantage, in fact, but haven't gotten around to putting one together.

This one is good:
https://www.spotrac.com/research/nfl/potential-2019-nfl-roster-bubbles-819/

 

[bubbaramfan]

I would add Interior OL play, especially vs Eagles, Bears and in the playoffs. Sullivan was tired and Blythe just not big enough and they both got manhandled. Goff had hands in his face all game long and struggled because of it. Rams MUST get better up front.

 

[LesBaker]

@Merlin nice work.

 

[BonifayRam]

I think y'all might be disappointed with FA. A big part of what we're doing is not signing guys who will count against us in the comp pick formula. With the players we could lose this off-season, we could land up to four comp picks between the 3rd and 5th rounds if we don't sign players who cost us. I think we'll be scouring for talented cuts.

I will not be in that cadre ...I am still after those three awarded selections. I am sure that will remain fresh in Snead's brain as this 2019 FA period begins. Same time jrry32 it does not cause him to pause when he discovers a Cap Casualtity WWC walking around. Next year @ this time we may even be awarded a little more in comp picks.

 

[Merlin]

I will not be in that cadre ...I am still after those three awarded selections. I am sure that will remain fresh in Snead's brain as this 2019 FA period begins. Same time jrry32 it does not cause him to pause when he discovers a Cap Casualtity WWC walking around. Next year @ this time we may even be awarded a little more in comp picks.

Well in terms of projecting draft pick compensation we will have Saffold signed among the highest at his position if he hits FA. Suh also should end up with a very big contract due to his play for us down the stretch and in the playoffs. That's two high end FA departures in the books for us in that formula not to mention if some dumb GM overpays for Fowler and Joyner that only serves to help us more.

Rams will probably be able to go get a top FA, and a few under the radar type signings and be just fine. Not to mention a cap casualty type or two.

 

[Ram65]

I think y'all might be disappointed with FA. A big part of what we're doing is not signing guys who will count against us in the comp pick formula. With the players we could lose this off-season, we could land up to four comp picks between the 3rd and 5th rounds if we don't sign players who cost us. I think we'll be scouring for talented cuts.

I'm not sure that was the main plan. It worked out last year because the Rams made trades and Suh was cut (no comp picks). They have to consider the comp picks but, they also have to make smart moves. The odds are they let Suh walk so they have one comp in the bag. Saffold and Fowler are wait and see. I do agree that they will look for cheaper replacements from cuts but, also free agency. They also have to watch the cap space. Since they traded for Goff and others the Rams have been finding ways to replace traded draft picks. Looks like in 2020 they gave the Jags their 5th rounder. Other than that pick they now own all their own draft picks after this year.

https://www.prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/Future/Rams.htm

 

[dang]

When the dust settles - if we are as good in 2019 as we were in 2018 in all positions + stronger at ILB/EDGE; and stronger at OC/ROG - I will be satisfied.

 

[Ram65]

There has been speculation across the board as to what McVay and the Rams will do this off season to improve the NFC Champs team. The range of suggestions and wants go from OC Matt Paradis to DE Jadeveon Clowney. It's all going to start with evaluating Rams own free agents Suh, Saffold and Fowler. Whitfords decision on staying and the Rams decision on Barron are keys to the moves the Rams make.

You would think McVay wants the offensive line to improve agaisnst top level defenses. Is Allen going to replace Sullivan? Or is it a free agent like Paradis?

Need a safety!

AD needs some help!

Returner upgrade yes!

 

[jrry32]

I'm not sure that was the main plan. It worked out last year because the Rams made trades and Suh was cut (no comp picks). They have to consider the comp picks but, they also have to make smart moves. The odds are they let Suh walk so they have one comp in the bag. Saffold and Fowler are wait and see. I do agree that they will look for cheaper replacements from cuts but, also free agency. They also have to watch the cap space. Since they traded for Goff and others the Rams have been finding ways to replace traded draft picks. Looks like in 2020 they gave the Jags their 5th rounder. Other than that pick they now own all their own draft picks after this year.

https://www.prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/Future/Rams.htm

I feel confident that was the main plan last off-season. And I expect it to be the plan again this year. It wasn't a coincidence that Suh, a cut, was our main target. If we sign a big-named FA, he's going to cost us the Suh comp pick.