Better, Same, Weaker

[CGI_Ram]

What do you see? 2020 vs 2021

RAMS:

Better
QB
WR
LB
Special Teams

Same
OL
RB
DL
EDGE

Weaker
TE
CB
S

DIVISION:

Better
Rams
49’ers
Cardinals

Same
Seahawks

Weaker
None

 

[bwdenverram]

I see the RAMS as better all around with the ? of Safety. JJ was really good so we'll see how the young guys step in.

QB=Better and excited to see Stafford in this offense
WR=Better-Way more speed, so many options for Stafford and McVay
LB=I like the draft and Obo and Lewis getting a bigger shot this year
Edge=If Lewis is healthy and gets time I think a slight bump up
ST=I hope with Tutu or Jackson the return game improves. We weren't that good last year
RB=A full year of Akers is even better
DL= Brock is a loss but if Robinson plays like he can even better
CB=Hill made some highlight reel plays but I never thought he was all that strong in total. Liked the Rochell pick
S= This is the question for me, love the young guys but JJ was a really good player. Time will tell here
TE=I really want to see Harris moved to a hybrid TE role. His size and speed could be a major matchup issue, IMO.

Just in general I think the division is the toughest in football and everybody made some moves to improve. People are talking about 12+ wins and I hope that's true. But we have a really tough schedule. The key is how fast the offense comes together and what we do on the OL. They are the key to making this all go. I want to hope the D is just as good but it's hard to repeat as #1 in anything.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Good topic.

Agree on most of the above, with the exception of DL which I believe is Weaker given the loss of Brockers and Fox. I have watched a lot of 2020 games multiple times, and the DL was really strong last season. Brockers and Joseph-Day were consistent and productive; and Fox came-on in the final six weeks and post-season. Hopeful on the Browns and the 2020 Practice Squad-quartet but they are all unproven.

Also could argue Stronger at RB and OL based on younger veterans improving.

At CB, my adjective is Thin because there’s nothing proven beyond Ramsey and Williams. I was never a fan of Troy Hill. Thought Hill’s greatest value last year was his versatility that allowed Ramsey to play both inside and outside.

At Safety, I like Fuller and Burgess, and am hopeful on Rapp but I thought Johnson was terrific.

 

[FarNorth]

Good topic.

Agree on most of the above, with the exception of DL which I believe is Weaker given the loss of Brockers and Fox. I have watched a lot of 2020 games multiple times, and the DL was really strong last season. Brockers and Joseph-Day were consistent and productive; and Fox came-on in the final six weeks and post-season. Hopeful on the Browns and the 2020 Practice Squad-quartet but they are all unproven.

Also could argue Stronger at RB and OL based on younger veterans improving.

At CB, my adjective is Thin because there’s nothing proven beyond Ramsey and Williams. I was never a fan of Troy Hill. Thought Hill’s greatest value last year was his versatility that allowed Ramsey to play both inside and outside.

At Safety, I like Fuller and Burgess, and am hopeful on Rapp but I thought Johnson was terrific.

Good comments and topic!! FWIW here's my crystal ball view:

Offense has a good chance to be better. Defense will be challenged to live up to the high 2020 standard. Both sides of the ball are looking at some adjustments, but a full offseason should help a lot. Rams have enough talent to win the division, though it will be tough, and really challenge in the playoffs.

Offense:

​

Development of Akers from rookie to hopefully breakout playmaker needs to happen and looks like it should. If Rams can get the play action to work again, watch out.​

​

Adding speed in DSJ and Atwell was critical imo. Rams' O was very constricted in its ability to stretch or open up the field. The new guys will help with speed in all directions, short and long passes, and also be used in sweeps and other razzle dazzle. And yes they will give Stafford the deep targets he wants to throw to.​

​

Corbett instead of Blythe will be significant. Corbett won't get pushed around or allow as many easy shots up the middle. Stafford can make up for any lack of experience in calling line assignments-- he won't allow disastrous misalignments to go uncorrected.​

​

Stafford will be an improvement in the pocket. Goff had trouble with (unfortunately consistent) pressure up the middle in part due to a longer windup and need to step into throws. Mechanically Stafford appears to have a quicker, more compact delivery and can throw off his back foot or off stride if necessary. Hopefully Stafford will also benefit from better line play and a real, consistent running game.​

​

Rams were not very good in the red zone last. The new, fast but short receivers won't help as much here. Tight ends need to step up. Higbee and ____?? McVay needs to recalibrate the red zone passing attack.​

​

Imo what mostly remains to be seen is how McVay and Stafford will put it together. Stafford is totally experienced, not a young guy who can or needs to be told what to do like Cousins or Goff. McVay will need to trust Stafford and give him more latitude on plays, reads and options. Stafford in turn will have to adjust to running a complex, high precision offense with lots of bells, whistles and moving parts. Not quite as easy as it looks. A bit like Rodgers adjusting to LaFleur, or Brady to Arrians.​

​

Overall, the pieces are now in place again for a very productive offense but we will see how it works out on the field.​

Defense

​

Biggest loss was Staley. Adding Raheem Morris is a big plus, but there will be an adjustment period all around.​

​

Losses at safety, slot/third corner, and defensive line will hurt one way or another even if only in depth.​

​

Big plus also in resigning Michael Floyd. He was critical in setting the edge, pressuring the passer, and bringing some real physicality.​

​

A number of young guys and draft picks will need to step up. Fuller, Lewis, Rapp, Long, etc. Rookies too.​

​

Of course, we still have AD, Ramsay, DWill and other outstanding players.​

​

I see a bigger challenge and adjustment period for the D, in part because it would be difficult to replicate last year's outstanding performance under the best of circumstances, but also because we have lost some good players. The D will likely take longer to round into top shape. The younger guys need to come through.​

Overall

Rams live in a tough neighborhood. I expect them to take a few lumps along the way while putting it together. But they have a good chance to take the division though it will likely be down the stretch. If they stay healthy they should have the stuff to make a deep playoff run, which imo is what McVay is aiming at.

 

[Merlin]

Significantly Upgraded: QB and WR. QB we basically took a short cut to the future with a veteran who has mastery of most QB functions and we are going to feel that big time. WR the improvement is in the slot and depth, massive difference this year which helps us with injury as well as competition. Coverage teams probably deserves to be here too, that was our biggest weakness on teams our gunners were terrible too.

Slightly Upgraded: OL and ILB. OL improves by getting rid of Blythe and his inability to control his assignment. Not sure how much, but they should be a better unit overall. ILB I have under slight improvement because I'm not sure how long our new ILB takes to get settled in. But I am not too worried about it. I think Reeder can hold it down if he's not ready.

No Change: Edge and RB. Can't fix everything. We do have some great quality at RB so I'm fine with this room. Edge is our weakest spot on the blindside but hopefully they can mask that again with high energy rotation effort.

Slightly Degraded: DL and S. We're gonna miss Brock, he had a hell of a year in 2020 and he also could rush a bit. Going with stout young rooks will help but it may take some time for them to settle in and hopefully they are hitting their stride as we hit that December stretch. S we lost a really good player in Johnson. I do think our talent level there is excellent but there's questions about who fills what role and Burgess may need to go to the slot so I think this is the place to put them.

Significantly Degraded: TE and CB. Both positions have a lot of question marks IMO. TE can be countered a bit by more 11 personnel but either way if we lose Higs it's probably going to be ugly. CB I am also not a big fan of Hill but he served in some different roles and there may be learning curve with the options to replace him.

Looking at overall roster strength our weakest positions do have some intriguing depth options. And the positions we upgraded included the most important position on the field. So the Rams are poised to win this division and go deep in the playoffs IMO.

 

[Merlin]

Biggest loss was Staley. Adding Raheem Morris is a big plus, but there will be an adjustment period all around.

I agree. That is probably one of the biggest elements for us this year. Staley was really something, so I hope Morris puts on a clinic this year it's a great opportunity for him and if he does a good job he's gonna be a head coach in 2022.

 

[fearsomefour]

I’m excited about the Rams TE group and the potential there, esp Harris.
I think he could turn out to be a steal of this draft.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I’m excited about the Rams TE group and the potential there, esp Harris.
I think he could turn out to be a steal of this draft.

That's the group I am most excited to see.

On paper TE might appear weaker... but Hopkins and Harris should get some good snaps in preseason. Right? Who knows what we have with these two... but it is going to be fun to watch play out.

 

[oldnotdead]

QB has been improved simply because they now have a proven veteran QB who can make his own reads at the LOS. No more bad timeouts because McVay held Goff in the huddle too long. Stafford has a stronger arm and is more accurate on his deep throws. But the primary difference between Goff and Stafford is that Matthew brings consistency to the position. Goff is a couple of years away from that IMO simply because of poor position coaching. Stafford needs no position coaching.

WR has been vastly upgraded with Jackson and his experience on the field and veteran presence to mentor Tutu. Tutu himself will add a threat dimension missing from the offense and will expand the offense, especially going forward after this year.

LB must be delineated between ILB and OLB because they play different roles. At OLB if Lewis can stay healthy he's an upgrade to Brockers and Ebukam (who was played out of position). The question is who will be in the rotation as I think that is key to that position opposite Floyd. If Jonah Williams can play up to expectations then OLB (JACK #2 has been upgraded). Earnest Brown is a year away as he needs a lot of work on his technique and especially his strength and conditioning which isn't up to par. He might see spot snaps this year but IMO it's next year that will determine what they have or don't in him.

At ILB Jones is not an upgrade to Kiser at this point but I do see him as Kiser's replacement. How well he looks in TC and preseason will determine whether Kiser plays one more year. He lacks the speed to play as a MO, and he's simply an early-down run stopper type of MIKE.

OL will be better as they have eliminated one weak link in Blythe. Also, don't underestimate the importance of experience as this is now an experienced unit. I'm not convinced Corbett will be the starting center. Who is the center in TC will determine who their starting center will be. IMO that will be Allen with Corbett returning to LG. That said they might go with the rest of the o-line they practiced with but OTAs is where the Rams have historically cross-trained people on the o-line. Noteboom will be their swing OT this year. Hopefully, they can re-sign him next year or they would have wasted all this time with him and he's definitely capable of playing LT in the NFL. They have their OTs for going into the future in both Noteboom and Edwards. I will simply wait and see who lines up where on which units in TC which will show who the starters are at each position and who the primary backups are.

RB has been upgraded with the drafting of Funk who has legit breakaway speed. I think we will see him in the rotation this year. RB is perhaps the easiest of all positions to translate from the NCAA to the NFL. I think they keep Xavier Jones and release Calais who has shown nothing. I see Jones being bumped to #4 on the depth chart.

DL is improved with the addition of Lewis as the starter. That said his health is a major concern, especially with a longer season. Accordingly, his rotational guy will be more important than normal. Williams and Brown might see rotational snaps behind both Lewis and Floyd. As I've posted previously I see Bobby Brown as SeBas's replacement. With Fox gone I can see Gaines playing in the rotation behind AD. This would allow them to get rotational snaps at NT for Brown behind Robinson. The DL is going to be better simply because they will have better depth in the rotation.

Edge is not the same simply because they re-signed Floyd. They have two edges and if Lewis stays healthy they will be better at that second spot. The key at the positions is the depth behind them both. IMO that will probably be J. Williams and E. Brown and if they play as expected I think the Rams will have a very solid rotation at the position. People need to be mindful that if Morris returns to playing a regular 3-4 hybrid scheme like I think he probably will, both edges are normally OLBs so it becomes a 2-5 type of scheme.

TE has been absolutely upgraded with the addition of Harris who is a total freak. IMO Mundt won't make this final roster as Harris has shown he's a willing blocker. This will give the Rams the 3 player position they had hoped to have with Everett and which will be IMO Higbee, Hopkins, and Harris. I think McVay will play Harris as a blocking TE a few times to see how he's matched up. Then at some point when he comes in and the defense assumes he's blocking McVay will send him steaking out on a fly or post if he's matched up with a LB. This will catch the secondary out of position.

CB is hugely improved as Rochell is IMO another Darious Williams type of player when it comes to talent and short development time. He's a lengthy, fast ball hawk. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets spot snaps especially when they go to a dime. He's everything Hill wasn't. Having Williams as the full-time replacement for Hill opposite Ramsey alone is enough to make this secondary more dangerous than last year. Hill started 16 games and admittedly he had a career season. But it simply validated my assertions that he's simply a scheme limited player, i.e. only a zone CB so the Bengals are in for a surprise as they shift from a 4-3 to a 3-4 hybrid scheme. Darious can play both man and zone.

Safety is upgraded because Burgess gives them speed and versatility to the position. Johnson like Hill benefited from Staley's zone-heavy cover 3 scheme. But in a more traditional 3-4 hybrid he was schematically limited. If expected to play a single high scheme his lack of long speed often showed. In Burgess, they finally have a true FS with sideline to sideline speed (4.46).

STs will be better for two reasons. First and foremost they have a better position coach in DeCamillis, and secondly they have better speed with Harris, Funk who can play as gunners. Funk looks like he would be a good KO returner and it wouldn't surprise me if they had Tutu returning punts as well.

Overall the Rams improved their entire roster and this is a much better team than was fielded in 2018. They truly have a Super Bowl caliber roster now.

 

[Angry Ram]

Better: QB, WR, RB (just b/c more experience).

Same: OL, DL, LB, CB, EDGE

Weaker: TE, S (slightly),

Division...

Better: Rams, shitters

Same: Cardinals

Weaker: shitbirds

 

[So Ram]

I see the RAMS as better all around with the ? of Safety. JJ was really good so we'll see how the young guys step in.

QB=Better and excited to see Stafford in this offense
WR=Better-Way more speed, so many options for Stafford and McVay
LB=I like the draft and Obo and Lewis getting a bigger shot this year
Edge=If Lewis is healthy and gets time I think a slight bump up
ST=I hope with Tutu or Jackson the return game improves. We weren't that good last year
RB=A full year of Akers is even better
DL= Brock is a loss but if Robinson plays like he can even better
CB=Hill made some highlight reel plays but I never thought he was all that strong in total. Liked the Rochell pick
S= This is the question for me, love the young guys but JJ was a really good player. Time will tell here
TE=I really want to see Harris moved to a hybrid TE role. His size and speed could be a major matchup issue, IMO.

Just in general I think the division is the toughest in football and everybody made some moves to improve. People are talking about 12+ wins and I hope that's true. But we have a really tough schedule. The key is how fast the offense comes together and what we do on the OL. They are the key to making this all go. I want to hope the D is just as good but it's hard to repeat as #1 in anything.

I think you will find out that Hill,Brown & Everett are undervalued.
Funny you don’t mention the OFFENSIVE LINE. I guess you were a big Austin Blythe Fan ? As much as I liked him,I believe the O’Line will be way better. Just by default,unless Gerald Everett was that good of a blocker as well as Malcom Brown.
Hill in the Dawg pound with JJ is going to be special.There is no way the DB’s are better without them.
Tyler Rapp has to play above & beyond.Then the depth he gave as well needs to be replaced.Anyway I’ll stop there for now.

 

[I like Rams]

Agree with all that OP posted except, Rb. Neither Hendo or Akers were healthy a full season last year and now there is no Brown to help with any loss. So I think RB is weaker.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Significantly Upgraded: QB. We basically took a short cut to the future with a veteran who has mastery of most QB functions and we are going to feel that big time.

 

[SuperMan28]

QB driven league. Rams got better.

 

[FrantikRam]

Better: QB, RB, WR, OL, EDGE, ILB, CB, ST

Same: DL

Worse: S, TE

Reasoning: Akers will be a lot better, Corbett/Evans will be better than Blythe/Corbett, Lewis/Hollins/Floyd another year of experience, Jones added to ILB room means we will have a good run defender on the field even if Kiser gets hurt, special teams we focused on in the draft and changed coordinators, CB we have another year for Williams, and only swapping Hill for Rochell who has more talent and athleticism - Burgess also could be in play.

Huge drop off at safety as JJ is a top safety in the NFL.

I'll also throw out that depth is better across the board - we won a game starting Wolford and have more confidence in him as a backup this year, Henderson ripped off several big games, WR depth is crazy, DL depth is still great with the Browns, ILB backups were starting last year on the number one defense, have four safeties who have played meaningful snaps, Rochell can play outside and allow Ramsey to play in the slot, Burgess can play in the slot and and allow the defense to do different things.

Better: Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, Niners

Looking at it objectively, Cardinals and Seahawks made several small upgrades to teams that were 8-8 and 12-4 - both should have winning records. Niners and Rams should both see dramatically better QB play.

The NFL has never seen a division this good.

 

[dang]

For this year;

Better: QB, RB, WR, OL, ST, EDGE (optimistic TLewis/Oko will make a difference)

Same: DL,TE, ILB (and that is not good. unless E Jones contributes more this year than I expect. Would love to replace Young with a vet like KJ Wright)

Worse: S, CB (and we need to add a vet like B Poole this year while Rochelle learns)

 

[fearsomefour]

DC......Potentially much worse

 

[den-the-coach]

QB...It has to be better and IMO, if they keep Stafford healthy, it will be. Better arm and quicker release, but I believe Stafford biggest strength over Goff is from the neck up and that is why McVay went in this direction.

OL....Tough call here as Austin Blythe's theme song is, "You're going to miss when I'm gone." as the Rams replace one Austin for another in Corbett. if Corbett fails, he will be moved back to RG and Brian Allen will take over at Center IMO. Overall, you also have a new OL Coach too in Kevin Carberry that none of us know anything about, so again health will play a factor for this unit, but to this point ranking it the same would be understood.

ST....IMO, this will be better just because of the addition Joe DeCamillis, he's one of the better ones in the NFL, although I still rank Bones above him, but that ship has sailed. Having Matt Gay all year makes it better and I'm interested to see the new punt returner and if that translates into something positive. I'm calling it as I believe the Rams will trade Johnny Hekker and go with Corey Bojorquez at punter. Bojorquez has a big leg and he's cheaper and younger. John Wolford will move to holder and should be a good battle at long snapper between Steven Wirtel & Matthew Orzech.

Safety....I think this is the same because I believe it will be Fuller & Burgess with Rapp coming in quite a bit to fill the coverage linebacker for Ernest Jones. Excellent depth and although some will miss Johnson, I believe Jordan Fuller will be much better, even taking better angles tackling as @BonifayRam so eloquently communicated, don't sleep on the toothpick man in JuJu Hughes either.

ILB...This is better because hopefully Travin Howard is healthy & Ernest Jones will be a welcome addition because all he does is make plays. We've all been waiting on Howard and hopefully this is his year to shine as the converted safety finally transitions to ILB, but I'm buying an Ernest Jones jersey because I'm that confident in the former Gamecock as Jones is NFL ready and will prove to be a great draft choice.

OLB....Leonard Floyd is back and thank the heavens and as much as many of us hope that Terrell Lewis is healthy, I like for Justin Hollins to be the starter over the departed Ebukam with Lewis & OBO offering a consistent pass rush, from that side on passing situations. I really believe in Hollins and think he was a great find that will translate well and make this unit better.

DL...Same as I look for A'Shawn Robinson to play a huge role and SJD to keep getting better. Sprinkle in the youth of the Brown's in Bobby & Ernest with Eric Banks getting some playing time too. It's a youth movement and as long as the Rams have Coach Henny (DL Coach Eric Henderson) overseeing this unit, I'm confident.

TE...Coach Wes Phillips will have this unit ready and I believe it will exceed expectations with the H team in Hopkins & Harris providing options combined with Matthew Stafford should bring a smile to our face. We all love Higbee and this could also be his best year overall.

The division is better and it's one of the best in the NFL, but IMO, the offensive line is the key here because I don't believe the defense will fall off. IMO, the defense will be more stout against the run, but will not create as many turnovers. Again health is important, but we are about to enter the dog days of summer, where when it comes to football, nothing happens and all of us can continue speculate before training camp.

 

[BonifayRam]

QB...It has to be better and IMO, if they keep Stafford healthy, it will be. Better arm and quicker release, but I believe Stafford biggest strength over Goff is from the neck up and that is why McVay went in this direction.

OL....Tough call here as Austin Blythe's theme song is, "You're going to miss when I'm gone." as the Rams replace one Austin for another in Corbett. if Corbett fails, he will be moved back to RG and Brian Allen will take over at Center IMO. Overall, you also have a new OL Coach too in Kevin Carberry that none of us know anything about, so again health will play a factor for this unit, but to this point ranking it the same would be understood.

ST....IMO, this will be better just because of the addition Joe DeCamillis, he's one of the better ones in the NFL, although I still rank Bones above him, but that ship has sailed. Having Matt Gay all year makes it better and I'm interested to see the new punt returner and if that translates into something positive. I'm calling it as I believe the Rams will trade Johnny Hekker and go with Corey Bojorquez at punter. Bojorquez has a big leg and he's cheaper and younger. John Wolford will move to holder and should be a good battle at long snapper between Steven Wirtel & Matthew Orzech.

Safety....I think this is the same because I believe it will be Fuller & Burgess with Rapp coming in quite a bit to fill the coverage linebacker for Ernest Jones. Excellent depth and although some will miss Johnson, I believe Jordan Fuller will be much better, even taking better angles tackling as @BonifayRam so eloquently communicated, don't sleep on the toothpick man in JuJu Hughes either.

ILB...This is better because hopefully Travin Howard is healthy & Ernest Jones will be a welcome addition because all he does is make plays. We've all been waiting on Howard and hopefully this is his year to shine as the converted safety finally transitions to ILB, but I'm buying an Ernest Jones jersey because I'm that confident in the former Gamecock as Jones is NFL ready and will prove to be a great draft choice.

OLB....Leonard Floyd is back and thank the heavens and as much as many of us hope that Terrell Lewis is healthy, I like for Justin Hollins to be the starter over the departed Ebukam with Lewis & OBO offering a consistent pass rush, from that side on passing situations. I really believe in Hollins and think he was a great find that will translate well and make this unit better.

DL...Same as I look for A'Shawn Robinson to play a huge role and SJD to keep getting better. Sprinkle in the youth of the Brown's in Bobby & Ernest with Eric Banks getting some playing time too. It's a youth movement and as long as the Rams have Coach Henny (DL Coach Eric Henderson) overseeing this unit, I'm confident.

TE...Coach Wes Phillips will have this unit ready and I believe it will exceed expectations with the H team in Hopkins & Harris providing options combined with Matthew Stafford should bring a smile to our face. We all love Higbee and this could also be his best year overall.

The division is better and it's one of the best in the NFL, but IMO, the offensive line is the key here because I don't believe the defense will fall off. IMO, the defense will be more stout against the run, but will not create as many turnovers. Again health is important, but we are about to enter the dog days of summer, where when it comes to football, nothing happens and all of us can continue speculate before training camp.

And corner?

 

[Merlin]

I love that we get to see how much our run game has improved in game 1 vs Chicago. They've been a consistent run stopping team now for years with that defensive front. So right out the gate we get a big test and I think our new OL and year two stud Akers is going to be ready to rock and roll.