Better, worse or the same? How the Los Angeles Rams' OFFENSE has changed this offseason

Better, worse or the same? How the Los Angeles Rams' offense has changed this offseason

The Rams made the offseason's first big splash by trading for Matthew Stafford, but what else have they done to boost their offense heading into 2021?

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Better, worse or the same? How the Los Angeles Rams' offense has changed this offseason​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Better, worse or the same?

That's the question facing the Los Angeles Rams as they attempt to improve on a 10-6 season that resulted in a divisional playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Two weeks after the season, the Rams completed a blockbuster trade that sent quarterback Jared Goff, two first-round picks and a third-round pick to the Detroit Lions in exchange for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

In free agency, the Rams signed DeSean Jackson to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, then selected Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell with a second-round pick in the NFL draft. Both playmakers are expected to provide speedy targets for Stafford.

On defense, re-signing Leonard Floyd was a top priority after the outside linebacker turned in a career-best season that included 10.5 sacks. The Rams got the deal done with a four-year, $64 million contract.

So now, with free agency mostly in the rearview, the NFL draft complete and the offseason program over, it's time to look at the Rams' roster to determine if, based on personnel changes, they improved this offseason.

Let's start with the offense.

Quarterbacks

Additions: Matthew Stafford (trade), Devlin Hodges (one-year, $780,000 deal)

Losses: Jared Goff (Detroit Lions), Blake Bortles (Green Bay Packers)

These guys are back: John Wolford, Bryce Perkins

Better, worse or the same: Better

When Stafford requested a trade from Detroit after 12 seasons, Rams coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead thought it was too great an opportunity to pass up.

In four seasons under McVay, Goff helped the Rams to two division titles, an NFC championship and Super Bowl LIII appearance. The hope is that Stafford can lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory.

"I want to be playing in those big games and those big moments," Stafford said when asked about Super Bowl expectations and pressure. "It's an opportunity more than anything."

Stafford, 33, owns every all-time passing record in Detroit but has not won a playoff game in three appearances.

"He's a special guy," McVay said about his new QB. "I think one of the best ways that I can describe him when you hear people that have been around him, there's a known confidence where when he walks into a room, you feel his presence but he's got a great humility about himself, everybody loves being around him and he's one of those guys that's a true igniter. He makes everybody around him better."

Stafford will be backed up by Wolford, who proved himself as a capable NFL backup in a Week 17 win over the Arizona Cardinals last season that clinched a playoff berth.

Running backs

Additions: Jake Funk (seventh-round pick)

Losses: Malcolm Brown (Miami Dolphins)

These guys are back: Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson Jr., Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais

Better, worse or the same: Same

The loss of Brown could be felt early given the six-year veteran's reliable availability, pass protection and goal-line play, but expect any growing pains for the running back group to be short-lived.

Akers is the feature back of the future. He burst out of the running back committee in the final two months of his rookie season to rush for 625 yards and two touchdowns on 145 carries. He's proven to have great run instincts and is a talented pass catcher.

The biggest question is whether Akers improved his understanding of the playbook and pass protection. "Everything is a lot easier for me," Akers said during the offseason program. " understand the playbook a lot more, I understand blocking schemes."

McVay also expressed confidence in Henderson, who was slowed during the offseason program with an undisclosed injury. "He's feeling better and better," McVay said. "We expect him to be full speed by the time training camp rolls around."

Receivers

Additions: DeSean Jackson (one-year, $4.5 deal), Tutu Atwell (second-round pick), Ben Skowronek (seventh-round pick)

Losses: Josh Reynolds (Tennessee Titans)

These guys are back: Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Nsimba Webster, Trishton Jackson

Better, worse or the same: Better

The Rams entered 2020 without a true deep-threat receiver and ultimately were unable to stretch defenses. They will not make the same mistake in 2021 after adding speed this offseason via the acquisitions of Jackson and Atwell.

Jackson is the frontrunner to earn the No. 3 receiver spot to start alongside Woods and Kupp. Entering his 14th season, there are concerns whether the 34-year-old can remain healthy after he spent the past two seasons slowed and sidelined with injuries. But there's no doubt that he still has deep-play capabilities.

"He can still run," Stafford said about Jackson. "I know that. He can still go."

The Rams also have high expectations for second-year pro Jefferson, who caught 19 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown last season. "You can see he's really put the work in," McVay said. "He's come back establishing himself as a legitimate dude, a guy that we're counting on for big things and I think the future is so bright for this guy."

Tight ends

Additions: Jacob Harris (fourth-round pick)

Losses: Gerald Everett (Seattle Seahawks)

These guys are back: Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins, Johnny Mundt, Kendall Blanton

Better, worse or the same: Worse

Everett wasn't a consistent contributor every week but was capable of big-time plays when needed. His absence will be felt, at least temporarily, as there's no clear-cut answer who will play behind Higbee.

The Rams selected Hopkins with a fourth-round pick last year to eventually replace Everett, but Hopkins had a quiet offseason program as Harris earned repetitions with the starters during minicamp (Higbee attended but did not participate).

"His natural range, catch radius, body control for a player his size is pretty rare," McVay said. "For NFL guys to stand out the way that he's done in some of these limited settings in shorts and in helmets, he's definitely made a positive impression."

However, it remains to be seen how Harris and Hopkins perform in a live setting.

Offensive line

Additions: None

Losses: Austin Blythe (Kansas City Chiefs)

These guys are back: Andrew Whitworth, David Edwards, Austin Corbett, Bobby Evans, Rob Havenstein, Joe Noteboom, Brian Allen, Jamil Demby, Coleman Shelton, Chandler Brewer, Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

Better, worse or the same: Worse

The Rams did not add linemen in free agency or the draft (with exception of signing several undrafted free agents), which was somewhat surprising given Blythe's departure in free agency.

Throughout the offseason, McVay remained adamant that a replacement center was in house. Corbett, Allen and Shelton will compete for the job, which Blythe held down the past two seasons.

Corbett, who's played left and right guard since the Rams sent a fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in 2019 to acquire him, appears to be the frontrunner. "He's an extremely smart player," McVay said about Corbett, a second-round pick in 2018. "He's got a good feel for the game."

If Corbett wins the job, watch for Evans to step in as his replacement at right guard.

 

[CanadaRam]

Blythe departure is addition by substraction.

Lazy reporting imo.

 

[Tano]

Blythe departure is addition by substraction.

Lazy reporting imo.

I was going to say the OL should be MUCH MUCH MUCH Better

 

[Flint]

I expect the rb room to be the same if not better, Brown was the consummate pro and good in protection but was pretty average with the ball in his hands and not much of a factor in the passing game. Akers and Hendo are a year more experienced and Akers can build on his end of season momentum. Funk is an interesting prospect for a 3rd down guy, he’s a willing blocker with more speed than Brown.

I also think the line will be the same eventually, Corbett isn’t new to the team or the position and he’s got the ability to improve on Blythe’s biggest flaw, strength and power. Corbett was a good guard for this team though, so it remains to be seen if there is an adequate replacement. Several guys are going to get the chance to establish themselves and guys like Anchrum will get a chance.

I expect the TEs to be about the same as well, Everett was never more than a complement to Higs and wasn’t consistent enough to make us think otherwise, I guess we’ll see firsthand if this was correct. A lot of people are jumping off the Hopkins bandwagon but the bar’s not that high for him to replace Everett and if he can offer anything they should be able to fill the rest of their needs with the other guys.
I’m excited to see wrs this year, last year was an awful miscalculation. I don’t know if it was the receivers or Goff but that part of the game was sorely missing and everybody knew it. Defenses were squeezing the life out of this offense, now we have a guy who’s spent his career going deep and a qb who loves throwing the deep ball, hopefully it’s as much of a match made in heaven as it seems.

 

[dang]

It remains to be seen but a healthy and more experienced Akers and Henderson should easily exceed last years RB results.

 

[Rams43]

Lindsey Thiry has a very loose grip on the real status of this ‘21 Rams Offense.

I’ll just leave it at that.

 

[BonifayRam]

The above writer's opinion on the OL is just a seriously ill-informed opinion.

The loss of Austin Blythe who was by far the weakest link as a starter since he was assigned that status should have zero effect on this 2021 OL.

The only real negative is the advanced age of starting LT Andrew Whitworth. However, the Rams have the younger now healthy Joseph Noteboom already taking first-team snaps earlier during the OTA's & Mini Camp. McVay also assigned Noteboom starter in 2019 & 2020 so having Noteboom totally involved in the LT post is actually a plus, NOT a minus.

LG David Edwards will be entering his 3rd season for most all purposes he has been a starter since his rookie season. Why would anyone not expect improvement from a young big strong now healthy OG?

Penciled in @ RG is former 3rd rd 2019 draft selection young Bobby Evans who has many starts @ RT & started @ LG for the two playoff games last season. Evans like Edwards is now entering his 3rd season & has played an important part as one of the main backups for the past two seasons. The experience he has gained in the past two yr is sure to serve him this season & what is needed to be successful as a starter.

RT Rob Havenstein has been a fixture @ starting RT since being drafted in the 2nd rd of 2015 & started over 90 gms @ RT he is just entering his prime as an NFL Ol'er. He is now well over a year away from any health issues he has in the 2019 season. Once again this is a plus & he will soon take over as senior OL after this season to lead the Ram OL.

The Rams would appear to be fixed @ the former Austin Blythe post with a former college 4 yr starting LT & has been a starting OG for the Rams the past two seasons. Austin Corbett is now entering his 4th NFL season has worked in all five OL posts since being drafted just one pick outside the first rd. in 2018. Having started 26 gms worth of interior OL experience is sure to assist him with his new starting post @ center. Having close to 11-inch hands is sure going to help him in handling the football. He is a much bigger man than Blythe. So all those past NT's that ate Blythe lunch every game last season will have to work harder.

Rams have 3 other centers lined up behind Corbett with 4 yr vet Brian Allen, 3 yr versatile Coleman Shelton & new rookie UDFA center Jordan Meredith. Rams OL also has non-rookies Tremayne Anchrum, Chandler Brewer & Jamil Demby as backups. Snead seems to be extremely happy & proud of new rookies OT Max Pircher & OG Alaric Jackson.

The conclusion from my point of view is !

 

[Merlin]

TE is definitely worse. Not gonna act like Everett was anything special, but he's a solid vet. That said the dropoff from what he gave us to Mundt isn't all that bad but there will be some. I'm fine with the way they've addressed this room though, taking a one year dip with potential for bigger things down the road is acceptable risk.

OL is the other unit where the concerns are. But I get them going with guys they have in-house. I just hope they live up to expectations. Two years running I've wanted OL pieces added, have no prob with the Rams going a different direction since we missed out on camp and preseason last year and really don't know much about how they have developed. Suspect Anchrum is going to be in the mix somewhere, either challenging Boom for the swing tackle job which is most likely or maybe even challenging for that RG spot. Hoping Evans takes advantage too of course. And I think Corbs is fine at C with a vet QB behind him who can grow him on the calls.

Every other position group is better. So I am expecting a big uptick on offense. We'll be top ten in scoring for sure, maybe even back to the elite group. My concerns for this season are basically the defense, Morris settling in as our DC, and Whit's health in that order. But we are without a doubt loaded and about to make a deep playoff run and if you're a Rams fan that's exciting shit.

 

[dang]

So the topic is intriguing but it looks like the assessment simply compared any additions to any losses.
So for RBs: Jake Funk for Malcolm Brown resulted in a grade of ‘Worse’. But what it didn’t account for was any improved use or results for Akers and Henderson. Barring injuries most would agree there will be much better results from these 2 this year resulting in considerably improved overall RB results.

 

[Jacobarch]

You guys act like Blythe was a terrible C. He wasn't. He wasn't a pro bowler but was decent. He allowed only 4 sacks all season, which is tied for 3rd in the NFL. He also was healthy for the majority of his career so far, which says a lot. I mean I hope our Oline is better this 2021 season but the jury is still out and replacing a Center is never easy.

 

[Tano]

You guys act like Blythe was a terrible C. He wasn't. He wasn't a pro bowler but was decent. He allowed only 4 sacks all season, which is tied for 3rd in the NFL. He also was healthy for the majority of his career so far, which says a lot. I mean I hope our Oline is better this 2021 season but the jury is still out and replacing a Center is never easy.

Blythe was not a terrible center for most downs last year. However, he was terrible on 3rd and long which forced McVay to throw either WR screens or delayed hand-offs to the RB on those plays for the majority of the year.

As a result, you didn't see many sacks given up by Blythe due to the types of plays McVay installed.

You can't go by stats on centers. You have to watch him play on each down and every game I reviewed he either got blown up by the NT on 3rd and long or swished on a run play where his assignment was to block the linebacker downfield.

I can't tell you how many times that if Blythe had made his block on a linebacker downfield that Akers or Henderson would have gotten more than 5 to 10 yards on that play. There were quite a few times that if he made the block, Akers or Henderson would have been gone for over 20 to 30 yards at least (maybe even TDs).

However, he was more than adequate calling blocking assignments which we may miss from him. I am hoping Corbett can handle that duty. And he was very good in helping other lineman block their man. He just wasn't that good on one on ones unless it was 1st or second down pass plays. He was actually pretty good on those plays if the second down play was 7 yards or less. He was only terrible if it was a second or third and long pass play where the NT could bull rush him.

Plus I am mean because there were two plays where we had for sure TDs that his man hit Goffs arm right when he was about to hit a Wide Open receiver. And I just can't forgive him for those two plays because they were absolutely horrible plays by Blythe. And we lost both those games by less than 4 points.

 

[Flint]

Lindsey Thiry has a very loose grip on the real status of this ‘21 Rams Offense.

I’ll just leave it at that.

I thought this was a fansite article, the fact that this is from a professional who covers the team regularly is disappointing.

 

[Merlin]

You guys act like Blythe was a terrible C. He wasn't. He wasn't a pro bowler but was decent. He allowed only 4 sacks all season, which is tied for 3rd in the NFL. He also was healthy for the majority of his career so far, which says a lot. I mean I hope our Oline is better this 2021 season but the jury is still out and replacing a Center is never easy.

He was pretty bad. Play after play on film where he was the weak link at the least or single handedly allowed failure on the play. Way more than the next guy. If Corbs gives us less fail we are immediately better IMO.

I know PFF graded him pretty high. But they're full of shit, to my eye at least. The Rams not doing shit to bring him back made me very happy.

 

[RamDino]

We all saw what the Rams thought of Blythe.

 

[Memento]

Corbett, in my honest opinion, is a major upgrade from Blythe, and if we don't give him a long-term deal, I'll be very disappointed. He's a smart, strong, and quick center, which is absolutely what you need in this day and age. He's only twenty-five. He's only going to get better. It's an obvious move. And with Edwards and Evans at guard, with guys like Brewer, Anchrum, and Noteboom as backups (Lindsay obviously forgot about Brewer opting out last year.), with Whitworth and Havenstein as the pillars outside, I feel that the line is an upgrade.

Running back is something I'm both concerned and not concerned about. If Akers, Henderson and/or Funk are dinged up/injured, we're pretty much screwed, and Brown could be a major loss if pass-protection and getting the tough yards isn't up to par. If not, though, I feel that an Akers/Henderson combo could gain over 2,000 yards and a good chunk of touchdowns - and that's not even counting possible contributions from Funk and Jones. Ultimately, I'd hesitantly call it the same...for now.

Tight end, I'd say, is a push. I'm sorry, but Everett was far too inconsistent, and never materialized into the weapon we needed. Higbee's still here. Mundt's still here. And you have three intriguing options in Harris, Hopkins, and Skowronek; one or more of those three could step up and be the weapon Everett wasn't.

Wide receiver is an obvious win, even if Desean Jackson gets hurt. Atwell and/or Trishton Jackson can be a deep threat, Jefferson, I feel, is another guy who can win at all levels. Kupp and Woods are Kupp and Woods. I'm worried about overall health, but I like our depth.

Quarterback is an upgrade. Nothing more needs to be said.

 

[FarNorth]

Lindsey Thiry has a very loose grip on the real status of this ‘21 Rams Offense.

I’ll just leave it at that.

For a much deeper article on the Rams offense, especially with Stafford now at qb, see Jourdan Rodriques in The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/2680920/202...-stafford-at-qb-in-hopes-of-reviving-offense/

I won't quote the article because it is unfair to crib from a paid though inexpensive and very worthwhile site. I will say Rodrigues makes the same main points that many of us, including me, have already.

In sum, McVay is focused on creating explosive plays downfield. Of course, Stafford's arm and ability to read the field key are key to this. Rodriques further suggests that the offense will seek to use Jackson, Atwell, and Harris both horizontally and vertically to do so. This will also open things up for Kupp and Woods. She states that a phrase the Rams use to describe this is "activation of eligibles"-- Stafford going through the progressions efficiently to be able to get the ball to these guys or whoever is open.

None of this is a surprise given the Rams' underperformance last year on offense, especially in TDs and the red zone. But it does highlight what McVay is hoping to accomplish. Much more good stuff in the article as well. Very impressed with Rodriques, it's excellent sports journalism.

 

[PhillyRam]

You guys act like Blythe was a terrible C. He wasn't. He wasn't a pro bowler but was decent. He allowed only 4 sacks all season, which is tied for 3rd in the NFL. He also was healthy for the majority of his career so far, which says a lot. I mean I hope our Oline is better this 2021 season but the jury is still out and replacing a Center is never easy.

Yet nobody wanted him until KC gave him a real cheap deal, then went out and drafted a top 3 center.

 

[majrleaged]

He was pretty bad. Play after play on film where he was the weak link at the least or single handedly allowed failure on the play. Way more than the next guy. If Corbs gives us less fail we are immediately better IMO.

I know PFF graded him pretty high. But they're full of shit, to my eye at least. The Rams not doing shit to bring him back made me very happy.

Sacks are one thing. The pressures that cause a break down in the play is another.

 

[nighttrain]

i don't know how to find them, but highlights of Cam Akers it shows Blythe missing his blocks on every single play, every damn time
train

 

[Rams43]

Corbett, in my honest opinion, is a major upgrade from Blythe, and if we don't give him a long-term deal, I'll be very disappointed. He's a smart, strong, and quick center, which is absolutely what you need in this day and age. He's only twenty-five. He's only going to get better. It's an obvious move. And with Edwards and Evans at guard, with guys like Brewer, Anchrum, and Noteboom as backups (Lindsay obviously forgot about Brewer opting out last year.), with Whitworth and Havenstein as the pillars outside, I feel that the line is an upgrade.

Running back is something I'm both concerned and not concerned about. If Akers, Henderson and/or Funk are dinged up/injured, we're pretty much screwed, and Brown could be a major loss if pass-protection and getting the tough yards isn't up to par. If not, though, I feel that an Akers/Henderson combo could gain over 2,000 yards and a good chunk of touchdowns - and that's not even counting possible contributions from Funk and Jones. Ultimately, I'd hesitantly call it the same...for now.

Tight end, I'd say, is a push. I'm sorry, but Everett was far too inconsistent, and never materialized into the weapon we needed. Higbee's still here. Mundt's still here. And you have three intriguing options in Harris, Hopkins, and Skowronek; one or more of those three could step up and be the weapon Everett wasn't.

Wide receiver is an obvious win, even if Desean Jackson gets hurt. Atwell and/or Trishton Jackson can be a deep threat, Jefferson, I feel, is another guy who can win at all levels. Kupp and Woods are Kupp and Woods. I'm worried about overall health, but I like our depth.

Quarterback is an upgrade. Nothing more needs to be said.

Well said, Memento. My sentiments exactly.