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.

 

[Ram65]

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.

Sounds like a good read.

The offense improves with Stafford at the helm. My thoughts are that he is going to make every unit on offense better.

The Blythe narrative of addition by subtraction is also going to improve each unit.

Adding the speed of Jackson/Atwell/Harris improves the offense. Akers, Jefferson, and the other young players will have a year's experience that should make them better.

There are questions about replacing Brown and Everett. Time will tell if the Rbs stay healthy and if the young TEs can step up. The Rams should have less need for the 2TE sets with Jackson Jefferson and Atwell stepping in.

 

[Ballhawk]

Without Brown I am concerned that we could be without a healthy RB for some or more of the year. And realistically, we are judging Akers on part of a season and Henderson is often injured, so the RB position could become a problem real fast.

 

[Angry Ram]

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.

Yep. De facto whipping boy.

 

[I like Rams]

It's not only who is an upgrade at center, but who is taking over Corbetts old position. If Corbett can play center better than Blythe, that's great, but Evan's also needs to play as good if not better than Corbett at RG. Evan's got ALOT of help in 2019 with Higs helping on blocking. If Evan's cant hold his own, it's not gonna be good.

 

[FarNorth]

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

That's the Austin Blythe I remember.

 

[CGI_Ram]

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.

One of the most intriguing things to watch in camp; the TE’s.

Everett was a tease. Maybe that changes in Seattle but he had time here for that to happen. Logic says his inconsistent play will continue.

ROD did a similar better, same, weaker breakdown about 2 months ago;

Better, Same, Weaker

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

ramsondemand.com

 

[shovelpass]

It's not only who is an upgrade at center, but who is taking over Corbetts old position. If Corbett can play center better than Blythe, that's great, but Evan's also needs to play as good if not better than Corbett at RG. Evan's got ALOT of help in 2019 with Higs helping on blocking. If Evan's cant hold his own, it's not gonna be good.

He got a lot of help his first game and not nearly as much afterwards but people hung on to the broadcasters pointing it out. The amount of 2/3 TE sets fell after the bears game, Everett was hurt towards the end of the season, and Higs went on a hot streak.

Also here's the list of rushes that Evans went up against as a rookie off of the bench, (Mack Floyd), (Judon Ferguson), (Jones Suggs)x2, (Clowney Jefferson), (Lawrence Quinn), Bosa. It'd be a poor gameplan to not give him help, even Havs would've struggled.

 

[PARAM]

So after reviewing additions and substractions, the offense has more speed, a good RB stable, an improved receiving corp and a veteran QB. It would appear McVay has, as Parcells might explain, all the groceries he needs to cook a great meal. So what say you? 27 PPG? 30? 36?

 

[I like Rams]

He got a lot of help his first game and not nearly as much afterwards but people hung on to the broadcasters pointing it out. The amount of 2/3 TE sets fell after the bears game, Everett was hurt towards the end of the season, and Higs went on a hot streak.

Also here's the list of rushes that Evans went up against as a rookie off of the bench, (Mack Floyd), (Judon Ferguson), (Jones Suggs)x2, (Clowney Jefferson), (Lawrence Quinn), Bosa. It'd be a poor gameplan to not give him help, even Havs would've struggled.

I dont listen to broadcasters, I was yelling for Mcvay to give Hav help all season until he got injured, bc he was getting beat like a drum. He finally offered the help to Evan's after replacing Hav, and it wasnt just his first game.

 

[shovelpass]

I dont listen to broadcasters, I was yelling for Mcvay to give Hav help all season until he got injured, bc he was getting beat like a drum. He finally offered the help to Evan's after replacing Hav, and it wasnt just his first game.

Never said it was just his first game. The amount of help in his first game vs the rest of that season is wildly different. You mention Higs staying in to help him "ALOT", there's no way that Higs can stay in and help that much and go off for 100 yds in 4 of the last 5 games of the season (84yds in the last game). Also Everett was injured during the Ravens game so they're down to 2 TEs for the rest of the season.

 

[snackdaddy]

In my opinion tight end is the only position that might be worse. Only because after Higbee there isn't a lot of experience. The line should at least be the same. Maybe even better. Center should be an upgrade. Right guard is questionable at the moment. They know what Akers can do. He will be used more right from the beginning this time. I would say the running back position is now better.

 

[CGI_Ram]

So after reviewing additions and substractions, the offense has more speed, a good RB stable, an improved receiving corp and a veteran QB. It would appear McVay has, as Parcells might explain, all the groceries he needs to cook a great meal. So what say you? 27 PPG? 30? 36?

30 is a good goal for this team to beat.

 

[Faceplant]

Good lord that is a depressing stat ^^^^^. We were last in our division in PPG and tied with the fucking BEARS!!!

If we gave that defense just 26PPG, we win the damn SB I reckon.......lame.

 

[dang]

I’ve always said 31 is the magic number. without looking it up my guess is it’s probably a win 95% of the time.

 

[551staaa]

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.

Echoes of John Hadl and Harold Jackson?

 

[kurtfaulk]

.

I was waiting all last season for Everett and Reynolds to leave the Rams in the off season. Watching Everett was like watching joyner in 2018. Frustrating and annoying. And Reynolds couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag.

.

 

[nighttrain]

.

I was waiting all last season for Everett and Reynolds to leave the Rams in the off season. Watching Everett was like watching joyner in 2018. Frustrating and annoying. And Reynolds couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag.

.

To me, both were major disappointments, damn shame
train

 

[Tano]

Echoes of John Hadl and Harold Jackson?

That was an awesome season. Too bad we stunk up the field in the first quarter and trailed 17-0 before getting close in the 4th qtr 17-16 and then giving up that 83 yard pass to Drew Pearson. And I really hated that rule about home field advantage since the Rams were 12 -2 and Dallas was 10-4 and we still had to play at Dallas.

However, Hadl did have a terrible game that day 7-23 with an interception and no TDs and 5 sacks taken.

 

[Merlin]

It's not only who is an upgrade at center, but who is taking over Corbetts old position. If Corbett can play center better than Blythe, that's great, but Evan's also needs to play as good if not better than Corbett at RG. Evan's got ALOT of help in 2019 with Higs helping on blocking. If Evan's cant hold his own, it's not gonna be good.

This is why competition is so important. If Evans can't get it done then I am sure someone else like Anchrum is more than willing to step up.

IMO we're gonna hear from Anchrum this year in camp. He might not win a role but he's gonna push. Guy like him doesn't get the press but he's got loads of film showing him getting the job done vs very good competition. I think he factors in this year even if it's pushing a guy like Evans or Boom.

 

[oldnotdead]

We know the offense will be different than last year. But we don't know what changes McVay will make. If I had to guess it would be a hybrid version of 2018. Using a strong run game and quick possession passing to set up the deep strike. With Tutu, Harris, and Funk they have the speed to get deep. Jefferson is a big wildcard this year. He now knows the route tree and he won't be slowed by thinking his way through each play. He's a hybrid of Woods and Kupp.

Then you add in Jackson and Tutu out of the slot. Those two alone dictate changes in the offense. To now try to gauge better or worse when we don't know what the offense will really be is an exercise in futility. Also, I can see a stronger run game created by the light box they will face with 11 personnel. This will add yet another dimension with the addition of Harris out of the TE or slot position. Once DC's begin to see the speed the Rams now have it will back them off even more and make play action even more effective. The offense no matter what they run will play against a light box and primarily zone to minimize big plays in the run game.

The OL play will be perceived to be improved simply by having Stafford who is very good at reading what he's facing pre-snap so he will be getting those throws off sooner. Those timing throws will also pay benefits in the run game as it will allow the OL to get those second level blocks easier. IMO, be it Corbett, Allen or Shelton all three are upgrades to Blythe at center.

That leads me to Carberry who will be perhaps the most crucial hire this year. For now, the Rams have a truly legit OL coach who knows how to teach and develop young talent. Corbett proved himself to be a solid LG why change that? Evans would be a better RG than Edwards who still looks stiff at OG. Shelton would be my choice at center for three reasons. First, it would put Corbett back at LG where he was solid. Secondly, Shelton is a mauler and number three is that he is mobile enough to make second level blocks. I can see the OL not only using outside zone, but also inside zone and power gap blocking. Carberry is good enough to teach it properly.

Everything is possible now and it all starts with the OL being able to execute multiple blocking schemes. IMO outside power is a better blocking scheme for the perimeter game. This is one reason I think it's premature to even guess what the offense will look like. An outside power run can be done with the jet motion player as the lead blocker. This is where Harris can really make his mark as he's a physical match or overmatch going against an OLB or SS. The coaches were impressed by Harris' willingness to block in OTAs from reports. It won't matter who is running the ball be it Akers, Henderson or Funk, because if they break clean into the second level watch out!

This is something the Rams simply couldn't do last year. I'm not saying they will this year, but they have the personnel and most importantly the OL coach to do it this year. The NFL is going to see a whole new offense from the Rams IMO.