A 30,000 foot view with no punches pulled.
I’m a results oriented guy so forgive me if I speak bluntly.
This team was too Jekyll and Hyde this year. All 3 units had inexplicable ups and downs. Frankly, we lost too many games to inferior teams. This means that a ton of the blame goes to the coaches.
McVay needs to take a long and hard look at his coaching staff and schemes, starting with himself. And I think that McVay should hire a damned O coordinator which would allow him to focus on the Big Picture to a greater degree. McVay should retain the playcalling duties but listen carefully to his OC. I think that McVay is currently spread too thin on the O side.
Kromer should be allowed to be 100% OL coach and immediately relieved of his ‘run game coordinator’ duties. Let the man do what he does best, coach the OL. And heaven knows that this OL needs his undivided attention.
Shane Waldron probably shouldn’t be ‘passing game coordinator’ at all. Maybe not the best possible QB coach that McVay could hire, either. I think that Goff could be better under a more gifted coach, frankly.
Gurley is a shadow of his former self. Not his fault, but the Rams need to prepare for a future without Gurley as soon as ‘21. Might be a good idea to get a promising RB this offseason in draft, FA, or some kind of trade. Our O is predicated on having a powerful RB and running game, so I feel that this is a fairly high priority. Sure hope that the Rams realize that Gurley’s best days are behind him.
Speaking of running game, they need to figure out how to regain one by improving the OL. Player development of current players, draft, FA, or trade are all options on the table, I think. But this is Job One this offseason. I couldn’t care less which method they decide upon. I only care that they get it done one way or another and that they do so this offseason. The importance of re-establishing a powerful running game OL simply can’t be overstated. With it we are a SB worthy team. Without it we are an 8-9 win team. ‘Nuff said?
I seriously question whether Wade should remain our DC in ‘20. Nice guy, great career, but I think that McVay can do better. I also think that McVay could have his choice of virtually ANY available DC hire candidate. I’m personally hoping for a promising young and aggressive outsider. Sort of a Sean McVay type D oriented savant waiting for his chance while somewhere impressing in his current D coaching duties. McVay should NOT ‘settle’ for anyone he considers less than the very best available candidate.
Hope Littleton can be extended. He’s invaluable to the D and he’s earned it.
Fowler probably won’t be able to be extended due to cap restrictions. If Demoff can work some magic, I would love to extend Fowler, of course, but I’m afraid that the chances are kinda slim. Sigh...
Brockers is almost certainly a cap casualty.
I predict that Weddle will be released as a cap move since his play has not met expectations. A JJ, Rapp, and Christian S unit would be a strong one without Weddle.
Matthews is a bit iffy, too, I think. There’s the salary, his limited run D, and maybe the Rams like their options with other inexpensive edge players waiting in the wings, OR their options in the draft.
CB depth has been a pleasant surprise. Hill, Williams, and Long opposite Ramsey is looking very good, huh? Nice to feel that CB is not a screaming need, that’s for sure.
Speaking of pleasant surprises, how about Higbee? Goodness. I was optimistic when Higbee was drafted but I never saw him becoming such a good blocker AND O weapon. Can’t wait to see what McVay has planned for him next season.
Well, those are my ideas about ‘fixes’ needed along with a short list of likely painful cap casualties. A good draft and shrewd FA will be needed, no doubt, but if Snead can pull that off we could be right back in the thick of the SB hunt, despite playing in the strong NFC West.
My 3 biggest priorities?
Finish the OL.
Replace Wade Phillips.
Hire an OC to take a lot off if McVay’s plate.
