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Rams: Creating the Blueprint for Optimal Offense in 2015
By Steven Gerwel , Featured Columnist
May 29, 2015
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ing-the-blueprint-for-optimal-offense-in-2015
The key to the St. Louis Rams' 2015 season is offensive production. If the Rams want to become a contender overnight, the offense must step it up.
Everyone knows that Jeff Fisher is a defensive coach and that St. Louis stacks up with any NFL team when it comes to defensive talent. The Rams at least have that going for them. Unfortunately, the offense has been holding them back for years.
Before the Rams can take the next step, they must develop a blueprint for the 2015 offense. There are a lot of new faces on that side of the ball, and there's also a nice crop of young talent with which to work.
Here are a few key numbers related to the St. Louis offense, which gives us an idea of what the unit must improve on:
One: The number of rushing plays that went for 40 or more yards last season. Twenty other NFL teams had two or more.
35.4: The percent of third downs converted last season. Rams converted just 68 times in 192 attempts (27th in the NFL).
70: The number of NFL players with more receptions last season than St. Louis' top receiver, Jared Cook (52).
50: The percent of red-zone appearances that produced a touchdown. The Rams ranked just 22nd after punching it in only half the time.
5.2: The average number of points the Rams scored in the fourth quarter last season (27th in the NFL).
24.7: St. Louis' average amount of rushing attempts per game in 2014, which is good for just 24th in the NFL—yet this is ostensibly a rushing team?
4.9: Amount of rushing first downs per game in 2014. Ranks 24th in the NFL.
2.9: Number of sacks St. Louis quarterbacks endured per game in 2014 (8th highest in NFL).
With those stats in mind, here's how the Rams can improve in both offensive areas.
Running Game
The Rams are tooling up for some hard-nosed, run-first football.
With four mauling offensive linemen selected in the first six rounds of the draft, it is difficult to tell if the Rams are rebuilding a line or collecting blood-thirsty gladiators for the Colosseum. That's not to mention that the Rams used the No. 10 pick on Todd Gurley, who was one of the few elite backs to join a draft class in some time.
So much for subtlety. If you don't know what St. Louis is planning, you're not paying close attention.
With the stats in the introduction in mind, there are several things the run game must accomplish.
First, the number of rushing attempts has to increase. A top-notch defense can't do much good if the offense is incapable of eating up the clock—something that can be done by increasing the carries.
Part of the issue is that the Rams are often trailing in the second half, which forces the team to pass. But if the Rams are serious about becoming a juggernaut rushing offense, it's essential they never abandon their game plan.
Once the Rams start running more often, it's vital they get those extra few yards on first and second down. St. Louis' 35.4-percent conversion rate on third downs last season was pathetic. If, however, the Rams can face more 2nd-and-5 situations, that percentage should see a boost.
How do they create those 2nd-and-5 scenarios? By showing off the brand new grunts on the front line. The rookie linemen need to flex their muscles in order to get that extra yard or two on first down. If the offensive line can make that happen, it'll make life much easier for the rest of the team.
Finally, the Rams must create more big plays on the ground. Having just one run for 40 or more yards is not going to cut it.
It's hard to say why those big runs aren't happening. Perhaps the receivers are getting downfield to block. Maybe it's an issue at the line of scrimmage. Either way, it has to change.
The addition of Todd Gurley might help with those big plays. He has the strength to shed tackles and the breakaway speed to burn defenders. Trying to stop him in the fourth quarter will be quite a challenge, which will also help the Rams improve their low fourth-quarter points totals.
Here's what would be great to see out of the run game once Gurley returns to form: Divide up the carries evenly between Gurley, Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham for the first three quarters. With the limited carries, Gurley will remain fresh for the final quarter. That's when you hand the keys to Gurley, run him like crazy against a tired defense and turn out the lights.
Gurley can always move to more of a full-time role in his second or third year, but that would be the ideal strategy for Year 1.
Overall, the run game has to improve in all aspects. Whether it's upping the number of carries, setting up third-down conversions or creating more big plays, the team has to get better.
With the help of the incoming rookies, expect the Rams to improve in every area of the run game.
Passing Game
The run game is generating the most buzz, and rightfully so. However, let's not disregard the passing game.
While Fisher wants to eventually transition into a heavy-run team, it'll take some time. We should see minor improvements in the run game, but it's going to take a while for the group to peak. With three new starters on the offensive line and a rookie running back, it's not going to happen overnight.
In fact, it's the passing game that has the benefit of experience and veteran leadership. The top veterans on offense—Nick Foles, Kenny Britt, Jared Cook, Brian Quick—are all part of the aerial attack. The run game might be the team's long-term priority, but Foles is the most important player when it comes to the offense's success in 2015.
So how can the passing game step it up?
For starters, the team needs a go-to-guy. Someone has to step up and be the No. 1 receiver.
As mentioned, 70 different NFL players had more receptions than Jared Cook in 2014. Cook was St. Louis' top receiver last year. The number of receivers who outproduce the St. Louis pass-catchers are so plentiful that every team can own two guys (some can have three) more productive than the Rams' top target.
That's not a knock on Cook, who has exceeded 50 catches and 600 yards in each of his two seasons with the Rams, perfectly admirable numbers for a pass-catching tight end. It simply means someone other than Cook needs to step it up.
That someone has to be either Britt or Quick. Both players are in their mid-20s with several years of pro experience. It's time for them to finally show us that No. 1 potential scouts have been raving about for years. It's now or never.
If Quick or Britt can become the primary target on offense—someone who can move the chains and exceed 70 catches—it will take some of the pressure off the very young and inexperienced run game.
As for Foles, he needs to understand that he's now the leader of this offense. It may be a run-first team, but he's the signal-caller. The Rams have to put Foles in a position to succeed in order to keep that confidence alive.
For starters, the Rams must remain committed to the run. During Foles' 2013 Pro Bowl campaign, the Philadelphia Eagles boasted the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL. If the Rams want the 2013 version of Foles, they'll have to make a conscious effort to keep the ball on the ground. If the run game thrives, Foles will as well.
Fisher must also realize this isn't a refined pass-blocking team. As one of the most sacked teams in the NFL last season, the Rams need to adjust by utilizing quick passes, the play action and plenty of roll outs—Foles has just enough athleticism to pull it off.
In summmary, we need to see several things for the passing game to thrive: a commitment to run, a confident Foles, short and quick passes and a No. 1 receiver.
Quick Hits for the 2015 Offense
Here's a list of several other key components we need to see from the 2015 offense.
Time for Tavon Austin to Show Up
Many Rams fans don't want to admit it, but Tavon Austin is on the verge of bust territory. With less than 500 yards from scrimmage in 2014, some are starting to wonder what the Rams were thinking using a No. 8 overall pick on a 5'8" receiver. He either gets involved in 2015 or he goes home in 2016.
Tre Mason Must Embrace His Role
The Gurley selection will surely not have excited Mason, but it'd be nice to see him embrace his role with little to no bickering. With the amount of running Fisher has in mind, this town is totally big enough for two backs. He'll be an exciting player to watch.
Quarterbacks Must Play to Win
The fans are rooting for Foles because a successful Foles will likely equate to a successful season. However, the other quarterbacks don't have to buy into that. After all, anything can happen with Foles' production and on-field performance. The quarterbacks shouldn't sit meekly by and assume Foles is the guy. Sean Mannion and Case Keenum need to be approaching practice as if they're long-term starters.
If Foles struggles or gets injured, that could very well be the case.
By Steven Gerwel , Featured Columnist
May 29, 2015
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ing-the-blueprint-for-optimal-offense-in-2015
The key to the St. Louis Rams' 2015 season is offensive production. If the Rams want to become a contender overnight, the offense must step it up.
Everyone knows that Jeff Fisher is a defensive coach and that St. Louis stacks up with any NFL team when it comes to defensive talent. The Rams at least have that going for them. Unfortunately, the offense has been holding them back for years.
Before the Rams can take the next step, they must develop a blueprint for the 2015 offense. There are a lot of new faces on that side of the ball, and there's also a nice crop of young talent with which to work.
Here are a few key numbers related to the St. Louis offense, which gives us an idea of what the unit must improve on:
One: The number of rushing plays that went for 40 or more yards last season. Twenty other NFL teams had two or more.
35.4: The percent of third downs converted last season. Rams converted just 68 times in 192 attempts (27th in the NFL).
70: The number of NFL players with more receptions last season than St. Louis' top receiver, Jared Cook (52).
50: The percent of red-zone appearances that produced a touchdown. The Rams ranked just 22nd after punching it in only half the time.
5.2: The average number of points the Rams scored in the fourth quarter last season (27th in the NFL).
24.7: St. Louis' average amount of rushing attempts per game in 2014, which is good for just 24th in the NFL—yet this is ostensibly a rushing team?
4.9: Amount of rushing first downs per game in 2014. Ranks 24th in the NFL.
2.9: Number of sacks St. Louis quarterbacks endured per game in 2014 (8th highest in NFL).
With those stats in mind, here's how the Rams can improve in both offensive areas.
Running Game
The Rams are tooling up for some hard-nosed, run-first football.
With four mauling offensive linemen selected in the first six rounds of the draft, it is difficult to tell if the Rams are rebuilding a line or collecting blood-thirsty gladiators for the Colosseum. That's not to mention that the Rams used the No. 10 pick on Todd Gurley, who was one of the few elite backs to join a draft class in some time.
So much for subtlety. If you don't know what St. Louis is planning, you're not paying close attention.
With the stats in the introduction in mind, there are several things the run game must accomplish.
First, the number of rushing attempts has to increase. A top-notch defense can't do much good if the offense is incapable of eating up the clock—something that can be done by increasing the carries.
Part of the issue is that the Rams are often trailing in the second half, which forces the team to pass. But if the Rams are serious about becoming a juggernaut rushing offense, it's essential they never abandon their game plan.
Once the Rams start running more often, it's vital they get those extra few yards on first and second down. St. Louis' 35.4-percent conversion rate on third downs last season was pathetic. If, however, the Rams can face more 2nd-and-5 situations, that percentage should see a boost.
How do they create those 2nd-and-5 scenarios? By showing off the brand new grunts on the front line. The rookie linemen need to flex their muscles in order to get that extra yard or two on first down. If the offensive line can make that happen, it'll make life much easier for the rest of the team.
Finally, the Rams must create more big plays on the ground. Having just one run for 40 or more yards is not going to cut it.
It's hard to say why those big runs aren't happening. Perhaps the receivers are getting downfield to block. Maybe it's an issue at the line of scrimmage. Either way, it has to change.
The addition of Todd Gurley might help with those big plays. He has the strength to shed tackles and the breakaway speed to burn defenders. Trying to stop him in the fourth quarter will be quite a challenge, which will also help the Rams improve their low fourth-quarter points totals.
Here's what would be great to see out of the run game once Gurley returns to form: Divide up the carries evenly between Gurley, Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham for the first three quarters. With the limited carries, Gurley will remain fresh for the final quarter. That's when you hand the keys to Gurley, run him like crazy against a tired defense and turn out the lights.
Gurley can always move to more of a full-time role in his second or third year, but that would be the ideal strategy for Year 1.
Overall, the run game has to improve in all aspects. Whether it's upping the number of carries, setting up third-down conversions or creating more big plays, the team has to get better.
With the help of the incoming rookies, expect the Rams to improve in every area of the run game.
Passing Game
The run game is generating the most buzz, and rightfully so. However, let's not disregard the passing game.
While Fisher wants to eventually transition into a heavy-run team, it'll take some time. We should see minor improvements in the run game, but it's going to take a while for the group to peak. With three new starters on the offensive line and a rookie running back, it's not going to happen overnight.
In fact, it's the passing game that has the benefit of experience and veteran leadership. The top veterans on offense—Nick Foles, Kenny Britt, Jared Cook, Brian Quick—are all part of the aerial attack. The run game might be the team's long-term priority, but Foles is the most important player when it comes to the offense's success in 2015.
So how can the passing game step it up?
For starters, the team needs a go-to-guy. Someone has to step up and be the No. 1 receiver.
As mentioned, 70 different NFL players had more receptions than Jared Cook in 2014. Cook was St. Louis' top receiver last year. The number of receivers who outproduce the St. Louis pass-catchers are so plentiful that every team can own two guys (some can have three) more productive than the Rams' top target.
That's not a knock on Cook, who has exceeded 50 catches and 600 yards in each of his two seasons with the Rams, perfectly admirable numbers for a pass-catching tight end. It simply means someone other than Cook needs to step it up.
That someone has to be either Britt or Quick. Both players are in their mid-20s with several years of pro experience. It's time for them to finally show us that No. 1 potential scouts have been raving about for years. It's now or never.
If Quick or Britt can become the primary target on offense—someone who can move the chains and exceed 70 catches—it will take some of the pressure off the very young and inexperienced run game.
As for Foles, he needs to understand that he's now the leader of this offense. It may be a run-first team, but he's the signal-caller. The Rams have to put Foles in a position to succeed in order to keep that confidence alive.
For starters, the Rams must remain committed to the run. During Foles' 2013 Pro Bowl campaign, the Philadelphia Eagles boasted the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL. If the Rams want the 2013 version of Foles, they'll have to make a conscious effort to keep the ball on the ground. If the run game thrives, Foles will as well.
Fisher must also realize this isn't a refined pass-blocking team. As one of the most sacked teams in the NFL last season, the Rams need to adjust by utilizing quick passes, the play action and plenty of roll outs—Foles has just enough athleticism to pull it off.
In summmary, we need to see several things for the passing game to thrive: a commitment to run, a confident Foles, short and quick passes and a No. 1 receiver.
Quick Hits for the 2015 Offense
Here's a list of several other key components we need to see from the 2015 offense.
Time for Tavon Austin to Show Up
Many Rams fans don't want to admit it, but Tavon Austin is on the verge of bust territory. With less than 500 yards from scrimmage in 2014, some are starting to wonder what the Rams were thinking using a No. 8 overall pick on a 5'8" receiver. He either gets involved in 2015 or he goes home in 2016.
Tre Mason Must Embrace His Role
The Gurley selection will surely not have excited Mason, but it'd be nice to see him embrace his role with little to no bickering. With the amount of running Fisher has in mind, this town is totally big enough for two backs. He'll be an exciting player to watch.
Quarterbacks Must Play to Win
The fans are rooting for Foles because a successful Foles will likely equate to a successful season. However, the other quarterbacks don't have to buy into that. After all, anything can happen with Foles' production and on-field performance. The quarterbacks shouldn't sit meekly by and assume Foles is the guy. Sean Mannion and Case Keenum need to be approaching practice as if they're long-term starters.
If Foles struggles or gets injured, that could very well be the case.
