Run Game needs to take a leap this year.

[Riverumbbq]

Well, we got only 13 combined games out of a possible 34 from Akers/Henderson last year. I'm hoping for a lot more than that, and a lot more productivity (K.Williams could help too!)

Me too.
That and improved OL depth might just get us over that hump, although I'm still waiting on the OL depth.
jmo.

edit:
I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed that Spotrac is now reporting our overall available CAP is now down to under $3.2 mil. from $7.5mil just yesterday ? Where did this money go ?

 

[Kupped]

We don't disagree on that. I think that is true and the numbers probably support it. There are certainly teams that could dictate the run game even in the playoffs but they're pretty rare because as you observe the defenses are very good and also modern DCs will sell the F out to stop the run and make the QB beat them.

Since that game I think McVay has been trying to improve his run potency but there is a philosophical problem there, which is to say he only sticks with it when he has early success. I just think the issues run very deep with him.

I certainly think there are times he gets “pass happy”….
But, I’m not sure I’ll have a problem with that with this group of targets.

I feel like a run game only has to be complimentary.

 

[Kupped]

OK, and our 'situational' run game was on life support.
The top teams are getting better, and the Rams are facing the toughest schedule in the NFL this season, so time will tell whether our team has improved enough at this newest level to win it all again.
With what we have, which is good, I don't see how improving our rush can hurt our chances. jmo.

I think concerns about run game are one of the reasons they pivoted to Robinson once Von moved on.

Two guys who can consistently get open AND who can win contested catches.

 

[AvengerRam]

Here's an interesting trend: running plays by WRs/TEs during McVay's tenure:

2017: 63 attempts (including 59 by Tavon Austin)
2018: 37 attempts
2019: 31 attempts
2020: 32 attempts
2021: 14 attempts

I'd surmise that the reduction is due, in large part, to the reduced need for misdirection and trickery with Stafford at the helm (similar to reason for reduction in play action pass attempts). That said, could we see an increase in jet sweeps and end arounds this year... perhaps a role for Tutu?

 

[Riverumbbq]

I think concerns about run game are one of the reasons they pivoted to Robinson once Von moved on.

Two guys who can consistently get open AND who can win contested catches.

I think the CAP, losing OBj for the better part of 2022 and trading Woods along with the surprising availability of Robinson was more of a factor.
The Rams lost Von and gained Bobby Wagner, and like last year were content enough to begin this season at OLB hoping Lewis & Hollins with another year of development will be enough.
I believe the Rams placed all their OL chips on Logan Bruss and it backfired. jmo.

 

[kurtfaulk]

Rushing Yards Over Expected
Source: RYOE Calculator 1. This stat begins with Expected Rushing Yards. Expected Rushing Yards tells us how many rushing yards a ball-carrier is expected to gain on any given carry based on the location of the handoff, as well as the speed and direction of the blockers and defenders…

.

 

[Psycho_X]

Here's an interesting trend: running plays by WRs/TEs during McVay's tenure:

2017: 63 attempts (including 59 by Tavon Austin)
2018: 37 attempts
2019: 31 attempts
2020: 32 attempts
2021: 14 attempts

I'd surmise that the reduction is due, in large part, to the reduced need for misdirection and trickery with Stafford at the helm (similar to reason for reduction in play action pass attempts). That said, could we see an increase in jet sweeps and end arounds this year... perhaps a role for Tutu?

I think the main reason is simply cause Bobby Trees got hurt. He's basically been the main WR doing those attempts since 2017 I'd assume. Wonder how many of those 14 attempts was after the injury last season.

Would be nice if we can find someone to pick up that role. Kupp is good at it but would like to limit that exposure, Robinson/Van/Skow are all a bit too tall or lumbering probably, Tutu is probably too small to take that punishment, maybe a good role for Powell if he actually gets on the field for offensive plays, McCutcheon won't dress on gameday unless there's an injury.

 

[Merlin]

Improving any facet of the game is beneficial, so that's a straw man that doesn't really help advance this discussion.

My point is that you don't necessarily need balance. Recent history has shown that its fine to be pass-heavy, as long as you can run the ball situationally.

I think we are all aware that you don't need balance. Given that we just won a Super Bowl without it.

Having a conversation about how to improve it and maybe the root of the problems and why we have struggled should not require a caveat in every post where we feel the need acknowledge it. I think everyone here understands all that, or most do.

 

[CGI_Ram]

[Jet sweeps] maybe a good role for Powell if he actually gets on the field for offensive plays

I like that idea with Powell. A lot of that style play is read/react and Powell has proven to be talented there on returns.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Missed this thread, mods, feel free to merge or delete my previous thread start. Here's my post to wit:

Sure sounds like Jourdan was hinting at a two back offense in the latest 11 personnel pod in how she was gingerly talking about what she was not seeing at practice (being held back for closed ones) and how aligned Akers and Henderson were in "shared" RB 1 roles. She mentioned that McVay was not happy with run game last year and wanted to "push" it this year.

I would not be shocked to see a two back offense take a few snaps a game from 11 personnel and I'd throw a little bit of money at the idea that we will see some wildcat (ala 2020 playoff game vs GB) here and there in the offense too now that Akers is back.

To add:

I'm guessing here but I think McVay in overhauling the RB position is looking for "wide-back" for the running game now. Akers, Henderson and Williams all offer plus talent as pass catchers. McVay is just going after the role in reverse of Shanahan, looking for his wide-back from the RB room and not from the WR room.

I would expect to see Akers and Henderson on the field together and look at how the 49ers used Deebo as a possible example of what we'll see. One of them starting wide of the formation, then aligning in the backfield but in various alignments (wing, offset gun, etc...).

Good stuff @WestCoastRam



I like the idea of something new. We need the run game to be better this year, based on expectations alone. We are the World Champs and this aspect of our game can be better than the 2021 version.

 

[Ram Ts]

My biggest issue is those 3rd/4th down and a yard or less. I’ve had zero confidence we’d convert those the past couple years. Same with goal-to-go inside the 2-3.

 

[AvengerRam]

I think we are all aware that you don't need balance. Given that we just won a Super Bowl without it.

Having a conversation about how to improve it and maybe the root of the problems and why we have struggled should not require a caveat in every post where we feel the need acknowledge it. I think everyone here understands all that, or most do.

Um....what???

River asserted that, to improve, the team should focus on run/pass balance:

some balance to our already superior passing game can take us to the next level overall.

I responded by asserting that its not about balance. Rather, its about improving the team's ability to successfully run situationally (what I previously termed "credible run threat.").

Those are two different concepts, neither of which is addressed by the straw man "don't you think its a good thing to improve the running game?"

To that question, the only appropriate answer is "duh."

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

I think the main reason is simply cause Bobby Trees got hurt. He's basically been the main WR doing those attempts since 2017 I'd assume. Wonder how many of those 14 attempts was after the injury last season.

Would be nice if we can find someone to pick up that role. Kupp is good at it but would like to limit that exposure, Robinson/Van/Skow are all a bit too tall or lumbering probably, Tutu is probably too small to take that punishment, maybe a good role for Powell if he actually gets on the field for offensive plays, McCutcheon won't dress on gameday unless there's an injury.

This! Also, McVay's scheme evolves each year to stay ahead of the defense. The jet sweep tape has been out there for a while now.

 

[CGI_Ram]

My biggest issue is those 3rd/4th down and a yard or less. I’ve had zero confidence we’d convert those the past couple years. Same with goal-to-go inside the 2-3.

I hear you. Not since Gurley… this team hasn’t had the personnel to telegraph run and run it anyway. I hope that changes this year.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Those are two different concepts, neither of which is addressed by the straw man "don't you think its a good thing to improve the running game?"

“What’s he got against the straw man”?

 

[AvengerRam]

“What’s he got against the straw man”?

"No, I'm not related to the actor who played the Scarecrow. His name was spelled with an "o," not a "u."

- Marc Bulger

 

[Riverumbbq]

Um....what???

River asserted that, to improve, the team should focus on run/pass balance:

I responded by asserting that its not about balance. Rather, its about improving the team's ability to successfully run situationally (what I previously termed "credible run threat.").

Those are two different concepts, neither of which is addressed by the straw man "don't you think its a good thing to improve the running game?"

To that question, the only appropriate answer is "duh."

You are making way more out of my statement than necessary. Your own 'successfully run situationally' isn't all that big a reach from my own 'some balance' in its meaning. I followed my sentence with 'our already superior passing game can take us to the next level overall.'
I've also stated that we've likely improved our passing game with the acquisitions of Robinson & Kyren Williams along with the healthy return of Higbee, so between this and my hope for an improved OL/rush game doesn't constitute asking for a 50/50 balance in our offensive scheme. 'Some' means just that, as in 'some' improvement. There is no straw man, drawing the two concepts of helping our rush/OL is completely relevant to applying a little more or 'some' balance to our offense.

 

[AvengerRam]

You are making way more out of my statement than necessary. Your own 'successfully run situationally' isn't all that big a reach from my own 'some balance' in its meaning. I followed my sentence with 'our already superior passing game can take us to the next level overall.'
I've also stated that we've likely improved our passing game with the acquisitions of Robinson & Kyren Williams along with the healthy return of Higbee, so between this and my hope for an improved OL/rush game doesn't constitute asking for a 50/50 balance in our offensive scheme. 'Some' means just that, as in 'some' improvement. There is no straw man, drawing the two concepts of helping our rush/OL is completely relevant to applying a little more or 'some' balance to our offense.

Since you seem to want to belabor this, I'll respond.

Improving "balance" suggests that you think the Rams should run the ball more, or in a higher proportion relative to passing plays (they ran the ball just over 40% of the time last year). I don't think that is particularly important.

What I do think is important is that the Rams are more successful when they do elect to run the ball. Last year, the Rams averaged 4.0 ypc. I think it would be very beneficial if that stat shows significant improvement (something in the 4.3 or better range would be nice).

So, yes... there are different ways of defining "improvement" in the running game. To answer your strawman - we all agree that improvement, in general, is a good thing.

How that is measured, on the other hand... reasonable minds may differ.

 

[Merlin]

Um....what???

River asserted that, to improve, the team should focus on run/pass balance:

And it was a fair assertion. A true assertion. This offense would be improved with the benefit of balance on offense.

 

[Kupped]

My biggest issue is those 3rd/4th down and a yard or less. I’ve had zero confidence we’d convert those the past couple years. Same with goal-to-go inside the 2-3.

Hence Robinson.