LA Rams
2017 Offense: 3rd Overall (8th Passing, 7th Running, 1st Scoring, 5th YPP)
2017 Defense: 14th overall (6th passing, 25th Running, 9th Scoring, 15th YPP)
2018 Outlook:
OFFENSE: The Rams offense had one of the most remarkable turnarounds last year, going from the 32nd overall offense in 2016 to 3rd overall in 2017 and the number one scoring unit in the NFL.
Offensively, the Rams rely on a very clever scheme, that puts a lot of pressure on the defense to maintain eye and gap discipline, and to tackle extremely well. If the Rams run into a team with no pass rush, or an inexperienced team that lacks communication, they are nearly unstoppable. I m in no way implying that their personnel is mediocre, because they certainly are not. However, there are 7-8 teams with better overall personnel than the Rams do. Aside from Gurley, how many Rams skill position guys would start for the Eagles, Patriots, Saints, Falcons, Chargers, GB or Pittsburgh?
I feel like Goff is the new Alex Smith. He has underrated mobility, a decent but not great arm, and can operate very efficiently under the confines of an extremely well put together offensive scheme.
Gurley is a top 3 RB in this league, and I m not sure he's not the best. At least a case can be made for him. There isnt much depth behind him however. If Gurley is to miss time, the Rams are in trouble.
Swapping Cooks for Watkins is an upgrade, R Woods is an underrated technician, and concrete feet Cooper Kupp is very savvy and sure handed.
The Rams have an above average OL that is also greatly aided by a very creative play caller.
I went back and watched the game at Minnesota and the playoff game vs Atlanta. This offense tends to stagnate once a team is able to stop their lethal play action and screen game. The moment Goff is asked to start making plays outside the script in order to move the chains, the Rams become a very pedestrian team. Both ATL and MIN put a decent amount of pressure on Goff and took away the usual wide open intermediate throws.
Even with this offense being a scheme heavy, rather than execution heavy, one, there are very few defenses that have enough good players at all 3 levels to give the Rams problems. This is a top 5 unit in the league.
DEFENSE: The Rams boast one of the best D Lines and best secondaries in the NFL, but the linebackers are some of the worst: Longacre, Ebukham, Hager and Mark Barron are not exactly 85 Bears LB material.
Wade Philips has always been a master at putting pressure on the QB, and his run blitzes don't allow very many sustained drives. Acquiring Suh, Peters and Talib definitely strengthens a group that finished 15th overall in 2017. The Rams defense is a top 10 unit in the NFL.
Teams have had some success against this scheme with "heavy" personnel. 2-3 TE, an extra Offensive Lineman, and just pounding the ball at them. Another way to slow down the blitz is to spread them 4-5 wide. As long as the down and distance stays manageable, it's very hard for Wade to dial his nasty blitzes.
Based on talent and coaching, the Rams HAVE to be considered a top 5 team in the NFL. Goff should only get better in the second year in McVay's system, and, if he takes another step in his development, the Rams can become perennial Super Bowl contenders. If Nick Foles was able to win one, so can Goff.