[Preview 2020] Los Angeles Rams: How to bounce back? | Touchdown Actu (NFL Actu)

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The year 2019-2020 marked the first “faux pas” of the McVay era in LA. In constant progress since the arrival of the coach, the franchise has stalled by doing less well, not difficult when you are a finalist in title, by not qualifying for the playoffs.

The Rams must therefore find the key in 2020. A quest not impossible for a team that comes out despite everything from a record of 9 wins for 7 losses. But it promises to be difficult in a division that acts as a scarecrow.

Last season: 9 wins – 7 losses, 3rd in the NFC West, no playoff

Offseason movements

A hectic offseason for the Rams with many departures of important players on both sides of the ball. In defense, the franchise has notably lost the excellent Corry Littleton and the precious Nickell Robey-Coleman and Dante Fowler. Not to mention the departure of valuable veteran defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

In attack, in addition to the speedster Brandin Cooks, the Rams have mostly ended their adventure with Todd Gurley, centerpiece of the attack in recent years, and author of 7494 yards gained and 70 touchdowns scored in 5 seasons.

The most difficult thing for McVay to manage is that the opposite path has not been taken much … Los Angeles has recorded the arrivals of Leonard Floyd and A’Shawn Robinson, two men who are looking to restart their careers. Fortunately, the franchise limited the breakage on the “buzzer” by finding in extremis Andrew Whitworth and especially Michael Brockers (63 tackles, 2 sacks), on the verge of joining the Ravens.

In the draft, the Californian team asserted its offensive identity by selecting on its first two choices players on this side of the ball. The young Cam Akers will therefore have the mission to be ready from day one in order to support Jared Goff as well as possible.

Notable arrivals: Leonard Floyd (OLB), A’Shawn Robinson (DT)
Re-Signatures : Michael Brockers (DE), Andrew Withworth (OT), Austin Blythe (G)
Draft : Cam Akers (RB), Van Jefferson (WR), Terrell Lewis (DE), Terrell Burgess (S), Bryce Hopkins (TE), Jordan Fuller (S), Clay Johnston (LB), Sam Sloman (K), Tremayne Anchrum (OL)
Notable losses: Corry Littleton (LB), Todd Gurley (RB), Brandin Cooks (WR), Nickell Robey-Coleman (CB), Dante fowler (OLB), Greg Zuerlein (K), Eric Weddle (S), Clay Matthews (LB)

Leonard Floyd can he take advantage of Aaron Donald to relaunch his career?

Le(s) point(s) fort(s)

As for several seasons, the Rams will have assets to assert on the defensive line. Not necessarily the most efficient in terms of statistics, the Rams line is efficient and is one of the strong points of this team. Obviously this largely goes through Aaron Donald (12.5 sacks, 48 ​​tackles), probably the best player in the league, and his ability to be a constant threat to the opposing quarterback. With Brockers and Robinson by his side, the race defense will also be effective a priori.

With Sean McVay at the helm, the Rams’ aerial play is a threat to most opponents in the franchise. Less brilliant last year, the team still has the assets to be among the best in this area of ​​play: the duo Cooper Kupp (94 rec, 1161 yards, 10 TDs) -Robert Woods (90 rec, 1134 yards , 2 TDs) is extremely efficient, especially in terms of separation, and the rookie Van Jefferson could provide the missing speed.

In addition, tight end Tyler Higbee exploded last year with 69 receptions for 734 yards and Gerald Everrett remains a quality player. The duo are arguably the best in the league and should continue to be a threat in the airline industry. The yards should therefore continue to accumulate in the air in 2020-2021 for Los Angeles.

The weak spots)

It is in defense that the concerns are greatest for the coming season. The deductible seems particularly low on the linebacker position and in air coverage.

In linebacker, the loss of Corry Littleton seems impossible to fill this year, he who had been effective in all areas of play and especially in aerial cover. The Troy Reeder – Micah Kiser pair shouldn’t get that much better. On the sides, the Rams are not really the winners having lost Dante Fowler to Leonard Floyd (3 sacks), from whom much more is expected in the NFL. Only Samson Ebukam (48 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and the emergence of Obo Okoronkwo could limit the damage.

In the defensive backfield, all is not reassuring either. Yes, there is Jalen Ramsey but behind, even if Troy Hill is a decent player, it is overall poor in terms of talent and depth of squad. On the safeties side, John Johnson (51 tackles in 6 games) and Taylor Rapp (100 tackles, 2 int, 1 TD) had an average 2019 season, like this whole team, they will have to improve their coverage so that the coverage air does not get “torn” like in 2019 on some matches.

Finally, hard not to mention the offensive line which had a complicated season last year, especially on the ground sector and which was not helped by injuries, underperformance and starts.

X factor (s): the offensive line

More than a player, the X factor of the Rams season is all about internal progression. With few quality reinforcements, the franchise must count on an improvement in the level of play of most of its squads.

The most telling and expected is undoubtedly on the offensive line. Last year there were three new players on the line and it was felt. Most of them are in their third year so we can hope for improvement. Individually, a player like Rob Havenstein must be able to do better.

Also in the spotlight, Jared Goff. The team’s quarterback has had a statistically average season (62.9% of passes completed, 4638 yards, 22 TDs, 16 int, 86.5 evaluation) and must show in 2020 that he has the shoulders to be the leader of his attack, especially with the departure of Gurley.

The player to watch: Cam Akers

The former FSU rider is the player to watch this year. Talented but isolated in college behind a struggling offensive line, Akers has many qualities to showcase under the coaching of Sean McVay.

It will especially be to follow because the rookie must be able to answer present from the first day. Indeed, he must fill as quickly as possible the statistical void represented by the departure of Gurley, and the offensive patterns of his coach need a threat on the ground.

If the player manages to make up for Gurley’s departure, or to do better, Los Angeles could find part of the answer in the return of their attack to the fore.

Calendar

vs Cowboys, @Eagles, @Bills, vs Giants, @Washington, @49ers, vs Bears, @Dolphins, BYE, vs Seahawks, @Buccaneers, vs 49ers, @Cardinals, vs Patriots, vs Jets, @Seattle, vs Cardinals

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In summary

For the fourth year of the McVay era, the Rams appear to be at a crossroads. A return to the playoff would validate the choices and the progress of the team. Conversely, a new season without final stages would necessarily raise questions about the management of the team (the draft rounds bazaar, the big contracts given,…) and could plunge the franchise into a phase of doubt.

There are arguments in favor of the Rams: two clutched players in defense, a quality air squad … But in a division that seems to have strengthened and an NFC where places are expensive, the slightest misstep will pay off.

The forecast: 9 wins – 7 losses, no playoffs