Despite the major turnover to the roster this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams (5-3) find themselves in a solid position heading into the second half of the 2020 NFL season after their bye in Week 8.
With the NFC West proving to be the most competitive division in football, the bye week could not have come at a more ideal time for the Rams to rest and recuperate. They are going to need every edge they can get as they prepare for a grueling four-game stretch that will feature matchups with the Seattle Seahawks (6-2), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3), San Francisco 49ers (4-5) and the Arizona Cardinals (5-3).
Fortunately, L.A. has benefitted from an overall healthy roster amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While some growing pains were to be expected with so many young players taking on key roles, the time has now come for them to kick things up a notch.
With the second half of the season about to get underway, here is a breakdown of how each of the Rams’ units have fared so far this season.
Offense: C+
Although the metrics would indicate that the Rams’ offense is enjoying a productive year, the numbers have not translated where it matters. This group is putting up the eighth-most total yards per game (396.4), however, they are in the bottom-12 in points per game (24.1).
Their commitment to establishing the run has certainly paid some dividends and the looming return of offensive lineman Joseph Noteboom provides another silver lining. Regardless, head coach Sean McVay will need to get his offense to start pulling their weight if they are going to make it out of the division.
Jared Goff’s play has improved in 2020, but his four-turnover performance in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins came at a rough time and he will need to get back to playing quality football in the second half of the year.
Defense: A
It is no secret that the defense has been nothing short of spectacular through the first eight games of the season giving up the fewest yards (291.9) and third-fewest points per game (t-19.0). They have also managed to alleviate the early concerns with the pass rush with 25 sacks so far.
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has done a stellar job of utilizing the healthy balance of veteran experience and young talent on his side of the ball. This group was dealt some critical blows with the loss of linebacker Travin Howard and defensive back Terrell Burgess, but the return of safety Jordan Fuller and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson should provide a major boost.
As usual, Aaron Donald is having another spectacular season to lead the way for L.A. that could lead to his third NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in the last four seasons.
Special Teams: C
The loss of kicker Greg Zuerlein this offseason left a notable void in the special teams and his absence was magnified by the struggles of rookie Samuel Sloman. Sloman has since effectively been replaced by Kai Forbath, who missed a crucial 48-yard attempt in his debut versus the Dolphins.
The efforts of punter Johnny Hekker have been the saving grace for this group when it comes to avoiding a failing grade. Regardless, the onus will fall on Forbath to pick up the slack before it comes back to haunt them.
