The landscape changes swiftly from year to year in the NFL and if you have any doubts, consider for a moment the precipitous fall from grace of the 2019 Super Bowl runner-up Los Angeles Rams to their underwhelming 9-7 regular-season performance of last year. Quarterback Jared Goff threw too many picks and not enough touchdowns last season yet his total passing yards were virtually identical in which he tossed 4,688 yards in 2018 versus 4,638 in 2019. However, his quarterback rating took a hit (101.1 in ’18 vs. 86.5 in ’19) and perhaps it’s not coincidental that Todd Gurley’s balky knee allowed defenses to focus more on the L.A. passing attack and less on Gurley’s electrifying rushing assault.
Well, that was then and this is now, as Rams fans are counting on their team to resemble more of the 2018 vintage and a lot less of 2019. We believe the Rams chances for next season hinge primarily on the team’s ability to convince premier offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth to remain with the team as opposed to opting for greener pastures elsewhere. But shoring up the Los Angeles offensive line doesn’t begin and end with signing Whitworth because the entire unit needs to be more aggressive and explosive, which would allow Goff a bit more time in the pocket and provide Gurley with bigger holes in which to blow through. And let’s face it, Whitworth has already defied the odds playing into his late 30’s and a suitable replacement will need to be found sooner than later.
Unfortunately, the Rams have limited cap space to sign free agents and are devoid of a first-round pick this year and next after acquiring Jalen Ramsey from the Jaguars. Therefore, Los Angeles won’t pick until No. 52, the 20th selection in the second round, but if they do their homework, they could come up with a few talented options which could be used immediately to bolster their offensive line. Center Jake Hansen out of Oregon, Washington’s mammoth tackle Trey Adams, or Auburn’s OT Prince Tega Wanogho could all be available when L.A. steps to the podium.
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) October 15, 2019
Can’t spell Ramsey without Rams.
Let’s get to work, @jalenramsey‼️
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 15, 2019
Defensively, an edge rusher would be another high priority and it would be impossible for the Rams to pass up Penn State’s defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos if he were to freefall his way to No. 52 or even get close enough for the LA brass to trade up and snatch him. Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa is another who could fall after a less than stellar combine performance while Florida’s Jon Greenard and Bama’s Terrell Lewis could also be available in the second round. The 2020 NFL draft is fertile ground for wide receivers and all of that talent could very well see the offensive linemen and defensive edge rushers tumble well below where the pundits predict they will be selected.
Head coach Sean McVay understands the reality of a team loaded with mega contracts to the likes of quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, receiver Brandin Cooks and defensive lineman Aaron Donald while Jalen Ramsay is due for a big payday after the 2020 campaign. There is only about $15 million to spend once free agency gets underway and McVay also has a brand-new offensive, defensive, and special team coordinators in place for this season. Plenty of changes with little room to bring in impact players through free agency and no first-round pick in the offing could put a wet blanket on the prospects of improving from last year’s disappointing season.
However, McVay doesn’t see it that way and despite not making the playoffs for the first time in his three seasons with the club, the 34-year-old refuses to shed his rose-colored glasses in stating, “I’m excited and motivated and, really, I would say more rejuvenated and reinvigorated than I’ve ever been since I first got here.”
Current Odds
If you’re wondering how the oddsmakers view the Rams then wonder no longer. According to Sportsbook Review, the Rams are +375 in the NFC West, trailing the 49ers (-125) and Seahawks (+325) but ahead of the Cardinals (+900).
Los Angeles is in the middle of the pack to win the conference with odds of +1400 and +2800 to win the Super Bowl. LA’s regular-season win total is being offered at anywhere between 8 ½ (O-140) and 9 (-110) depending on where you shop. If you have faith in McVay then the odds are in your favor, but if not, maybe the Rams will prove you wrong!
