Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Los Angeles Rams and all other NFL teams have been forced to conduct all of their offseason meetings and workouts virtually.
That is especially unfortunate for the Rams considering how many changes they have undergone this offseason both on the coaching staff and roster.
Rams head coach Sean McVay decided to completely overhaul his coaching staff at the beginning of the offseason, bringing in new offensive, defensive and special teams coordinators, among other changes.
The offensive coordinator position is something the Rams did not have the last two years after Matt LaFleur departed from the organization. L.A.’s offense struggled a bit in 2019 though, so it makes sense for McVay to bring in a new set of eyes in Kevin O’Connell to help him run the offense.
O’Connell will also serve as the quarterback coach for the Rams, hopefully helping Jared Goff return to his 2018 form after a bit of a down year in 2019. In one of his first interview as Rams offensive coordinator, O’Connell discussed how he has handled virtual meetings, focusing on other aspects of the game since they can’t currently take the field, via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic:
Kevin O’Connell: It’s very important to me that we have a quarterback room with open dialogue, open communication…that way guys can take ownership within the system; lets players grow and allows you to sell the plan.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) May 21, 2020
With the departure of some key pieces to the Rams offensive in recent years like Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks, Goff will face the challenge of having some new faces in the huddle in 2020. Rookies Cam Akers and Van Jefferson could be tasked with the challenge of replacing the two former Pro Bowlers, which will be difficult without the luxury of in-person offseason workouts.
Because of that, having as many bright minds in the organization as possible will be essential for the Rams this offseason. The addition of O’Connell, who previously served as the offensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins, could help pay huge dividends for the Rams when they take the field in 2020.
