The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the NFL’s offensive juggernauts the last two years under head coach Sean McVay as things have really turned around.
While McVay does create the schemes that have worked for the team, success would not be possible without the right players. Quarterback Jared Goff has been a large part of that success and working within a system.
However, there is still one part of the Rams offense that could use a life: tight end play. Goff has targeted his tight ends very scarcely, with even running back Todd Gurley being targeted more than either tight ends.
However, things could be changing this year. According to Myles Simmons of TheRams.com, passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Shane Waldron believes that both tight ends, Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee appear to be improving:
“I think Higbee since day one has had that steady improving of his game overall as a tight end that can do everything,” Waldron said during minicamp. “And then Gerald, like any young player, had his rookie year last year and had some times where he really shined once he overcame his early setback with an injury. Just like similar to Josh [Reynolds] and other guys that now we are talking about getting into year two, year three, some into year four, where they’ve really started to master the overall system and it’s great to have those tools at your disposal, so that whatever that matchup is that presents itself, you can maximize the individual skill set within those matchups.”
Everett is heading into his third pro season and Higbee his fourth. The pair have both been impressing during the team’s minicamps and trainnig camp. Of course, Everett impressed the league with his game-winning catch during the Rams astounding win against the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
Although there have been few indications that Everett will be starting over Higbee, there is no reason why he won’t still see plenty of time, especially in passing situations, as was the case last season.
Everett and Higbee combined for five of the team’s 32 total receiving touchdowns. Cooper Kupp, who is rehabbing from his torn ACL last season, nabbed six touchdowns himself in just eight last season. Adding him back into the Rams arsenal should help to further improve their offensive firepower as well.
