Have you ever heard the expression “Addition by Subtraction.” The Los Angeles Rams embody that expression. Getting rid of that JAG Jeff Fisher instantly made them a better team. Jeff Fisher is the definition of mediocre. Why aren't Steve McNair and Eddie George in the hall of Fame? Without them he would have never made it to a super bowl. I digress. The Rams have a new coach, bringing a new offensive scheme to this organization. It's the Rams so I know it’s hard to get excited for them. They play in a weak NFC West division and if McVay can put a decent offense together with the talented players on this team they can give the Seahawks so go!
Sean McVay was the offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins for the past three seasons. The Redskins had a very potent offense, and he was able to take Kirk Cousins from an interception machine to a top 15 quarterback. McVay has a quick attack offensive scheme that doesn’t require the quarterback to make a ton of reads. He is great at getting the ball out the quarterback's hands quickly and into playmakers hands. Jared Goff should benefit greatly from a new offensive scheme and the teachings of Sean McVay. The Rams have also given him some nice toys to play with.
The Sammy Watkins trade was a nice move for a team that is going to see if Jared Goff has what it takes. This trade was the perfect move for the Rams. If Watkins can live up to his potential then they get a top 10 wide receiver to go with Goff or whoever is playing quarterback. If Watkins gets injured again or doesn’t work out, he is still on his rookie contract, the Rams don’t have to pick up his fifth year option and can release him. This is the type of gamble that bum Jeff fisher would have never agreed to.
The Rams also have Tavon Austin and Todd Gurley. Tavon Austin is a weapon and I don’t care what anyone says. Last year Jamison Crowder had an amazing year in McVay’s offense. Austin is faster and more elusive in the open field than Crowder. Austin can also be a option out the backfield on passing plays. They have the option of moving him all around the formation and McVey will have the creativity to do so. Expect Todd Gurley to have a bounce back season. Gurley had an excellent rookie season and many thought he would be the next great running back. I think some of the mediocre rubbed off Fisher onto Gurley and he just wasn't’ the same player. The Rams terrible passing offense is the main reason Gurley took a step back. Defenses stacked the box against the Rams and made those bum quarterbacks beat them. So much of this team's improvement will fall on the shoulder of Jared Goff.
Jared Goff was the Rams 2016 first round pick. They moved up in the draft to take Goff thinking he would get them over the hump. Once again Jeff Fisher step in the messed up something. Him and his antiquated form of thinking wouldn’t allow him to throw Goff out there to learn and develop, instead settling on Case Keenum. As if Keenum was head and shoulders above Goff. Goff should have been the opening day starter and they should have been getting him ready to be the future franchise quarterback. Fisher may have been right and Geoff turns out to be a bust. Case Keenum is already a bust, so he should’ve went with Geoff and let him take his lumps.
This will be a huge year for Jared Goff. Many people believe that he isn’t a starting NFL quarterback. I’m on the fence, on one hand I saw a guy that looked like a deer in headlights. On the other hand I blame Jeff Fisher for all that went wrong with the Rams. Removing Fisher and giving Goff a quarterback friendly coach like McVay should jumpstart Goff’s development. This season he will be making quick decision and will not have to process so much. Getting the ball to playmakers like Austin, Watkins and Gurley should really help him be a better quarterback.
Sean McVay was this team's biggest addition and it goes without question. He also brought in defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Say what you want about Wade Phillips as a head coach, that man knows defense. Every team he has been responsible for defense has been a good defensive team. Phillips puts his best defensive players in the best position to be playmakers and he has some good players on this Rams team.
Aaron Donald is the most dominating defensive linemen in the NFL. He reminds me of a young Warren Sapp. He has the strength to be a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme and the speed and quickness to play defensive end or tackle in the 4-3 scheme. Wade Phillips traditionally coaches the 3-4 defensive scheme. I say traditionally because with Aaron Donable being as dominant as he is, I’m not sure Phillips would mess with the scheme. Making Donald a nose tackle negates his ability to get to the quarterback. Seeing as though he is the best player on the defense I would allow him to continue doing what has made him so great.
The Rams defense ranked #9 last year (yards allowed per game). They have some talented players and Phillips will get the most out those players. Robert Quinn has been battling injuries the last two seasons. He should be rejuvenated in Phillips defense because he loves to get to the passer and will move the best edge rusher around to create mismatches. Quinn can easily be a 15 sack player if he can stay healthy.
I’ve said a lot of good things about the Rams but in reality they have too many question marks. Can Jared Goff develop into a good quarterback? Can Tavon Austin be a legti playmaker at wide receiver? Will Robert Quinn Jr stay healthy? There is no way a team with that many questions can contend for a playoff spot. I think the Rams will be competitive, get some answers to all those questions, and are heading in a great direction with Sean McVay.
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