NFL Notebook: Los Angeles Rams Preview
After a 1-4 start last year, the Rams turned on the juice. They surged to win the NFC West, blew out the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs, and gave the eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles their toughest test of the postseason.
It’s worth noting that Los Angeles won in spite of having subpar rankings in both points scored (20th in the league) and points allowed (17th). They made some significant additions on both sides of the ball to try and upgrade.
STAFFORD’S EVOLUTION AND A REVAMPED RECEIVING CORPS
As Matthew Stafford moves into the twilight of his career, he’s evolved into more of a mistake-free quarterback, only throwing eight interceptions last year. Although that may be less an evolution than a reflection of the fact he didn’t have a deep receivers’ corps, and Cooper Kupp’s injury problems persisted.
Kupp was released and Los Angeles went out and gave big contract to Davante Adams. Adams is 32-years-old and his age is a concern after a slippage in production last year. However, even the “slip” still saw him catch 85 balls while playing for the Raiders and Jets. He joins a rising star in Paku Nacu and a good young tight end in Tyler Higbee.
A good offensive line, led by right guard Kevin Dotson, will give Stafford time to throw and will clear the way for Kyren Williams. As a rookie last year, Williams rushed for nearly 1,300 yards. The Ram offense is well-balanced up and down the lineup.
RISING STARS IN THE DEFENSIVE FRONT SEVEN
Two rookies made an immediate impact in the defensive front seven. Outside linebacker Jared Verse won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and end Braden Fiske finished third for the same award. An underrated piece of this 3-4 defense is the work of nose tackle Kobie Turner, who ties up blockers and frees the playmakers to do their work.
Los Angeles doubled down on this area of strength in the offseason, signing end Poona Ford away on the free agent market. The Rams should be tough to run on, and they should pressure the passer. And the latter will be necessary. The secondary is a weak point. While there’s no one spot that’s terrible, nothing really stands out either.
OUTLOOK
The Rams are well-coached and have no obvious weak points. There’s no reason to think the revival in the second half of last season was a fluke. There will be a ceiling to how far they can go, and this lineup doesn’t shout “Super Bowl.” But it does shout “pretty good”, and that another 10-7 record is quite doable. Betting markets agree, posting the Over/Under on wins at 9.5.