Rams offseason report: Move to Los Angeles only increases pressure to win – USA TODAY
When the curtain rises on the Rams’ return season to Los Angeles, the franchise will do its best to make a big splash in a place that knows how to showcase grand opening acts.
HBO’s Hard Knocks will chronicle the development of the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 draft, quarterback Jared Goff, and the tantalizing potential of running back Todd Gurley.
And the season will unfold as fans ponder the Rams — in three years — taking their show into their lavish, $2.6 billion stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
But the allure obscures that on the field, the Rams might still be, as a whole, mediocre. The team was 7-9 last season, hasn’t won more than seven games since 2006 and hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2004. It traded a cache of draft picks to move up from the No. 15 pick to No. 1 for Goff. He won’t need to singlehandedly carry the offense because of Gurley, the reigning offensive rookie of the year.
But the offense needs more balance, and the Rams’ need to diversify it was highlighted in this year’s draft haul. Among their six picks, they selected two tight ends and two wide receivers.
“Statistically, we weren’t anywhere close to where we should have been the last couple years,” coach Jeff Fisher said.
He thought they needed more weapons on the outside, joking, “In the unlikely event we are not running the football, we can get the ball outside. It was important to us to build, and build with youth, so these guys can grow together.”
The Rams finished last in passing yards last season. And while they have quantity in pass catchers, it’s too soon to know if they have quality.
Rob Boras was promoted to offensive coordinator after serving in that role for the last four games of the 2015 season. And Mike Groh, previously the wide receivers coach with the Chicago Bears, will serve as passing-game coordinator.
The defense is good, especially up front, but not dominant. It finished 13th in the league in points allowed (20.6 a game).
The Rams could miss the play and leadership of linebacker James Laurinaitis and end Chris Long, who were cut. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod left via free agency.
The Rams went all-in on Goff to start their era back in Southern California. Regardless of whether he becomes a worthy franchise quarterback, the Rams likely weren’t just one player away from becoming a playoff team.
Quarterback
Teams generally don’t trade a boatload of picks to select a quarterback with the first overall pick if they don’t plan to start him from Day 1.
Case Keenum may open camp as the starter (and maybe even the season), but Goff is a quick learner. But going from California’s so-called “Bear Raid” offense to more of a pro-style attack could be a considerable adjustment. He will need time to become comfortable working more under center.
Goff can get the ball out quickly. He moves around well in the pocket. And he is accustomed to being hit and under pressure. He has a toughness that belies his demeanor.
“He’s got that internal competitive drive that you don’t see,” Fisher said. “He doesn’t wear it on his sleeve. He is going to make sure that everything is right.”
Running back
The Rams undoubtedly have a rising star in Gurley, who is widely considered no worse than the league’s second-best back behind the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson. Gurley became the most prolific rusher (566 yards) in his first four starts since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
After tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during his final season at Georgia, Gurley electrified fans by rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. For the Rams, it’s exciting to envision what he can do for an encore.
“What he did in the short period of time was extraordinary,” Fisher said. “With another offseason between last year and this year, we expect him to be even better.
“We’re clearly going to build our offense around that position.”
Wide receiver
The Rams are the only team in the league not to have a receiver amass 800 receiving yards in any of the past eight seasons. They need a breakout performer. The top three pass-catching options appear to be Kenny Britt, who led the group with 681 yards last season; Tavon Austin, who makes his biggest impact on yards after the catch, and Brian Quick. Pharoh Cooper, a fourth-round pick, could see action in the slot. Michael Thomas, a sixth-round pick, could be the sleeper.
Tight end
The Rams face uncertainty after cutting starter Jared Cook. The top option could be Lance Kendricks, who had 25 catches and 245 receiving yards last season. Kendricks has traditionally been more of a blocking tight end. The Rams drafted Tyler Higbee in the fourth round and Temarrick Hemingway in the sixth.
Offensive line
The Rams surrendered a league-low 18 sacks but didn’t rely on passing as much as other teams. Center Tim Barnes signed a two-year contract in March. It is an important year for left tackle Greg Robinson, the second overall pick in the 2014 draft. Right tackle Rob Havenstein started 13 games. Guards Jamon Brown, who started the first nine games before his season-ending leg injury, and Rodger Saffold, who was sidelined for the season after five games because of a shoulder injury, are poised to bolster the unit.
Defensive line
Few players in the league have as big and wide-ranging an impact as tackle Aaron Donald. He provides a consistent pass rush, he is strong against the run, and he has a quick first step, which helped him have 79 total pressures last season. The Rams signed Dominique Easley, who was a first-round pick in 2014, to likely back up Donald. In two seasons with the New England Patriots, Easley had 25 tackles, three sacks and one interception. Michael Brockers should be a factor at tackle. The addition of end Quinton Coples will help as well. Injuries limited end Robert Quinn to five sacks in 2015, and now he won’t have the luxury of playing opposite Long.
Linebacker
After playing on the weak side during his first two seasons, Alec Ogletree will replace Laurinaitis, the Rams’ all-time leading tackler, in the middle. That’s a significant challenge for Ogletree, who has little experience at the position. Mark Barron, who led the team in tackles last season, is a hybrid safety-linebacker who could to take over for Ogletree on the weak side. Akeem Ayers should start on the strong side.
Secondary
It’s a mixed bag after the departures of Jenkins and McLeod. Cornerback E.J. Gaines, who missed last season with a foot injury, is expected to compete with Coty Sensabaugh. The onus also will be on Trumaine Johnson. The Rams have large questions at safety. They will lean on T.J. McDonald, who is back after a shoulder injury that sidelined him late last season. Maurice Alexander and Christian Bryant are likely in the mix as well.
Special teams
Kicker Greg Zuerlein, a sixth-round pick in 2012, signed a one-year deal in April after the worst season of his career. He made 20 of 30 field goal attempts last season. He also made 26 of 28 extra point attempts. He did, however, connect on a franchise-record 61-yard field goal. Fisher has made clear to expect a competition for the starting job. Johnny Hekker is an excellent punter, whose arm allows Fisher the luxury of some trick plays. Austin handles punt returns.
Coaching
Fisher, 58, has not led an NFL team to a winning season since 2008. Pressure is mounting. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams keeps offenses guessing with creative blitz packages. But it’s no secret that it’s time for Fisher, in his fifth season with the Rams, to get over the hump and post a winning record.
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Follow Eric Prisbell on Twitter @EricPrisbell
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