My offseason Rams concerns have now been reduced to just 3…

[Rams43]

I like this O and I like that McVay now seems inclined toward a more physical OL, better TE receiving and blocking (12 sets), and increased focus on running game (LaFleur). The needed players and coaches seem to be in place and Stafford seems 100% healthy. I think Rams are ready to go to war with this current O.

ST, while young, sure seems talented and I’m very impressed by coach Blackburn. ST are gonna be a bright spot this year, imo.

Which brings me to the Rams D and my 3 remaining areas of concern.

First, the positives. IOL, CB (Witherspoon helps with size, experience, and depth), and Safety. Those 3 position groups seem adequate now to help get Rams to a winning season and possible playoffs as wild card.

But here’s my 3 areas that I fear are still possibly questionable.

DL. Is sufficient talent there? Sufficient experience? Can we stop the run against physical teams? Might need to add a 2nd tier vet and pray, I’m afraid.

Edge. Everybody is cautiously optimistic about the rookies brought in but will they be enough, even with Hoecht? I dunno. This Rams D desperately needs at least decent pass rush to be effective. Can they provide that? Will coaches allow them to be aggressive enough? Is another 2nd tier vet a good idea?

DC Morris. Will he be able to turn loose this D and attack more aggressively? Will the Rams O give him leads to work with? Will the new edge youngsters allow Morris to remove his handcuffs? Will Lake and Pleasant encourage him and give him sufficient confidence to field a more aggressive and attacking D? If so, this team could be posting a winning season with 9-10 victories and Morris could be a new HC somewhere in 2024.

Anyway, Snead/McVay have come light years forward since allowing all those quality vets to get away in their salary cap moves earlier in the offseason. We are now down to 3 possible needs or questions, imo at least. That’s some serious progress, don’t you think?

 

[oldnotdead]

The DL looks like it could be a strength on that side of the ball. Donald will be flanked by Young at Leo, and a combination of Brown and Murchison (I look to see Murchison emerge this year) at NT with Hoecht (with a full year to learn the position). OLB depth looks good as well with Hampton, Mathis, and Hardy. ILB looks good with Jones, Copeland and Rozeboom. Safety looks to be a strength with Fuller, Lake, Yeast, and Taylor. I'm telling you don't sleep on Taylor. Jason Taylor has the talent to be the best safety on this team. CB Durant, Tomlinson, Witherspoon, Kendrick and Rochell. Guys to watch to see if they flash in TC at CB would be Jolly and McCutcheon. I think Durant and Tomlinson will be the starting CBs on this team in September. IMO the role of Kendrick will be to play as the middle zone DB (normally played by a safety or coverage LB) as he lacks the speed to play outside.

The offense looks ready to roll with good depth on the OL for the first time in forever, 4 deep at RB, 3 deep at TE and 5 deep at WR. With Stafford finally looking 100% and a legit backup in Bennett, this offense is complete.

I've been saying it since the draft, this is a playoff caliber roster. They are downgraded because they lack experience, but that doesn't equate to a lack of talent. People like PFF don't get it, they never have. Too many people actually believe PFF which is mind-boggling. If this roster can stay reasonably healthy they can be a contender that could be evident by November. As the season progresses this team will get better and they will peak in December exactly like they should. Once again this is my prediction and my belief.

 

[Tano]

The DL looks like it could be a strength on that side of the ball. Donald will be flanked by Young at Leo, and a combination of Brown and Murchison (I look to see Murchison emerge this year) at NT with Hoecht (with a full year to learn the position). OLB depth looks good as well with Hampton, Mathis, and Hardy. ILB looks good with Jones, Copeland and Rozeboom. Safety looks to be a strength with Fuller, Lake, Yeast, and Taylor. I'm telling you don't sleep on Taylor. Jason Taylor has the talent to be the best safety on this team. CB Durant, Tomlinson, Witherspoon, Kendrick and Rochell. Guys to watch to see if they flash in TC at CB would be Jolly and McCutcheon. I think Durant and Tomlinson will be the starting CBs on this team in September. IMO the role of Kendrick will be to play as the middle zone DB (normally played by a safety or coverage LB) as he lacks the speed to play outside.

The offense looks ready to roll with good depth on the OL for the first time in forever, 4 deep at RB, 3 deep at TE and 5 deep at WR. With Stafford finally looking 100% and a legit backup in Bennett, this offense is complete.

I've been saying it since the draft, this is a playoff caliber roster. They are downgraded because they lack experience, but that doesn't equate to a lack of talent. People like PFF don't get it, they never have. Too many people actually believe PFF which is mind-boggling. If this roster can stay reasonably healthy they can be a contender that could be evident by November. As the season progresses this team will get better and they will peak in December exactly like they should. Once again this is my prediction and my belief.

This

My major concern is that if we incur a few injuries on the defensive side, will the young inexperienced talent be able to step in and be adequate. I like the looks of our offense so I hope the defense can be adequate.

The Lions last year sucked in the early going because the youngsters did not step up on the defensive side. They were giving up over 35 points a game in the early going until the middle of the season when the second year players finally stepped up and helped give directions for the rookies on the team. They still had issues at the end of the season but their offense was good enough to overcome those issues.

I see the Rams similar to the Lions last year where we may have troubles in the early going especially with that tough of a schedule. I could easily see us coming together by the middle of the season where no one wants to play us.

 

[Merlin]

LT is an enormous concern for me until it isn't. I want to see someone in there holding shit down. Then I want to see them stay fucking healthy doing it. From both perspectives, both the production snap to snap and the health, I have doubts with both Boom and Jackson. Certainly I am hopeful, but there is no way I'm feeling good at LT until the season if then.

And LT has the ability to single-handedly destroy protections and offensive potency because you then have to tie up another player to assist that subpar LT. Be it a RB or TE chipping or duoing it is a drain on productivity.

Michel quiets my concerns about depth for the bellcow role. So outside of LT I agree with you that the offense is stacked quite well. It is the defense that has "IF's" required across the board to have a strong season. Which means that we're probably 15th to 20th in scoring allowed most likely, and that's still being quite positive given that we were at that bottom third threshold last season. If Morris can produce a 15th to 20th ranking he did his job for sure. Anything above 15th with this group means he's a slam dunk for a HC gig.

 

[dang]

Rams D:

- Edge: Rams know they need elite Edge play. So I see an elite Edge being traded for by the deadline or a top FA picked up next year. There are a number of very good FA Edge players in 2024. Think D Hunter.
-CB: Rams need a shutdown corner to pair with Durant. I see a R1/R2 draft pick next year to make that happen.
-DE: Copeland in 2023 will
Prove to not be enough so I see a vet picked up via FA next year.

That should be enough to get the Rams to a good defense in 2024.

Rams O:
-LT - AJax could surprise but I see R1/R2 draft pick next year for a LT.
-WR/TE: if AJax fills in nicely the R1 pick could be used for a stud weapon. Think M Harrison Jr or the TE from Georgia.
OC: I want Avilla to dominate at OG this year but I could see him sliding into OC next year and Rams adding a FA to fill in at OG.

That should be enough for Rams to elevate to top 10 offense in 2024.

 

[fanotodd]

1)Edge: this my primary concern by a mile. No pass rush and that young, undersized secondary is gonna get roasted. You want Morris to be more aggressive? He can’t without a pass rush. Who do the Rams have on the roster? Lotta possibilities, but there will have to be at least one clear cut threat.

2)CB:No size, little experience. The positive side, however, is 2022 provided a lot of real game reps for a few of these guys. They might come out of the gate ready to rock and roll.

3)NT: I am expecting big things from BB3–as much hope as necessity. The Rams just aren’t that big in the middle.

I feel good about the offense in general, especially the OL. Just having Avila changes the overall landscape because he should be solid. Havs is Havs and we know what to expect—quality play, tougher time vs the elite speed guys (so what? Every OL does). When you narrow all of the OL battles down to 3 spots, there’s not only plenty of personal to get it done, but a couple left over to develop for a year.

If I had a concern it would be TE #2. I have read plenty of posts over the last few seasons wanting more 12 formations. I didn’t think it was necessary when you had WRs who could block like Woods and Kupp. You can do more adding a third WR than you can a second TE…if the WRs can block. I’m not so sure the Rams have that luxury anymore. Couple that with Higbee being in a contract year and the Rams have ample reason to find another quality TE.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I like this O and I like that McVay now seems inclined toward a more physical OL, better TE receiving and blocking (12 sets), and increased focus on running game (LaFleur). The needed players and coaches seem to be in place and Stafford seems 100% healthy. I think Rams are ready to go to war with this current O.

ST, while young, sure seems talented and I’m very impressed by coach Blackburn. ST are gonna be a bright spot this year, imo.

Which brings me to the Rams D and my 3 remaining areas of concern.

First, the positives. IOL, CB (Witherspoon helps with size, experience, and depth), and Safety. Those 3 position groups seem adequate now to help get Rams to a winning season and possible playoffs as wild card.

But here’s my 3 areas that I fear are still possibly questionable.

DL. Is sufficient talent there? Sufficient experience? Can we stop the run against physical teams? Might need to add a 2nd tier vet and pray, I’m afraid.

Edge. Everybody is cautiously optimistic about the rookies brought in but will they be enough, even with Hoecht? I dunno. This Rams D desperately needs at least decent pass rush to be effective. Can they provide that? Will coaches allow them to be aggressive enough? Is another 2nd tier vet a good idea?

DC Morris. Will he be able to turn loose this D and attack more aggressively? Will the Rams O give him leads to work with? Will the new edge youngsters allow Morris to remove his handcuffs? Will Lake and Pleasant encourage him and give him sufficient confidence to field a more aggressive and attacking D? If so, this team could be posting a winning season with 9-10 victories and Morris could be a new HC somewhere in 2024.

Anyway, Snead/McVay have come light years forward since allowing all those quality vets to get away in their salary cap moves earlier in the offseason. We are now down to 3 possible needs or questions, imo at least. That’s some serious progress, don’t you think?

I think that until proven otherwise, safety is a concern. I agree with the rest.

As to Morris being able to unleash the defense? I think that is wishful thinking. He wasn’t comfortable doing it last year and it was a decent unit. He won’t stop playing safe with such young players.

 

[Merlin]

3)NT: I am expecting big things from BB3–as much hope as necessity. The Rams just aren’t that big in the middle.

Agreed on NT. I expect our defense will be soft vs the run all season. But if the offense is a top unit then maybe they can make a little noise rushing the passer. They should have some good interior rush threats along that DL even though they look to be lacking in the run stopping dept.

 

[Corbin]

DC Morris. Will he be able to turn loose this D and attack more aggressively? Will the Rams O give him leads to work with? Will the new edge youngsters allow Morris to remove his handcuffs? Will Lake and Pleasant encourage him and give him sufficient confidence to field a more aggressive and attacking D? If so, this team could be posting a winning season with 9-10 victories and Morris could be a new HC somewhere in 2024.

This is my major concern. Freaking Raheem Morris.

I love the guy as a person and as a motivator/role model but I fucking absolutely hate his God Damned scheme he plays. I have no doubt he has incredible football knowledge but how do you go all these years and have the shitty results you have and not think “I need to tweak my defensive philosophy some” ?

It’s moronic, and you’ll have those that don’t know their asshole from their elbow tell you “well he plays it like this because he has young inexperienced guys”

That’s not accurate, he’s done that in Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and when he had 3 All Pro HOF players on his D for the SB season.

It’s cringey to watch especially when it’s a 3rd and 4-5 and Our CB’s are playing 10-12 yards away from the line of scrimmage.

If we don’t have very good role players or HOF players this D is very suspect when it comes time to matter.

I pray he gets hired away next year. Is there worse DC’s? Yes. Is there better ones too? Absolutely.

 

[Loyal]

LT is an enormous concern for me until it isn't. I want to see someone in there holding shit down. Then I want to see them stay fucking healthy doing it. From both perspectives, both the production snap to snap and the health, I have doubts with both Boom and Jackson. Certainly I am hopeful, but there is no way I'm feeling good at LT until the season if then.

And LT has the ability to single-handedly destroy protections and offensive potency because you then have to tie up another player to assist that subpar LT. Be it a RB or TE chipping or duoing it is a drain on productivity.

Michel quiets my concerns about depth for the bellcow role. So outside of LT I agree with you that the offense is stacked quite well. It is the defense that has "IF's" required across the board to have a strong season. Which means that we're probably 15th to 20th in scoring allowed most likely, and that's still being quite positive given that we were at that bottom third threshold last season. If Morris can produce a 15th to 20th ranking he did his job for sure. Anything above 15th with this group means he's a slam dunk for a HC gig.

Worrywart! ~ Boom

 

[Malibu]

I like this O and I like that McVay now seems inclined toward a more physical OL, better TE receiving and blocking (12 sets), and increased focus on running game (LaFleur). The needed players and coaches seem to be in place and Stafford seems 100% healthy. I think Rams are ready to go to war with this current O.

ST, while young, sure seems talented and I’m very impressed by coach Blackburn. ST are gonna be a bright spot this year, imo.

Which brings me to the Rams D and my 3 remaining areas of concern.

First, the positives. IOL, CB (Witherspoon helps with size, experience, and depth), and Safety. Those 3 position groups seem adequate now to help get Rams to a winning season and possible playoffs as wild card.

But here’s my 3 areas that I fear are still possibly questionable.

DL. Is sufficient talent there? Sufficient experience? Can we stop the run against physical teams? Might need to add a 2nd tier vet and pray, I’m afraid.

Edge. Everybody is cautiously optimistic about the rookies brought in but will they be enough, even with Hoecht? I dunno. This Rams D desperately needs at least decent pass rush to be effective. Can they provide that? Will coaches allow them to be aggressive enough? Is another 2nd tier vet a good idea?

DC Morris. Will he be able to turn loose this D and attack more aggressively? Will the Rams O give him leads to work with? Will the new edge youngsters allow Morris to remove his handcuffs? Will Lake and Pleasant encourage him and give him sufficient confidence to field a more aggressive and attacking D? If so, this team could be posting a winning season with 9-10 victories and Morris could be a new HC somewhere in 2024.

Anyway, Snead/McVay have come light years forward since allowing all those quality vets to get away in their salary cap moves earlier in the offseason. We are now down to 3 possible needs or questions, imo at least. That’s some serious progress, don’t you think?

Your high the secondary and LBs ranked 32nd by PFF. Read up on Witherspoon last 3 years he has decreased every year his play time 11/9/4 and not all starts either Pittsburg his last stop cut him.

Our CB #1 started 5 games last year our CB #2 was finally yanked from the starting line due to how bad he was. I could go on about the secondary.

Morris has proved he is a marginal DC wait till he trots out this group he will be exposed. McVay is a world-class coach Morris is 3rd rate.

We have zero idea what we have with special teams. New marginal Coord. based on record, new rookie K, Punter, Long Snapper and new returners. So how can anyone have an opinion yet most have never played a game in the NFL.

 

[Snaz]

My Three Concerns about the Rams this year are Offense, Defense and Special Teams.

 

[dang]

My Three Concerns about the Rams this year are Offense, Defense and Special Teams.

Whhhhhhuuuuuutttt. . Whhhhhhuuuuuutttt Whhhhhhaaaa.

 

[kurtfaulk]

Your high the secondary and LBs ranked 32nd by PFF. Read up on Witherspoon last 3 years he has decreased every year his play time 11/9/4 and not all starts either Pittsburg his last stop cut him.

Our CB #1 started 5 games last year our CB #2 was finally yanked from the starting line due to how bad he was. I could go on about the secondary.

Morris has proved he is a marginal DC wait till he trots out this group he will be exposed. McVay is a world-class coach Morris is 3rd rate.

We have zero idea what we have with special teams. New marginal Coord. based on record, new rookie K, Punter, Long Snapper and new returners. So how can anyone have an opinion yet most have never played a game in the NFL.

.

 

[OldSchool]

I'm not sure I would breath a sigh of relief at Witherspoon signing. His whole career has been one or two good games followed by 8-12 of really shitty games.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I think there's a 20% chance that our starting NT isn't on the roster yet and a 40% chance that a rotational NT isn't on the roster yet.

 

[Zodi]

DC Morris. Will he be able to turn loose this D and attack more aggressively?

He had a top 3 corner in Ramsey who happens to also be one of the most physical, and we saw how that worked out. With a group of inexperienced defensive backs, I doubt his strategy changes much, if at all.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

My Three Concerns about the Rams this year are Offense, Defense and Special Teams.

Can't argue that!

 

[oldnotdead]

I think there's a 20% chance that our starting NT isn't on the roster yet and a 40% chance that a rotational NT isn't on the roster yet.

Oh he's on the team. They got rid of Gaines because Raheem didn't want him. Morris plays a Fangio style "I don't know what to do yet" read and react mixed DL with 1 gap except at NT which is a 0T two gap technique. They drafted Brown for Morris because he's a 2 gap one or two play NT. The minute it's an obvious passing down they have to rotate Brown out and Murchison in. But OCs know that so they are now more likely than ever before to pass on 1st down when Brown is 2 gapping and everyone else is hesitating to read first before rushing the passer. Fangio style fronts are more susceptible to play action on first downs. It's why Donald's production has declined under Morris. His passive DL scheme fits his passive secondary. Because everyone is reading before reacting they are always a step behind. It's why more and more defenses are going away from it and moving to a pure 3-4 hybrid one gap attacking style front.

Why do you think this defense went from an attacking style under Staley and a #1 ranking to a passive read and react ranking of 19? NT was a strength with Gaines, now it's a weakness. Brown has yet to prove he can handle two gap 0T in the NFL. He struggled last year with 9 tackles in 9 games (big whoop this is the guy they got rid of Gaines for?). He doesn't know what he's doing and most of all is so arrogant he doesn't care (as he screamed at Ramsey during his first TC)

The only question I have is why does McVay tolerate his abysmal performance? He fired everyone else he perceived rightly or wrongly as not performing. Les needs to step in and ask him why is it okay for the defense to be on a trajectory towards the bottom of the NFL. It's not the players, it's the DC and his idiotic scheme. Why does Morris feel that conceding FGs is acceptable?

Miami is going to find out very quickly why Denver fired Fangio.

 

[Merlin]

He had a top 3 corner in Ramsey who happens to also be one of the most physical

Ramsey was a top three corner years ago. Now he is a guy who must be handled carefully. Which is why the Rams wisely washed their hands of him.

If he was top three you can bet he would still be in horns. Rams don't move top players. They acquire and pay them fat contracts. The guys who get moved are the ones who cannot live up to those contracts.