I think about it right now in pretty simple terms. One, what's the biggest thing the Rams need to do better next year? Two, what do they have to plan for longer term?
To me, number one is rushing the passer. It is central to Wade's defense and they were noticeably worse in 2018 vs. 2017. Be better vs the run, Peters needs to play better, etc. etc. is noise. Rush the passer better and the rest falls into place. 23.5 sacks from edge rushers in 2017. 6 in 2018.
Two is the offensive line. Whether one or both of Whitworth and Sullivan are back in 2019 and whether Saffold gets re-signed or not, they have to continue transitioning to the next generation on the OL. My guess is Whitworth will play in 2019 and they will be able to re-sign Saffold. But additional (draft) investments in the OL are needed. Noteboom played over 170 snaps in preseason and 78 during the season. Right now I think their best option is moving Blythe over to center and putting Noteboom at RG.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2019 11:57AM by LMU93.
