7 important moves by Rams that helped get them in SB…

7 important moves by the Rams that helped get them to the Super Bowl

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva

Everyone knows about the big moves the Rams have made over the course of the last year. They added Matthew Stafford, Von Miller, Odell Beckham Jr., Sony Michel, DeSean Jackson and Eric Weddle. Not all of their transactions have worked out, and not all of them have involved marquee players.

But collectively, their roster construction and the transactions they’ve made since last January have helped get the Rams to the Super Bowl, where they’re just one win away from a ring.

Here are seven key moves that played a pivotal role in their success this season.

1

Trading for Matthew Stafford

It’s difficult to say the Rams would be in the Super Bowl without Stafford. He’s been a major part of their postseason run, scoring eight total touchdowns and turning it over just once in three games. He led the NFL in interceptions this season, but he made far more positive plays than he did negative ones.

Stafford validated the Rams’ blockbuster trade to acquire him in exchange for Jared Goff and three draft picks by helping get them to the Super Bowl in his first season. He hasn’t done it alone, but his late-game heroics the last two weeks should not go unnoticed.

2

Swapping Austin Blythe out for Brian Allen

It was a controversial decision to let Blythe walk in free agency because at the time, it looked like the Rams didn’t have a quality option to replace him. Allen was on the roster, but he struggled as a starter in 2019 and it was hard to feel much confidence in him.

The Rams trusted Allen to be their starting center – although, not until late in training camp when Austin Corbett was moved from center back to guard – and it paid off in a big way. He was the eighth-highest-graded center in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, and allowed just 23 pressures in 19 games. Allen deserves credit for bouncing back after a poor 2019 season.

3

Acquiring Sony Michel before Week 1

The Rams gambled right before the season began by trading for Michel, giving the Patriots two draft picks. After Cam Akers tore his Achilles, the Rams felt it was necessary to add a complementary back to Darrell Henderson Jr., so they targeted Michel. It wasn’t a big price to pay, but for a running back who’s slated to hit free agency this offseason, a fourth- and sixth-round pick wasn’t exactly pennies.

Michel got off to a slow start but once he became the starter in Week 13, he helped right the ship in Los Angeles. He rushed for 497 yards and three touchdowns during the Rams’ five-game winning streak, getting the team back on track at a critical part of the season.

4

Landing Von Miller at trade deadline

The Rams didn’t need Miller, per se, but when you have the chance to add a future Hall of Famer to a pass rush that already features Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd, you might as well bight – and that’s what Los Angeles did. It’s already paying off in a big way, with Miller absolutely dominating off the edge for the Rams. He has seven sacks in his last seven games, hitting the quarterback 10 times in that span.

Like Michel, he’ll also be a free agent this March, but the cost of second- and third-round picks was worth it for the Rams. Without Miller, the Rams defense wouldn’t have taken the step that it has in the postseason.

5

Signing Odell Beckham Jr.

Beckham’s arrival in November came just one day before Robert Woods tore his ACL, which made this signing that much more important. Beckham became the No. 2 receiver on offense and had it not been for him, the Rams may not have beaten the 49ers in the divisional round or the Ravens in Week 17.

He’s taken full advantage of the extra coverage Cooper Kupp has drawn his way, especially in recent weeks now that his chemistry with Matthew Stafford has improved. Early on, Stafford was missing Beckham with some throws. But after working together more in practice, the two have connected more consistently. He’s provided a major spark for the Rams.

6

Signing Brandon Powell to practice squad

Special teams was a mess for the Rams for most of the season, particularly in the return game. But ever since Powell took over as the primary punt returner, things have improved dramatically. He returned a punt for a touchdown against the Vikings, had a long return against the 49ers in Week 18, and also returned one 33 yards in the Rams’ win over the Buccaneers in the divisional round.

Tutu Atwell wasn’t working in the return game and Kupp was merely an option for fair catches. Powell has not only been reliable, but he’s been explosive with several big returns.

7

Bringing back Eric Weddle for playoff run

Weddle coming out of retirement to join the Rams for their playoff run wasn’t thought to be a significant move. He wasn’t expected to play very many snaps, but that hasn’t been the case. He played every single snap against the 49ers on Sunday and led the team with nine tackles, playing a key role on defense for Los Angeles.

If Taylor Rapp returns from his concussion to play in the Super Bowl, it remains to be seen if Weddle will play most of the snaps, but at this point, he’s earned the right to. He’s a strong tackler and a smart defender, helping keep everyone aligned and in position on that side of the ball. Signing him was a key move for the Rams.