I think we can agree McVay has been a visible leader of the team and offense. His focus has been to prove to team and fans alike that he can infuse hope and higher expectations from a team that won only 4 games last year. This team had disarray on offense with questionable talent at the skill positions. A demoralized Star Running back and a maligned and under prepared and coached rookie QB finishing without a single win. Clearly McVay, the youngest HC hire got the memo and has proven that he has the skills to revamp the offense along with the help of Les Snead and co the make over seems nearly complete.
The hire of an elite DC shows that McVay gets it and the dividends of that hiring are yielding a slow starting but steady growth return.
Losses at home vs Washington and Seattle are hard to swallow but given those were play-off teams they go down a tad bit easier. But can you really afford to lose home games. Right now we are a better team on the road.
My concerns with both losses were uncharacteristic or rather confusing play calling that seemed to alter the rhythm of the offense and clearly placed us in an end game desperation mode. Its that desperation I would like to avoid. That sense of urgency needs to be elevated in the redzone and earlier in games. Playing for FGs should be rare for a team that knows all too well that a 3-1 start means nothing if you don't build and improve, adapt and adjust but more than that establish an Identity.
Jaguars present and opportunity for an obvious challenge. Don't lose 2 in a row.
It also can give us a peak into how he can self correct.
Versus 9ers on a short Week McVay took off the kit gloves and showed less deference to the opposing coach's knowledge of his system and netted a win despite the defenses's struggles.
Versus Dallas more of the same but there were some questionable series and the defense finally stepped up for the save.
Versus Seattle we blinked and proved our resilience but not necessarily our brilliance with a number of cutsie moves and personnel tweaks that were not necessary. Overly fearful of losing and just clutching and holding despite having the advantage. We played around and lost a game that should have been won comfortably. Well the players contributed but some of the scenarios were a result of the game plan and play calling with a tight margins for error.
This brings me back to McVays challenge. Let his stars be stars. Don't be patronizing. Don't fall too in love with long term goals trying to prove you can win with whoever is on the field and miss the immediate opportunity to show that we will win at all cost and we expect to win our match-ups because our talent is better. Why Sammy, Why Everett, Why Gurley! Yes you have to scheme. You have to take what the team gives but you also have to dictate what you want to do. Scheme your stars into those positions and windows so that you can get expected outcomes, points points and points. Decoying them is only worthwhile if the results are expected and effective.
If the trend holds to form, a rebound after a loss, I expect smart aggressive play and a higher sense of urgency this week if not; a cause for concern.
Los Angeles Rams
Rap on.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 10/15/2017 07:03AM by BumRap.
