Quote
merlin
I think Goff has had a down season. I think he's struggled with the stuff they put on him. He's had the protections and power to adjust the play all season long. It's a lot and he hasn't handled everything at the level they need. Now the question is can he get there? I think so but there is no way of knowing. Rams are going to need to build around him though before they try to make a change. They paid him so you gotta give him what he needs.
But what does he need around him?
Better OL first off. They need to be a top pass pro line with Goff in the backfield. And don't tell me they are and cite stats because McVay routinely masks their weaknesses with that scheme. Check out their tape on third and long and otherwise known-pass scenarios. They're gun shy from a play calling aspect which tells you they know it. And when they set up a pocket where the QB needs time for the routes to develop it's wild west back there.
Better passing game weapons secondly. They used to have 3x wideouts who could hurt you. Now they have 2. Most teams can do a good job on two if they focus pass. Their TEs are inconsistent. Fans say "they need to get the TEs the ball" but that requires them to get open. Tape shows it. There's a couple times per game the QB will miss the TE but overall it's not like our TEs are running all over open when Goff's eyes are on them.
And btw I think the Rams did a heck of a job to produce this roster while pulling off the transition from two big money offensive pieces. They still haven't replaced Gurley. This is a good team. But for them to get back to elite they're going to need better players. We need a Center and a better WR3, and could use a TE threat. Are those on the roster? Maybe actually. But they're not gonna help us this year that's a next year possibility for Jefferson and Hopkins (both of whom were advanced in the passing game imagine that).
It's been a good year. I don't think we're gonna get too far but hey never know there's hope. But there's no way I can look at this offense and think most of our problems don't start with personnel.
I have come around to this way of seeing the team.
On the OL, I initially they were very strong but I looked closer and deeper and they definitely struggle with pass protection. I agree that McVay is scheming and hiding that weakness. They are good in run blocking but the interior specifically needs an upgrade in pass pro. A new Center is a must.
Agreed on the passing weapons. However, I'm still a little skeptical on how much VJ will help because, while it seems he's very talented, I don't know that he has the right skillset. I think they need more than 3 wideouts who can hurt you, I think they need one who can hurt you deep. Without that, it's too easy to clog the intermediate and short zones.
I'm fine with the RBs. You can't replace Gurley. But if the OL improves in pass protection, we get better receiving weapons, and of course Goff needs to improve, then the offense can return to it's former glory.