When significant change occurs, the first thing one should do is ask why. In the absence of communication, negativity breeds. When the Los Angles Rams entered the 2021 offseason, they had the option to plug holes and "run it back" by building on what they already had with core players, coaches, philosophy, scouting, and player development. That didn't happen and most speculation is negative because McVay hasn't really addressed it yet.
But if one were to study the trajectory of the last four years, there are clues available to McVay's thoughts. Initially, Sean wanted to lean on experienced coaches he could delegate most of the responsibilities for them to cover. He kept Bones in place and hired Phillips, the most seasoned DCoordinator in football. As the years progressed, Sean allowed the younger coaches to take bigger jobs and replaced the older ones with fresh perspectives. Both the offense and defense went from repping base plays that were initially successful to a more multiple menu of schemes. Even the change at QB suggests a departure from what was built for four years to a veteran who has run several schemes in his career that are decidedly different from anything that resembles recent Ram offensive tendencies.
The latest clue available is the rumor of interviewing Ben Wilkerson of the Giants to replace Aaron Kromer who has been Sean's run game yin to his own passing game yang. The Giants started the 2020 season with one of the youngest and least talented lines in pro football. The line grew and developed, and while that is significant, it's not the tea leaf of my focus. What I do find striking is how frequently the Giants ran powers, duos, and traps. The Rams have been primarily a zone blocking team. Why Wilkerson? Multiplicity in scheme.
Sean McVay wants options. Many, many options. He values football intelligence and creativity above all else from his coaches and even players. He wants the most unpredictable team in the NFL. If a coach isn't cerebral enough to challenge McVay beyond his comfort zone, that individual won't make the cut. While some worry that McVay is losing staff due to negative issues, I submit that it's a sign of humility combined with competitive drive that makes him want to surround himself with iconoclastic types that broaden his perceptions. SEAN EMBRACES CHANGE. Should this really surprise us?
While others fret over losses, I will continue to look intently at what Sean adds to develop his concepts of excellence.
