Rams 5 biggest strengths entering the 2022 season…

Rams' 5 biggest strengths entering the 2022 season

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Skyler Carlin

The Los Angeles Rams are considered one of the premier teams in the NFL, especially after winning the Super Bowl last season. Los Angeles is loaded with talent at multiple positions, with some positions considered to be stronger than others.

While the Rams preferred to run it back with the roster they had a season ago, they underwent quite a few roster changes this offseason. Most notably, Andrew Whitworth, Robert Woods, Johnny Hekker, Darious Williams, and Austin Corbett are no longer with the team, while Los Angeles brought in Bobby Wagner, Allen Robinson, and Troy Hill.

When looking at the current roster of the Rams, what should be considered the strengths of Sean McVay’s squad entering the 2022 season?

Quarterback

The quarterback position was once considered a shaky spot for the Rams. While Jared Goff performed well at times under McVay, Matthew Stafford took the offense to a new level in his first season with the team in 2021.

After having his talent wasted on the Detroit Lions for 12 seasons, Stafford proceeded to produce 4,886 yards and 41 passing touchdowns a season ago. On top of that, Stafford’s ability to play at his best in crucial moments helped the Rams secure their first Super Bowl victory since 1999.

Besides Stafford, Los Angeles has a couple of solid backup options in John Wolford and Bryce Perkins. It’s safe to say that the Rams aren’t struggling at the quarterback position with Stafford at the helm.

Running back

It appears that analysts are torn on how to feel about the backfield of the Rams this season. Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr head the running back room as both of them have dealt with their fair share of injuries in recent years.

Despite the injury concerns, I’m expecting a healthy and effective version of Akers in 2022 after he returned from a torn Achilles in mere months in 2021. Henderson is more than capable of being a change-of-pace back behind Akers, giving the Rams a dynamic duo at running back.

Behind Akers and Henderson, Kyren Williams and Jake Funk seem to be the favorites to round out the running back room. Barring injuries to both Akers and Henderson, the Rams should have no trouble getting elite production from their backfield in 2022.

Wide receiver

There was a time when things looked bleak at the wide receiver position for the Rams following the legendary careers of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. However, times have changed and Los Angeles now boasts one of the best receiving corps in the NFL.

Even though it’s sad to see Woods gone, the Rams replaced him with Robinson in free agency. The addition of Robinson gives Los Angeles a lethal trio that features Kupp, Robinson, and Van Jefferson entering the 2022 season.

Also, there’s a chance the Rams re-sign Odell Beckham Jr. for the back half of the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn ACL, and Tutu Atwell is expected to see an increased role in his sophomore campaign. Stafford certainly won’t have a lack of options at wide receiver for the second straight season.

Defensive front

We all know how dominant Aaron Donald is for the Rams, but Los Angeles had a fearful defensive front in 2021 that included Donald, Von Miller, Greg Gaines, Sebastian Joseph-Day, A’Shawn Robinson, and Leonard Floyd. Despite losing Miller and Joseph-Day in free agency, I still believe the Rams can have a strong defensive front in 2022.

Donald is returning after signing an extension, Robinson is expected to start full-time to replace Joseph-Day, and Gaines has proven he’s a formidable nose tackle that is steadily improving in the pass-rushing department. As for the edge rushers, Floyd is still a well-rounded player while Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis, and others are expected to help replace Miller.

The depth is still in question, and there’s a chance we see the Rams add a veteran or two before the regular season kicks off, but Los Angeles should be able to rely on their starting defensive front this season.

Inside linebacker

In recent years, the Rams have largely ignored their inside linebacker position. But with the middle of their defense being a glaring weakness in previous years, Los Angeles decided to add Wagner to their linebacker room this offseason following his release from the Seattle Seahawks.

Even though Wagner might not be as athletic as he once was earlier in his career, he’s still one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. Along with Wagner, Ernest Jones flashed plenty of potential as a rookie in 2021 with 61 combined tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions, and one sack.

Also, Travin Howard re-signed with the Rams after the team waived him earlier in the offseason, so the depth at inside linebacker is solid. What was once considered the weakest spot on the roster a year ago is now one of the strongest —at least on paper — in 2022.