At the five-week mark in 2018, the Los Angeles Rams were 5-0. A year later, at the same mark, they are 3-2 and coming off of back-to-back losses. While there are many areas to point at for this regression, one is the lack of balance on offense.
After relying heavily on Todd Gurley to bring out the best in the passing game over the first two seasons of the Sean McVay-era, the Rams are fading away from that approach. To start 2019, they are passing the ball at the fifth-highest rate (66.67%), which, subsequently means they are running at the fifth-lowest (33.32%)
For McVay, part of that is finding the identity of the 2019 team.
“I think there’s been some games that we’ve gotten it [the run-game] going. Definitely want to be able to be committed to that, but I think part of it is, too, continuing to find our identity for the 2019 team,” McVay said on Tuesday, per Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire. “We’ve got some continuity at some spots, but we’re also figuring out what’s the best way to handle different things, accentuate our players’ skill sets. Whether that be the interior of the line, our backs, things like that. It’s something that we’re continuing to evaluate and that’s going to be a focal point on these next 11 games.”
Part of Los Angeles' regression stems from the offensive line, who boasts two new starters. The unit, statistically, analytically and on film, is far from as productive as last season. Nonetheless, McVay and Co. will need to cope with it and find their identity soon. As of right now, they are third in the NFC West, behind the 4-0 San Francisco 49ers and 4-1 Seattle Seahawks.
Follow Us
Subscribe