With the preseason finished and the regular season mere moments away, the Los Angeles Rams have a much better look, albeit still fuzzy, at what they can accomplish in 2016.
As this is the NFL, and the “Any Given Sunday” adage proves itself every week, there is a lot that can happen throughout the league to influence how the Rams fare across their 16 contests. However, this article will take a quick look at what Los Angeles and their fans can expect this coming season after studying the team’s four preseason match-ups.
The Los Angeles Rams Preseason: What We Learned
THE BRIGHT SIDE
In this league, talent is key. If a team can utilize their best talent and create mismatches on both sides of the ball, they will be primed for success.
In the Rams’ case, there are two especially outstanding position groups in their defensive line and running back corps. Not only do the Rams have two freak athletes among these groups in defensive tackle Aaron Donald and running back Todd Gurley, but they also have a stellar supporting cast.
The defensive line looked better than ever this preseason. Aaron Donald was reaching the backfield and engaging running backs the moment they got the handoff. Defensive ends William Hayes and Robert Quinn looked sharp as always. Even Hard Knocks favorite Ethan Westbrook put on a show with two sacks, earning the undrafted free agent a spot amidst the elite squad. The defensive line was not a top issue entering the preseason, and after the four games it looks to be even less of a worry.
This bodes similar for the running back position. Though superstar Todd Gurley only played in one game, he had an excellent series for 20 yards and a touchdown, in a performance that lit up his new home at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. However, the real backfield stars of the preseason were the pair of Malcolm Brown and Benny Cunningham, who combined for 238 yards and some highlight reel carries. Even Chase Reynolds broke off some key runs and got himself a touchdown reception. This is fantastic news not simply because giving Gurley excessive touches would increase the chance of injury, but the reigning Rookie of the Year has even spoken against being overexerted. Once again, the Rams showed a strong running back corps this preseason and few will be surprised to see the team excel at the ground game in 2016.
As a last positive note, the tight end position looks stronger than ever. Workhorse Lance Kendricks gets the starting nod with Cory Harkey lining up in two tight end sets. Both have proven to be solid players who shine at blocking, which will further enable a strong running game. Rookie Tyler Higbee is set to emerge as a major passing threat and fellow rookie Temarrick Hemingway will be there for added depth, as well. The Rams will need the blocking and catching boost this season, because not everything looks as strong as these position groups.
THE DIMMER SIDE
Los Angeles has a lot of position spots to address. The weaknesses that haunted the off-season did not resolve as well as the team would have liked, but a few last minute changes have steered the organization in a better direction.
The offensive line has plagued this team for far too long. For Los Angeles, the line’s effectiveness will absolutely make or break the 2016 season. The youth of the linemen raises a lot of eyebrows, but the injuries are the bigger concern. Star Rob Havenstein sat out the first three games on the physically unable to perform list, and will most likely ease his way into the season. Fortunately, the tight end depth can add some support to runs in the meantime. News of guard/tackle Garrett Reynolds being released after making his way back on the injured reserve only raises more red flags as he was one of the only veterans and one of the most versatile at the position. The Rams will need much better play from the young squad, or else risk a crumbling blind side like the one seen all preseason.
The secondary is another concern. By now the departure of cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod is a thing of the past, but the effects are still strong. The health of E.J. Gaines is a real problem, forcing the Rams to start veteran Coty Sensabaugh in his place, who struggled against the starters this preseason. Even dependable stars like safety T.J. McDonald took a little too long to warm up and will need to get up to speed quickly to prevent the deep threats Los Angeles will be bombarded with this year. Coach Jeff Fisher is also putting a lot of faith in nickel back Lamarcus Joyner who was notably profiled as having some maturity issues on Hard Knocks. The shaky unit will be helped a bit by the recent signing of former San Diego Charger Steve Williams, but there is a lot that remains to be seen when it comes to pass defense.
Pass offense does not look much steadier. Obviously, Jared Goff will not be a part of the early passing game, leaving the responsibility to Case Keenum, who had a solid performance in his three outings. However, the real problem comes in the receiving corps. Dropped passes were a regular sight this August with all levels of talent failing to secure solid passes. Leading receiver Kenny Britt was in good form and will need to be excellent in order to keep his starting spot, hopefully emerging as more of a deep threat in addition to his goal line prowess. Newly extended Tavon Austin will also need to make big plays in his role after rather unimpressive showings. Top drafted receiver Pharoh Cooper will be out for a bit, though he also had some cringe-worthy drops, and Mike Thomas did not wow anyone in his four games. A healthy Nelson Spruce may have an impact after his excellent debut, although his health will be a concern, as well as his ability against top defenders.
SUMMARY
Overall, Los Angeles should focus on the good things shown in the first four outings: hard fought home wins and four quarters of quality football. That will win games in this league. However, dropped passes and hurt lineman will lose games more often. The Rams are still a team in development and it may click in week one or it may not click at all. All signs are pointing to surprise showings from lesser known stars e.g. Nelson Spruce and Sean Mannion, so faith should not be lost just yet. The Rams may sneak by and win ten games this year or they may struggle to hit five. This will all come down to chemistry, health, and coaching. All of these can be done, but doing so consistently is what separates wild card surprises and 7-9 busts.
