Throughout the month of July, the Last Word on Pro Football department will be taking a look at the three most recognizable faces of each NFL team. For this series, we’ll be looking only at active players. On this article, we’ll be taking a look at the faces of the 2019 Los Angeles Rams.
Most Recognizable Faces on the Los Angeles Rams
Jared Goff
As the former number one overall draft pick, Jared Goff has had a big spotlight on his back since his rookie season. After a rough first year, the Rams hired head coach Sean McVay who implemented a new offense. Goff has flourished in the two years with McVay as play-caller and the duo will be going into their third season together in 2019.
The two have big expectations this season after falling short to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Goff, who played particularly poor in that game going 19-38, 229 yards and one interception, needs to improve his game if the Rams hope to win a championship. However, the quarterback has shown improvement each of his first three seasons so if that trend continues, the fourth will be no different.
Aaron Donald
One of the best players in the NFL over the past half-decade has been Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The former 13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft has been to the Pro Bowl each year of his career and has been named All-Pro four years in a row. He has been the heart and soul of the Rams defense dating back to their days in St. Louis. Donald’s ability to wreak havoc not only benefits his stats but his teammate’s stats as well. The defensive tackle is often the focal point of opposing offensive linemen which opens up opportunities for other pass rushers.
A Detroit horror film by Aaron Donald pic.twitter.com/d47C7Er9QA
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) December 5, 2018
Last season, Donald led the NFL with 20.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. He also forced four fumbles, recorded 59 tackles and contributed 14 tackles and four tackles for loss in the postseason. The defensive tackle received a six-year, $135 million contract extension last summer and if he continues to play at this level, he will be worth every penny.
Todd Gurley
Lo and behold, another former first-round pick makes our list. Running back Todd Gurley was drafted 10th overall in the 2015 draft and immediately became one of the more dynamic backs in the league. Even with a subpar offensive line and Jeff Fisher as head coach, Gurley managed to rush for 1,991 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first two seasons.
Like Goff, Gurley’s numbers drastically increased in McVay’s offense. In two seasons with McVay, Gurley rushed for 2,556 yards and 30 touchdowns. Gurley’s elite ability to find cutback lanes and catch passes out of the backfield makes him one of the best dual-threat running backs in the NFL. His elusiveness in the open field is second to none and he can outrun even the fastest defenders once he hits his fifth gear.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
