Rams Q&A: Rich Hammond … 12/17

Rams Q&A: Rich Hammond

https://theathletic.com/1467007/2019/12/17/live-qa-with-rams-writer-rich-hammond-today-from-1-to-2-p-m-pt/?source=twittered

McVay did an absolutely amazing job of “building up” the Rams in 2017 and 2018. He was a great leader who got the players to believe and win, after so many of them had experienced the dreadfulness of 2016. But there’s a different challenge now. “Building” and “sustaining” are two different qualities. And I’m not saying that a) Sean isn’t doing it, or b) that he can’t do it. Like I said, only people within the team can speak to the every-day messaging. But it’s something I’ve also been wondering about.

You saw some natural regression from the Rams — as well as some that was not expected, and should not have been expected — and you saw an unexpected rise from the 49ers (and perhaps from the Seahawks also). Without having time, in this very moment, to study the S.F. and Seattle rosters, and who might be in danger of leaving, I’d say all three of those teams will be in the hunt in 2020, probably with more balance. I’d expect the Rams to be slightly better and perhaps the 49ers to experience a bit of the regression the Rams suffered this season. Seattle is always there but most likely is a candidate to either maintain or slightly regress.

whatever plan they had for Gurley did not work. That is abundantly clear. The other part is more difficult. While I’ve been critical of McVay’s adjustments — and I certainly think that’s warranted — it’s not as simple as saying, “Oh, he got found out and didn’t adjust.” That’s a very week-to-week thing, and there’s a lot of moves within moves that we don’t really see. That said, the fact that it took so long to adjust, even when it comes to things like using more 12 personnel and using the tight ends more in the pass game, is troubling and worthy of scrutiny.

I hope this doesn’t come off the wrong way, or as combative in any way, but I feel like when people say, “The media needs to hold [Goff] accountable,” too often what that translates to is, “The media needs to tell him he sucks.” I’m relatively certain that Jared understands that this season isn’t what it needs to be.

I’ll throw it back to you with this question…if not Goff, then who? Let’s say you decided Jared wasn’t your guy and you wanted to let him walk after 2020. Then what?

As we sit here right now, between Weeks 15 and 16, it’s not as though we’re going to expect Goff to improve his footwork and accuracy (and other things) in the six days between games. That will be part of a fair assessment at the end of the year.I say that I’m still not sure what “accountability” means to most people. If you’re aware of the issues and I’m aware of the issues, then I guarantee you that so are Goff and McVay. And ultimately, if either (or both) of them don’t get things done, they’ll be accountable to ownership.

I know that a lot of times, fans get fired up to see a player throwing his helmet and chewing out teammates, but when you’re talking about a 16-game season (not to mention a long career), that’s generally not the person you want to follow. A good leader is unflappable and forward-looking, with the mindset of, “Hey, we can do this, let’s get it next time.” I think Jared probably shows more fire than people would think.

Two things they can do is strengthen and solidify the offensive line — which won’t be perfectly ideal because of cap issues — and, help him with coaching. I’m sure this will come up elsewhere, but getting some help for McVay, I think, will help everyone on the offense, and Goff first and foremost.

I think it all starts with left tackle. They absolutely need to figure out what they’re going to do there, and the options are pretty slim. If Whitworth doesn’t come back, I’m not sure you want Noteboom sliding over while coming off a major knee injury, and I’m not sure Havenstein or Evans project as left tackles. So that is BY FAR the biggest question. Beyond that there suddenly are a lot of options for the other four positions and that’s a good thing. The second part of the plan would be for the Rams to determine whether they want Evans or Havenstein at right tackle. If it’s Evans, then it will be interesting to see if there’s a market for Havenstein (I believe there would be). The center and guard positions would be very intriguing, in terms of evaluation/competition during the offseason program.

we’re really talking about two games when the run defense was subpar: Baltimore and Dallas. Other than that, it’s been one of the best run defenses in the league. That said, it was awful in both of those games, and particularly against Dallas. I don’t think it’s a matter of talent or technique, to be totally honest with you. In most situations, players were in position with the ability to make a play and simply did not. Whether you want to attribute that to intensity or preparation or whatever it might be, that’s a fair debate, but the results of most of this season show that the players are capable, as is the scheme.

The best players have to step up, not only in terms of on-field performance but leadership. This can’t be tolerated. The first step, for me, will be to listen closely at the end of this season and determine who is angry and who just seems ready to start vacation.

I do think Joseph-Day has that ability, yes, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Brockers come back on a short-term deal. I’m less sure about Gaines, who started out with a good deal of hype/momentum but hasn’t exactly played his way into it, at least not yet. The draft would seem to be the best way to add some depth here, either way.