midseason review, power rankings, etc.

from Power Rankings Week 8: https://theathletic.com/2170521/2020/11/04/nfl-power-rankings-week-8/?source=dailyemail

8. Los Angeles Rams

Their offense had no answers for the Dolphins’ different pressure looks. Jared Goff looked uncomfortable, the offensive line was confused, and the Rams turned the ball over four times. Los Angeles is trying to win with a strong defense and a mediocre offense. But that could be a rough formula to lean on, given how competitive the NFC West is. Sean McVay needs to find a way to get more consistency offensively if the Rams are going to make the postseason.

Where the Rams are going right and wrong through 8 games, position by position

Jourdan Rodrigue and Rich Hammond

https://theathletic.com/2176543/2020/11/04/rams-midseason-analysis-offense-defense/?source=twittered

At 5-3, and coming off a loss to the Miami Dolphins that was ugly in two out of three phases, Rams head coach Sean McVay says he’s looking “inward.”

What does that mean?

“It always is about just the reflection on every decision and every situation, whether it’s how you are as a head coach or how you are specific to calling plays,” McVay said on Monday night, after a day of film review of Sunday’s 28-17 loss. “Are you putting guys in situations that (create) success is the No. 1 thing. … Are we having answers and are we giving guys clarity with the answers that we have, based on what the defense can activate (or based on what our opponent activates)? And (it’s about) how we stay in alignment with winning the football game as a team.”

But McVay has his work cut out for him in proceeding with this self-scout, because he and his team are tough studies this season, and their tendencies span from the electric to the erratic.

So what do we know about these Rams, and their coaches, halfway through the season?

Offense

JOURDAN: It’s very strange to consider a McVay-run team and not know its identity at the halfway point of the season. The Rams click smoothly in some quarters, lag in others and absolutely implode in some. The offense, in part because of quarterback Jared Goff’s four turnovers Sunday, has turned the ball over 12 times in eight games. In some games, they display shades of the Rams’ 2017 and 2018 high-powered offensive attack, with lots of horizontal movement before and at the snap, a ton of yards after the catch, slick play design, a consistent run game and a well-balanced smattering of tempo play. In other games, they seem to move away from a successful three-back rushing attack in order to put the ball in Goff’s hands. When factoring in situation and opponent, it’s odd to consider that so far, perhaps the most complete performance by the Rams’ offense happened in a quarter and a half in a Week 3 loss to the Bills, in which the Rams came back from a 25-point deficit to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. The Rams don’t rank within the top 10 in the NFL in any team passing category, but they entered Week 8 ranked No. 1 in rushing DVOA (which is measured by Football Outsiders as the success of each play compared to the rest of the league, and factors in both situation and opponent). They are eighth in the NFL in total offense, and share a top-10 spot with two other NFC West teams, the Cardinals (No. 1) and Seahawks (No. 3), against whom they play twice each in the second half of the season. The Rams are 21st in the league in points per game, at 24.1.

RICH: What exactly happened here? In the first couple games, it seemed that the disjointed Rams offense of 2019 had been buried and would never return. The Rams had good balance and played to Goff’s strengths. The offensive line looked solid and they got production on the ground, even as injuries to running backs threatened to disrupt the flow of the committee. Was it a mirage? Were we blinded by the glare of the awful NFC East? Or did McVay’s play-calling and Goff’s play lead the Rams astray? Now, suddenly, this looks like a team without an identity, one with a renewed inability to adjust to an opponent’s defensive scheme. There don’t seem to be many negative issues here when it comes to personnel, but something clearly is off, and the loss to Miami brought that into sharp relief.

Quarterback

JOURDAN: Goff played very well in the first quarter of the season and then regressed in two of his last three games, losses to the 49ers and Dolphins. Early in the year, the details he worked on through the offseason, like operating in chaos and his mechanics under pressure, showed up in his play. Against Chicago and during the comeback against Buffalo, Goff played two of his best games of the season. But when blitz pressure increases and the Rams are unable to scheme the boot protections in which he operates better, Goff has struggled and, at times, has forced throws, been intercepted or flat-out missed receivers. Of his 284 passing attempts, 34 were considered “bad throws” by the Pro Football Reference advanced tracking metric through Week 7, and only eight were dropped by his receivers. Before playing the Dolphins, Goff was pressured on 12.6 percent of his dropbacks this season, according to Pro Football Reference, and struggled mightily against Miami against a season-high pressure rate of 33 percent. His offensive line largely is playing better than last season (he has only been sacked 10 times). If the Rams hope to get back to operating smoothly on offense, they need to scheme in more natural layups for Goff, plays that can be blitz-breakers, and get his catch-and-run targets into open space. One major area of concern in my mind is the number of batted passes Goff has had this year. The latest count is 11, per Pro Football Reference, with six Sunday against Miami.

RICH: Want to generate fierce debate among Rams fans, or NFL fans in general? Speak the name of Jared Goff. He’s been all over the place this season. Goff had one of the best games of his career against Chicago and one of the worst games of his career against Miami. At this point, Goff’s strengths and weaknesses are well known. That doesn’t make him a “system quarterback,” but it means the onus is on McVay to navigate that skill set and get the most out of him.

Running backs

JOURDAN: What does a “running back by committee” even mean? The definition seems to shift weekly for the Rams, whether due to injury, scheme or situation (according to the coaches). Here’s what it’s supposed to look like: Second-year back Darrell Henderson, who has proved he can be a lead back, should be utilized on most first- and second-down situations, sometimes in the passing game and sometimes on third down, depending on the situation and how he is faring against the opponent. Rookie running back Cam Akers, who missed two games with separated rib cartilage, should be utilized more heavily in passing situations, but similarly to Henderson when carrying the ball. Veteran back Malcolm Brown should be used when the Rams need extra help in pass protection or when disguising looks, in short-yardage and red-zone situations, and when the Rams need to eat the clock.

RICH: The only bad thing to be said about these guys is that they don’t get the ball enough. Henderson, once presumably pigeonholed into the role of a third-down back, showed that he can thrive with a large number of carries, and perhaps even in a lead-back role. Brown has, as expected, been the reliable veteran who brings the added benefit of strong pass protection. Akers has yet to make the big impact predicted in training camp, but he has shown flashes that suggest he could have a big role over the final eight games. I’d like to see the Rams settle into an Akers/Henderson tandem, with Brown sprinkled in when needed.

Wide receivers

JOURDAN: I’d like to see the Rams get back to using their receivers the way they started the season, and the way they play their best football. That’s with crossing routes, yards-after-catch plays, shifts and motions, etc. And while having a “deep threat” isn’t everything to an offense, it sure helps in games like last week, when the Dolphins were able to cram all 11 players tightly to the line of scrimmage with no regard for the back half of the field, and no reason to consider it. Josh Reynolds has shown promise here, as has rookie Van Jefferson, but whether situationally or by their own execution, the Rams have not consistently stretched the field on deep throws. Goff is averaging 5.4 air yards per throw, his lowest since the metric began tracking in 2018. Goff said at the beginning of the season that he’d like to have three receivers go over 1,000 yards in 2020. So far only Cooper Kupp is on pace, with a team-high 72 targets and 48 catches for 527 yards. Robert Woods is next, with 54 targets, 37 catches and 436 yards. Through Week 7, 1,132 of Goff’s 2,145 passing yards were accumulated by receivers after the catch.

RICH: Woods is steady as ever, albeit with a notable blip in the loss to the 49ers. Kupp is on pace for a 1,000-yard season, and while he is as valuable as ever when it comes to big third-down catches, he doesn’t seem quite as dynamic. Perhaps it’s the fact that he only has two touchdown receptions, far off pace from last year’s total of 10. Reynolds has had his moments but the Rams haven’t consistently found a role for him. Jefferson seems to be this year’s Henderson: a much-hyped rookie who has yet to make a big impact. (Maybe that’s a good sign for Jefferson in 2021.)

Tight ends

JOURDAN: Rich and I thought we might have to rename our podcast “12 Personnel” based on how often the Rams worked out of that grouping late in the 2019 season. But after a hot start by Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett has emerged as more of a pass-catcher out of this position group, because the Rams need Higbee for blocking help. McVay has run his offense out of 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) on just 23.9 percent of offensive snaps through the first eight games.

RICH: I didn’t think Higbee’s statistics from the second half of 2019 were sustainable over a full season, and thus far that’s been true. That’s not a knock on Higbee, by the way. He has been solid and productive, but certain people — I’m looking at you, fantasy football owners — just expected too much. It’s been the same old story for Everett, with flashes of brilliance and a lot of inconsistency. We’re probably looking at the final eight regular-season games of Everett’s time with the Rams.

Offensive linemen

JOURDAN: The fact that it’s hard to think of anything to say about the Rams’ offensive line is actually a great thing, because they aren’t getting egregiously noticed each week. Veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth is still playing great football, and the Rams seem to have found their guards in David Edwards and Austin Corbett, and also a competent center in Austin Blythe. The important thing has been the overall health of the offensive line, which leads to the continuity and rhythm that wasn’t present in 2019.

RICH: We’re not talking a lot about these guys, and that’s exactly how they like it. Edwards stepped in nicely at left guard after Joe Noteboom’s injury, and there’s no reason to switch back now. The Rams, for the most part, are running the ball well, and while Goff certainly had some issues staying upright against the Dolphins, much of that was attributed to scheme and things the Rams weren’t doing to help Goff.

Defense

JOURDAN: Perhaps the best decision McVay made all offseason was to hire NFL-inexperienced defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, then give him a ton of autonomy in installing and running his scheme. Staley and the Rams’ new defense — which, to be fair, is dotted with enough stars to be a total dream for any incoming coach — was installed in just two weeks of training camp, and now it is No. 1 in the NFL in preventing points, No. 2 against the pass and No. 6 against the run. I love Staley’s use of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the “Star,” which is a glamorized, free-range version of the nickel who also gets used in pass-rush situations and in run support while having the ability to match up against tight ends and versatile receivers. And Aaron Donald is doing Aaron Donald things on a weekly basis. Where I remain concerned is on the edge, where the Rams are lacking consistent pressure.

RICH: This easily could have been a nightmare for the Rams. They had to incorporate a new defensive coordinator and his new scheme without the benefit of an in-person offseason program. This group has far exceeded my expectations. Yes, the quality of opponents has been low, and some personnel questions persist, but there are many reasons for optimism with this defense, both in the second half of this season and beyond.

Defensive line/outside linebackers

JOURDAN: Is Donald, with his nine sacks, nearly 30 pressures (per Pro Football Reference) and a single missed tackle, on pace for a third Defensive Player of the Year award? Yes. Will the Rams also benefit from getting every-down defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson back after the bye week? Also yes. Meanwhile, the rotation of “players not named Aaron Donald” has flashed in spots, as under-the-radar role players Morgan Fox and Greg Gaines have complemented Michael Brockers and Sebastian Joseph-Day pretty well. Leonard Floyd has been a great addition at outside linebacker (especially against the run and in prime-time games, in which he is twice as likely to record a sack or tackle for loss). The Rams also will be happy to get Obo Okoronkwo back shortly after the bye, as he was producing efficiently on increased pass-rush downs, and they still expect big things from rookie Terrell Lewis even though he missed the first six weeks with an injury.

RICH: Donald is still good. The decision to bring back Brockers, after his deal with Baltimore fell through, has turned into one of the Rams’ best moves of the offseason. The issue remains with the outside pass rush. Donald can’t do it alone. Floyd has shown flashes, particularly in that prime-time game against his former team, the Bears, but there hasn’t been much of a step forward from Samson Ebukam, and the Rams really needed that. Lewis is likely to play himself into a bigger role in the final eight games. Okoronkwo remains star-crossed because of injuries, which is a shame because there’s clearly some talent there.

Inside linebackers

JOURDAN: Aside from Staley, this was the biggest question mark for the Rams heading into 2020, but it’s notable that in Staley’s scheme, it’s actually a position of lesser value. Where’s the proof? The Rams didn’t really pay much attention to the position in the draft (seventh-rounder Clay Johnston was waived before the opener) and didn’t bring in an inside linebacker in free agency, even after possible starter Travin Howard suffered a season-ending injury. The Rams had three inside linebackers on their roster through the majority of their first eight games, and their play has been up and down. Initial issues with missed tackles popped up again in a loss to San Francisco, in which the inside linebackers had some issues when getting stretched by their opponents’ wide zone. But in the last two games (Chicago and Miami), the front seven seemed to hammer out many of those execution errors.

RICH: This unit is holding up better than I thought it would. They seemed headed for potential disaster, given Howard’s season-ending training-camp injury and the fact that they didn’t add anyone in the offseason. I still think this is an area that needs improvement, but I credit Staley and linebackers coach Joe Barry for getting the most out of these guys. There’s not a lot of established NFL talent here.

Defensive backs

JOURDAN: Staley’s prior experience as a secondary coach in college particularly shows up in the operation of his secondary, helmed by assistants Aubrey Pleasant, Ejiro Evero and Jonathan Cooley. The Rams have a ton of potential with this group, plus depth, which showed up late in this first half of the season after injuries to rookie starting safety Jordan Fuller.

RICH: Yes, Ramsey is enormously valuable and versatile, but I want to give some love to the other cornerbacks. Staley wouldn’t be able to use Ramsey the way he does if not for the effectiveness of Troy Hill and Darious Williams. It’s probably going to be hard for the Rams to keep/pay safety John Johnson, but he really is the leader on the back end of this defense, and I can’t wait to see Fuller get back on the field because he is the star of the 2020 draft class.

Special teams

JOURDAN: Yikes! After rookie Samuel Sloman was cut after Week 7, new Rams kicker Kai Forbath missed a 48-yard field-goal try on Sunday. McVay indicated on Monday that the Rams will have some patience with Forbath, as they did with Sloman after he began to demonstrate a low trajectory on his kicks. I’m more concerned at the moment about the punt that Miami returned for a touchdown Sunday, because the Rams barely touched the returner. Are they missing Terrell Burgess on the coverage unit? Against Chicago, he made stop after stop.

RICH: I’m not going to backseat drive here. I understood it when the Rams (essentially) chose not to bring back Greg Zuerlein. I didn’t criticize it. But at the same time, I pointed out that when you part with a veteran kicker, especially one who mostly remained productive, you’re basically entering The Twilight Zone. And that’s exactly where the Rams find themselves. The Sloman experiment failed, and Forbath’s 48-yard field-goal attempt in Miami might have landed in the Atlantic Ocean. I’d still predict that Forbath can bounce back and be productive, but who knows? At least Johnny Hekker is still Johnny Hekker.

Coaching

JOURDAN: Five of the Rams’ final eight games are against NFC West opponents, so the margin for error will be oh-so-slim. Consistency and health will be key. So far, the Rams have had the latter, but not the former. An expanded playoff format likely would include the Rams, but they need to stop committing unforced errors, whether in scheme or execution. That will determine how far they go, and that starts with McVay. The Rams are not a bad team and, in fact, on paper they have near-limitless potential. Can scheme and execution finally line up for four quarters?

RICH: Ever since McVay’s hiring, Rams fans have appreciated his willingness to assume responsibility for his mistakes and for the Rams’ shortcomings. That remains an admirable quality, but after a dreadful loss like the one to the Dolphins, fans want action and they deserve it. Given what the Rams have on their schedule over the final eight games, a playoff spot is likely, but not a certainty. Given the angst of 2019, when the Rams fell short of the postseason, McVay won’t like the noise from the fan base if it happens again.

First-half reflections and midseason awards

J.B. Long

https://www.therams.com/news/first-half-reflections-and-midseason-awards

Most Valuable Player – Aaron Donald, DT

He put together another four-sack performance in a win at Washington. He’s the top-rated defender in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. And he’s coming off a career-high grade against Miami.

But just as he wrecks game plans, Aaron Donald also spoils the fun of awards season. So let’s give him the top honor then exclude him from the rest of this column, so that others may participate.

Here are the rest of the Rams 2020 POTFHs (Players of the First Half).

Defensive – Jalen Ramsey, CB

His coverage skills speak for themselves. How about his hits?

Amari Cooper felt his presence in the opener. Kyle Allen was knocked out of the contest in Washington. Golden Tate got his serving at SoFi Stadium. And against the Bears, Javon Wims’ progress was suspended short of the line to gain.

Honorable Mention: Darious Williams has more than held his own across the field as opponents shy away from Ramsey. Where would L.A. be without his diving interception at Philadelphia or equally sensational game-clinching pick versus New York?

Offensive – Andrew Whitworth, LT

38-years-young and playing some of the best downs of his career.

If the offensive line took the fall for the Rams 2019 regression, then their marked improvement has to be the offensive story of the first eight games. Whitworth is the driving force behind it all, as the whole room (and team) takes its cue from him.

Special Teams – Johnny Hekker, P

The lone bright spot in the third phase, thank goodness for all the watermelons Hekker has planted inside the opposing 10-yard line.

Most Improved – Austin Corbett, G and Darrell Henderson, RB

Hate to split the vote, but these two go hand-in-hand, anyway.

As the highest-drafted lineman on the roster, Corbett is proving to be a “steal” relative to the fifth-round selection the Rams sent to Cleveland for his services. Aaron Kromer and Sean McVay have turned his career around, and likewise, he’s stabilized a tumultuous right guard position for L.A.

Meantime, Henderson saw the Rams use their top pick in this Draft on Cam Akers and effectively said, “Not on my watch.” Refusing to cede reps as the number one running back in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, Henderson has helped this offense thrive despite moving on from Todd Gurley, to the point they’ve become the most efficient running game in the NFL.

Rookie – Jordan Fuller, S

It speaks volumes about the impact that Fuller’s had that he takes this honor handily, despite missing essentially five full games (he only played the first eight snaps at Buffalo).

The breakout star of training camp has become a starter the Rams can’t wait to get back from the injured list after the break.

Comeback – John Johnson, S

Our friend and colleague Kirk Morrison was sharp to pick to Johnson as his defensive POTFH on this week’s Between the Horns. It’s bittersweet to see this fan favorite return from a 2019-ending shoulder injury with a great first half, only because of the fear he’ll price himself out of next year’s roster given the skyrocketing values of high-end safeties.