Built to Score

You will find no greater turnaround in the history of NFL offense than the 2017 Los Angeles Rams.  

The Rams led the NFL in scoring in 2017 after finishing dead-last in 2016.  Quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley established themselves as one of the premiere young backfields in the NFL.  And it can all be attributed to the coaching ability of Sean McVay.

The youngest coach in the league at just 32 years old, McVay is a proven commodity at designing offense in the league and getting the most out of his quarterbacks.  For all of the bust talk that surrounded Jared Goff in 2016, Goff showed the natural throwing abilities in 2017 to reconfirm why he was the top pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

After winning the division in 2017, the Rams will now look to put more space between themselves and the 2nd place Seahawks.  The 49ers are an interesting team and the Cardinals must rebuild at quarterback and head coach.  This offseason becomes the time where the Rams can look to establish their identity as perennial champions of the NFC West for the next several seasons.

The Rams will have to deal with several key free agents including receiver Sammy Watkins, cornerback Tremaine Johnson and safety LaMarcus Joyner.  But the core offensive pieces that created the 2017 season are set to return.  Even veteran offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth plans to return after another Pro Bowl season, his first as a new member of the Rams.

After years of offensive problems, the 2018 Rams should have no such issues.

Offensive Ranking: 10th

Defensive Ranking: 19th

Key Free Agents:  

Trumaine Johnson - CB - Has played back-to-back seasons on the franchise tag.  A third season of playing on the tag would be unlikely.  Johnson led the team in pass breakups and will be looking for a sizable contract.

Sammy Watkins - WR - Finished with only 593 receiving yards after arriving in LA via a trade.  But his eight touchdowns proved that he can find his way to the end zone for quarterback Jared Goff.  A viable candidate for the franchise tag if the team gets deals done with other players such as Johnson and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

LaMarcus Joyner - FS - Moving to safety has changed the trajectory of Joyner's career.  Moving from nickel cornerback, Joyner flourished as a ground-covering safety who can defend all over the field.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Tavon Austin - WR - Caught just 13 passes in 2017.  A novelty item who is set to count $8M against the cap.  Cap savings: $3M