Los Angeles Rams 2016-17 NFL Team Preview

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2016-2017 Los Angeles Rams Preview

Key Additions: QB Jared Goff, WR Pharoh Cooper, DE Quinton Coples, DT Dominique Easley, CB Coty Sensabaugh

Key Subtractions: TE Jared Cook, DE Chris Long, DT Nick Fairley, ILB James Laurinaitis, CB Janoris Jenkins, S Rodney McLeod

Strengths

Even with the departures of Chris Long and Nick Fairley, the Rams’ defensive line is still the team’s unquestioned strength. It was largely responsible for the team still going 7-9 last season despite starting the likes of Case Keenum and Nick Foles at quarterback.

Tackle Aaron Donald and end Robert Quinn are two of the best in the league at their respective positions. Donald has 20 sacks in his first two seasons in the league, an incredible total for an interior lineman. Quinn, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from the first extended injury layoff of his career. He recorded a remarkable 40 sacks from 2012-2014. Dominique Easley is also a good pickup to maintain depth along the interior.

If Donald is the team’s best player, then Todd Gurley is a close second. The young running back exploded onto the scene in his rookie year. He racked up 1,106 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns despite playing just 13 games (and despite some poor play from his offensive line.)

He was the team’s sole source of offense at times last season, and with rookie QB Jared Goff possibly still some way from being a consistent contributor, Gurley will be asked to carry a heavy load once again this season.

Weaknesses

There are hardly any bright spots in the Rams’ offense outside of Gurley. Goff – the No. 1 pick in the draft and +550 contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year – is the next brightest, but it remains to be seen just how far along he is in his development. And with such a shaky O-line and so few receiving weapons at his disposal, it’ll be that much tougher to gauge how good Goff actually is.

The Rams line still has potential with former No. 2 pick Greg Robinson and second-year tackle Rob Havenstein, but the unit as a whole is still a major question mark. Their receiving corps is the much more depressing unit. It’s coming up to a full decade since the Rams last had a 1,000-yard receiver – or even an 800-yard receiver, for that matter.

The Rams’ secondary also took a hit with the loss of Janoris Jenkins and Rodney McLeod. If the pass rush doesn’t perform as expected, that secondary could be in big trouble.

Key Player – Todd Gurley

As mentioned above, the Rams don’t really have the tools necessary to put their rookie quarterback in a position to succeed immediately. That puts the offensive burden squarely on the shoulders of Todd Gurley. The second year back, though, has shown that he has all the ability in the world to be the next great NFL running back.

The Rams still won seven games last season despite Gurley missing three games, Quinn missing eight and their quarterbacks giving close to nothing almost every week.

With a potential upgrade at QB, mixed with that impressive pass rush and a potential MVP-caliber season from Gurley – he’s a +4,000 sleeper for the award – this year could finally see the Rams break .500 for the first time in a decade. The Rams’ over/under regular season wins is set at 7.5 wins.

Key Game – at San Francisco (Sept. 12)

The Rams’ opening game against the 49ers will be big. Not only will it be Goff’s NFL debut, it’ll also be under the bright lights of Monday Night. And, it’ll be against the struggling Niners, which means Goff has a decent chance of starting his career with a win. (The Rams are currently 2-point road favorites).

A respectable performance against San Fran would do Goff’s confidence a world of good. But if he delivers a stinker, the next few weeks (vs. Seattle in Week 2 and at Arizona in Week 4) won’t be any easier.

2015 Team Stats

Category | Stat (Rank)
Points per game | 17.5 (#29)
Passing yards per game | 175.3 (#32)
Rushing yards per game | 122.3 (#7)
Scoring defense | 20.6 (#13)

Writer’s Prediction

The Rams experience some growing pains with Goff as they go 5-11 this season.

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