St. Louis Rams must avoid becoming an one dimensional team

The St Louis Rams defeated the Cleveland Browns on Sunday 24-6, in a performance that helped the Rams increase their season record to 3-3. Throughout the season, a large talking point amongst St Louis Rams fans has been the lack of offensive consistency, with the team struggling to put up any serious yardage per game. The Rams are currently ranked last in total yard per game in the NFL, with the Rams’ defensive efforts contributing to most of their wins this season.

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However, as the season has progressed, spectators have seen some improvement on offense, with Todd Gurley playing a vital role in pushing the ball forward, making a large impact on the ground. In the first three games where Gurley has lined up as the starting running back, he has contributed a total of 433 yards from 68 carries on the ground, and a further 50 yards in the air”

Many people know that the Fisher wants to run the football, and this was supported by the Rams’ first round draft pick in Gurley. Watching Gurley run the ball is exciting, as he hurdles defenders and uses his explosive speed to cut through the defensive line, looking for more yards on every play. Although this is a great asset for the Rams, and something for the fans to have faith in, the pressure on Gurley will continue to grow if the passing game cannot deliver the same amount of productivity.

Looking at the final score against the Browns, note that 10 points came from two defensive takeaways, and 14 points came from Gurley himself, including an impressive 16 yard rushing touchdown, with no points coming from the pass play.

Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs after making a catch against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The power running scheme has it’s superiority in controlling the clock, tiring out the defense, and in helping a team create a two-dimensional offensive, with the ability to pass and run.

It is the ability to utilise both dimensions of football which is stopping the Rams from becoming a complete offensive unit. If Rams become one-dimensional in Gurley, each defence will come out with a game plan to stop the run. Although a power-run team must be resilient with the run, which overcame the Browns’ defense on Sunday, the team’s performance is enhanced when Foles and the wide-receiving corps produce the first downs.

This win against the Browns was convincing, with the Rams dominating on both sides of the ball, however, for full optimisation of the St Louis offense, the pass attack must form a consistent completion rate. Gurley is looking like he will lead this team to success, and that this team in St Louis can be built around this franchise running back. The offense is improving each week, but if the Rams are to make the playoffs, they must be cautious that they do not become a one-dimensional team that becomes to reliant on one source of productivity.

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