Will Offensive Investment Pay Off in 2016?

The NFL Draft for the Los Angeles Rams was a clear indication from the organization that the team needed to improve on the offensive side of the ball.  After years of simply trying to “get by” at the quarterback position, Jeff Fisher and Les Snead made the call to move up and grab Jared Goff with the number one pick.

While Goff has, understandably, captured all of the headlines, the team didn’t stop there.  Late round draft picks used on players like Tyler Higbee, Mike Thomas and Pharoh Cooper helped to really drive home just how important the organization felt it was for the team to upgrade their overall depth and talent at the skill positions on offense.

There is no question that the Rams offense SHOULD be better in 2016.  Considering the investment made at running back and quarterback the last two drafts, a lack of improvement would be seen as a major  failure.  In fact, an inability to generate enough offense to at least put the Rams in contention for a playoff spot might be just enough to put truly put Jeff Fisher and Les Snead on the hot seat for the first time.

A need to improve on the offensive side of the ball is a given.  But just how much of an improvement should be considered realistic for Rams fans?

First, it is important to look back at the Los Angeles Rams offense in 2015.  The Rams were dead last in yards per game last season.  In fact, they hold to distinction of being the only team in the NFL last season that averages under 300 yards per game.  But the futility didn’t stop at yardage.  The Rams were also dead last in average number of 1^st downs per game and 3^rd down conversion percentage.  In other words, the team failed to move the markers and keep drives going.

What might be even more remarkable out their ranking is that they managed to achieve this position while somehow fielding the 6^th best rushing attack in terms of total yards with 1,956 at a solid clip of 4.6 yards per carry.

How is it possible that team with the 6^th best rushing attack in the NFL would be dead last by such a large margin in overall offense?  Well it starts by being dead last in passing yards per game, passing touchdowns, average yards per attempt and passer rating.  If this wasn’t bad enough, the Rams just missed being dead last in completion percentage, narrowly losing out to the Indianapolis Colts.

As strong a rookie season as it was for Todd Gurley, the historically bad performance by the passing game further confirmed that you can’t win in this league without solid play from the quarterback position.  The Rams MUST be better throwing the football.

Jared Goff will be given every opportunity to win the starting job this offseason.  In fact, it may be considered a bit of a disappointment if he doesn’t show enough to win the job.

Few would argue that Goff has the talent to succeed.  But there will be a learning curve.  To further add to the challenge, Goff will be joining a team without a clear-cut number one receiver.  The Rams should be commended for finding some promising receiving talent in the late rounds of the 2016 draft, but the fact that a collection of 4^th, 5^th and 6^th round picks are all seen as having a realistic shot to contribute in 2016 speaks volumes about the level of talent already on the roster.

It is entirely possible that, despite improving their overall talent level, their inexperience at key offensive positions might see the offense get off to an even slower start compared to 2015.

Reviewing the moves that have been made, it is realistic to expect that the Rams will have a more exciting offense in 2016.  The team improved both their depth and their overall talent in the passing game.  This additional talent has the potential to result in more big plays in the passing game.  But the youth and inexperience may lead to more mistakes and turnovers.

In short, is it realistic to expect that the Los Angeles Rams will be drastically improved on offense in 2016?  Probably not.  But the addition pairing of young centerpieces Jared Goff and Todd Gurley at least have the opportunity to create a level of optimism for the team’s offense that has been missing since the “Greatest Show on Turf” days.