5 strategies LA Rams to run their way back into the NFL Playoffs.

Strategy I  – Pass first offense

The first strategy to improve the running game is simply to emphasize passes on first and second downs.  The LA Rams have become too predictable on offense, daring defenses to stop the running game.  In 2019, thanks to that predictability and inexperienced offensive line, defenses did that very thing.

The addition of new offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell will help a great deal on that front. With 45 fewer rushing attempts, the Washington Redskins rushed for 84 more rushing yards.  Keep in mind that the Redskins running backs were oft injured in 2019, so the lion’s share was handled by 34 year old veteran running back Adrian Peterson.

The Redskins offense found success running the ball by running after softening up the defense with a quick high percentage passing game. Against the Philadelphia Eagles stalwart run defense in week 15, the ‘Skins settled rookie quarterback in with a quick strike passing game which had the team up 14-10 by halftime. The Eagles rush defense was far more stingy than that of the San Francisco 49ers or the Seattle Seahawks. Simply replicating that same quick pass strategy to put the defense on their heels could be a huge improvement in 2020.