3 reasons LA Rams WR Brandin Cooks bounces back in 2020

III-Better play selection

The LA Rams’ use of Brandin Cooks has become somewhat predictable.  With the offense running almost entirely through head coach Sean McVay, the offense became a somewhat familiar pattern of formations and plays.  Cooks was one of the more predictable pieces to the Rams offense in 2019.  That’s not the most efficient way to run an NFL offense.

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Thankfully, the Rams have hired O’Connell to help in the playbook and play-calling.  With O’Connell, the Rams will have some foresight as to when to make full use of Cook’s speed as a receiver, and when to give him higher percentage throws, like an out, hitch, or hook route.

The Rams prolific passing offense has been predicated on overwhelming defenses with numerous receivers running routes quickly to ensure one finds an opening in the defense. Goff simply then throws to the open man.  But defenses have caught up to the Rams offense by speeding up the pass rush and forcing Goff to make throws prematurely.  Now, the advantage runs to the defense, and it’s up to the Rams to improve the odds.  Of course, the Rams have options to do exactly that.

The Rams had some success later in 2019 by playing two tight-end sets. That adds a blocker/receiver to the offense, which affords more time for Goff to throw the ball. Meanwhile, the Rams could not help but notice how effectively both the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs made use of a fullback in their offenses. To implement a fullback, the Rams needed a running backs coach who has worked with fullbacks in the past. The Rams found such a running backs coach by hiring Thomas Brown. With added pass protection, the Rams can call for the deep routes Cooks is so effective with, and have a solid pocket protecting Goff.

Brandin Cooks is a very well-paid wide receiver, and the Rams will likely need to readjust that contract to afford to sign free agents in 2020. But WR Brandin Cooks is not ready for the NFL scrap heap just yet.  Look for him to return in 2020.