Sean McVay “Absolutely” would add FB to LA Rams offense in 2020

Moving towards a fullback

Now it has been all theory until the LA Rams hired running backs coach Thomas Brown. With his addition, the Rams now have a running backs coach with a track record of inserting fullbacks into offensive schemes.  Now even with a fullback on the roster, the Rams would still limit that configuration to certain downs and distances.  But what of head coach Sean McVay? Is he on board? When asked at the NFL Scouting Combine on February 25 if he would consider adding a fullback into the Rams offense, Coach McVay answered “Oh, yeah. Absolutely!”

The two main advantages to the fullback in the modern NFL offense is having a mobile blocker who attacks the running lane first and neutralizes defenders, saving some of the wear and tear on the running back.  The second advantage is the use of a fullback as an additional blocker on passing plays, allowing the quarterback more time to find an open receiver. We know that defenses have sped up their pass rush to thwart the Rams passing attack. Holding a fullback in to chip away at defenders slows down that pass rush.

Finally, the dual-threat fullback can be a runner in his own right, punishing defenders early in games to soften them up for fourth quarter rushes.  If he can catch the ball, he becomes a deadly outlet pass option to an offense focused upon wide receivers, tight ends, and Todd Gurley.

So how would the LA Rams go about signing a fullback?