LA Rams have bigger problems than offensive line right now

Critical hotspots on roster needing attention

The LA Rams’ roster has undergone a rather significant transformation so far, both in terms of number and importance of changes, mainly defections.  The team relies heavily upon a run-focused offense that sets up the passing game. And that allows the team to put up a lot of points. For the defense, the team had relied upon preserving a lead in the game. 2019 showed the team was unable to do either.  Now the team must restock the roster for a new philosophy, or to restore the team to its former formula for success.

Running Back

At the end of the 2019 season, the team had three running backs: Todd Gurley, Darrell Henderson, and Malcolm Brown. Despite the bravado of Darell Henderson as the heir apparent to be the Rams’ featured running back, he hasn’t earned the right to be anointed into that role. In fact, Darrell Henderson rushed for 39 times in the NFL so far.

Despite excellent collegiate statistics, his draft profile was very specific: best-suited to a complementary slasher role. Another draft profile wrote: While I don’t foresee a feature role in Henderson’s future, I do believe he can be a complementary piece. That player fits the Rams need perfectly with RB Todd Gurley getting a minimum of 150 touches per season. Now, the Rams feature Henderson, and while he may prove to be an incredible NFL running back, 39 touches cannot confirm the outcome.  The Rams need a feature running back.

Edge Rusher

The Rams relied upon two players to pressure the quarterback in 2019.  DT Aaron Donald and OLB Dante Fowler Jr.  While Donald will return, Fowler has signed on with the Atlanta Falcons, the same team that signed just-released running back Todd Gurley. Not only that, but the Rams have released OLB Clay Matthews and Morgan Fox, while Cory Littleton has signed on with the Las Vegas Raiders.  Of the 50 sacks from 2019, the LA Rams have parted ways with players responsible for 25, or half of the total. Addressing the need to apply pressure on the quarterback must take a high priority in 2020.