7 reasons to remain bullish on the LA Rams

Rams offense dangerous

The LA Rams offense played poorly against the 49ers. Did the 49ers oil the ball or something? Rams receivers repeatedly dropped balls that made it to their hands. That’s likely the first, last, and only time this season that the Rams will appear that inept in a meaningful game. A week ago, we touted the duo of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp as teammates who help pick up one another’s slump with a big game.  Ironically, the very next game both had horrific games.

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So now the Rams are facing one of the stingiest passing defenses in the NFL. What’s more, the Bears have done an incredible job against Rams quarterback Jared Goff.  The Rams faced the Bears in 2018 and in 2019.  In 2018, Goff would lead the Rams to a 13-3 record. But he threw 20 of 44 passes that season for just 180 yards and four interceptions in a 15-6 loss. The following year, the Rams quarterback threw 11 of 18 passes for 173 yards and one interception in a 17-7 victory.

Where’s the firepower?

So far, all I’ve illustrated are examples of why the Rams offense can be shut down. So bear with me. In 2019, the Washington football team lost to the Bears 33-15. In that game, Washington QB Case Keenum put up 30 of 43 passes for 332 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.  Now here is the kicker. Kevin O’Connell was the Washington offensive coordinator a season ago.

Washington used rookie Terry McLaurin, running back Chris Thompson, and seldom used WR Paul Richardson to throw off the focus of the Bears pass defense.  The LA Rams can use a similar strategy with rookie Van Jefferson, running back Darrell Henderson, and WR Josh Reynolds to dazzle the Bears.  Or the Rams could revisit their 2019 strategy, commit to the run, and attack the Bears’ less than solid rush defense. That’s the power of the Rams offense this year. Thanks to the combination of head coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, it’s unpredictable.