Which of LA Rams coaching staff plays biggest role in 2021?

Tried and true

New coaches aside, perhaps the largest role for the team’s success in 2021 rests upon a veteran coach? For example, the Rams defensive line just lost two key contributors. Can defensive line coach Eric Henderson reforge a productive and synchronized unit from the remaining pieces? While he will have a chance to fully work with veteran A’Shawn Robinson this year, he too is under the crunch. You see, Sebastian Joseph-Day, a versatile and rising star on the Rams defensive line, will be looking for a new contract in 2022.

Plus there is a backlog of talented but inexperienced players on the Rams offseason roster. Will Henderson, and newly hired assistant defensive line coach Marcus Dixon, develop those players quickly enough to make a significant impact in 2021? Will they be working with new faces this year? Perhaps a new rookie defensive lineman to restock the roster shelf?

Of course, another coach who has plenty to do is wide receivers coach Eric Yarber. The wide receiver group, as a whole, regressed in 2020. Not just in yards, but significantly in scoring. Of course, that prompted the change at the quarterback position. But like any auto repair shop that swaps parts, the next part to swap out will either be receivers or the position coach. That likely won’t happen, because the Rams have the makings of a three-dimensional aerial attack that no longer relies on play-action to make it go.

If I had to wager, my money is on Yarber and the wide receiver group to have the greatest impact for the Rams this year. This Rams receiver group will unload on the NFL this year.  I expect two receivers to have 1000 yard seasons and about 20 touchdowns from the group (WRs had 12 TDs in 2020).  There is plenty of work to do, and the 2021 NFL Draft is dead ahead.  But don’t overlook the fact that it’s not the prospects selected, but the quality of the coaching staff that will turn them into functional NFL players.