3 scheduling scenarios that spell disaster for the LA Rams

Too early bye-week

The LA Rams face a 17 game schedule, which is the equivalent of a regular-season schedule, plus one road playoff game for the LA Rams. Now, that schedule will be broken up by the presence of the NFL bye-week, which is a weekend without a football game.  Traditionally, those bye weeks can occur between weeks five and week 13.

Los Angeles Rams

If the bye week occurs after week eight, we’re good. No complaints. All’s well. But as soon as the LA Rams find the schedule tilt to an early bye week, trouble is bound to happen.  How so? Well, look at the Rams from several perspectives.

The LA Rams have decided to load the roster with skill players, and run the team light on the offensive linemen who are the true pack animals of that offense. Without ample numbers of linemen on the roster to use on special teams, the starters will need to play more snaps in a game. With an additional game on the roster, that will create more opportunities for injury.  Bye weeks allow teams to rest starters. If too soon in the season, the Rams will face tough sledding come playoff time as the Rams will be forced to play a heavier dose of consecutive games.

Add to that the simple fact that the LA Rams are working with a new quarterback, a new center, and new offensive philosophy. More work earlier in the season will allow the Rams to work out the bugs sooner, rather than later. That is better for the Rams in the long run. But an early bye interrupts the opportunity to muscle through early timing and communication issues.