LA Rams: Calculating the clash of current roster changes

Optional receivers

We already know that the offense will start wide receivers Robert Wood and Cooper Kupp, just like the past several years.  While there will be some rotation that will give each veteran a moment or two to catch their breath and regroup during live games, they will be the closest things to fixtures of the LA Rams offense

But when the Rams turn to their third or fourth receiver, that is where the changes will kick in. A year ago, the lion’s share of offensive snaps was handled by veteran Josh Reynolds, and the Rams sprinkled in the occasional use of Van Jefferson. Reynolds is gone, which now points the Rams in the direction of veteran WR DeSean Jackson, and a likely larger role for Van Jefferson. So how will that affect the LA Rams 2021 offense?

For starters, you can look for the Rams to split the workload a bit more evenly. While Van Jefferson will likely be called upon to handle more of the team’s offensive snaps than a year ago, McVay will surely have specific plays designed for DeSean Jackson. The coach and player have worked together before, and the addition of Jackson was the result of McVay pitching his vision to Jackson. I absolutely expect McVay to make good on any promises to Jackson.

Any downside to new players: The 2021 offense will likely involve more personnel changes. Jackson will have limits to how many snap and plays he will see this year, and that will force the Rams to become more specialized. That could tip off defensive coordinators, who will no doubt look for any tendencies to get the upper hand.

Any upside to new players: DeSean Jackson is a restoration of a deep threat to the Rams offense, and McVay will likely seek to establish the deep ball in September. If and when defenses learn to respect the deep pass, the rest of the offensive plays are wide open.  That will not just add yards, but points.

Overall effect expected: While the Rams defense may be a bit more predictable on a play-by-play basis by tracking which personnel package takes the field, they will be even more dangerous and difficult to stop. The changes appear to be an upgrade.