LA Rams: Calculating the clash of current roster changes

Aerial assault

The LA Rams went out and traded for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and all it cost the team was their young Super Bowl appearing quarterback Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round draft pick, a 2022 first-round draft pick, and a 2023 first-round draft pick. The talking heads of the NFL have lit up the airwaves with chit and chat about what that all means to the LA Rams, and whether or not the LA Rams are an improved team.

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They aren’t, at least not just by signing the guy. The improvements must be earned, and that means OTAs, training camp, and preseason work. So far, the Rams have only passed the OTA checkpoint. There is still a lot of work remaining to do, and that will dictate how history, and fans, just the move. Of course, it’s certainly a rare and positive sign when the head coach is talking about how happy he is with the team right now.

The popularity of Fantasy Football has skewed some perceptions. In Fantasy Football, a player is a player, regardless of the team or coaches that he plays for. In real-world football, the team culture and coaching staff have tremendous influence over the success or failure of an NFL player. Transplanting veteran quarterbacks could benefit both teams, one team, or no teams.  The Rams and Coach McVay believe that Stafford’s progression reads, strong arm, and improvisation will harmonize with the playbook.

Any downside to new players: A new player must relearn an entirely new offense. While that is true of any new offense, this one is unique in that only one player, the quarterback must learn the offense. That places the offense behind as Stafford must learn the plays, execute the plays, and then learn how to work with each player involved on the offense. It will take time to resolve. Lots and lots of time.

Any upside to new players: Well, the same thing holds true for all of the LA Rams opponents. They will be forced to relearn how the LA Rams offense will respond with Matthew Stafford at the helm

Overall effect expected: It may take a game or three, but the Rams offense has been lacking many of the attributes that are Matthew Stafford’s trademarks. Coming from behind, hurling a bomb that hits the receiver in stride, reading the right progressions, and even his ability to throw off-schedule and off-balance.