LA Rams: 3 tweaks to improve ‘sloppy’ rushing attack vs. Raiders

Attack the perimeter

Of course, one of the easiest ways to run the football is to run where they ain’t. The Rams don’t need me to point out the value of the jet sweep, the sweep, or simply bouncing it out to the outside. It’s what the Rams do, and have done, and will do, on offense. No magic here. No shockers. No more surprises.

If the number of carries that running back Darrell Henderson can handle is in question, then the Rams will be looking for someone who can run those rushes to the outside. That really didn’t seem to be the case against the Chargers. Of course, the Rams didn’t exactly have a lot of offensive plays, and when they did, rushes didn’t do much to move the chains.

The Rams have a solid offensive strategy that attacks all quadrants of the football field. That means between the tackles, as well as testing the ability of defenses to contain the offense on the edge. I’d like to see if the Rams can establish a backup for Darrell Henderson from among the players on the roster so far.  As the big-bodied back appears to be more likely, the Rams will need someone to step up if Henderson incurs a minor injury this season.

It would be nice to ensure continuity to that part of the offense, whether or not it’s Darrell Henderson with the ball in his hands.  Could it be Raymond Calais? Could it be Otis Anderson Jr.?  Whoever it is, the Rams have three players on the roster who fit that Darren Sproles physique. Now, it’s simply a matter of using the last two preseason games to do more than just determine who is good enough to play on the 53-man roster when the season starts.

Perhaps more than ever, it’s time to prepare these guys to play.