Can LA Rams respond to latest Cardinals trade for TE Zach Ertz?

Are the LA Rams losing ground to the NFC West front-running Arizona Cardinals? You may think that if you checked out the latest report of an NFL Trade by the Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles? The Cardinals, already loaded on offense, have just traded rookie cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round draft pick for the Eagles veteran tight end Zach Ertz.

The Cardinals offense is already loaded with offensive weapons in DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, Rondale Moore, and A.J. Green. Their only true weakness was the lack of a true pass-catching tight end. Well today, it appears as though they have addressed that need.

Was Zach Ertz a potential upgrade in the LA Rams offense? You might have made a case for it, as their tight end, Brycen Hopkins has been a non-factor for the Rams in now his second season. And Ertz offers many of the qualities that the Rams promote on their offense, including the ability to catch the ball, block, and play with unmatched intensity. He was a former teammate of WR DeSean Jackson as well.

While how much he will boost the Cardinals’ offense is in question, he will not hurt them. They gave up a defensive back who was buried on their depth chart, and a day three draft pick. Now, what will the LA Rams do to answer back?

The Rams could target a running back to bolster their own offensive potential. But the tandem of Darrell Henderson and Sony Michel seems to be working out so far. The Rams might be advised to add a new linebacker to the defense.  If they choose to add an inside linebacker, the new player could improve the Rams run defense. If they go the outside linebacker route, that player would be key to helping the pass rush and potentially covering Ertz on pass plays.

The Cardinals have initiated another round of the NFC West arms race. Now, how the LA Rams respond could be critical to their success this season.