What did LA Rams learn from Super Bowl LVI for next SB win?

LA Rams’ liabilities: Part III

Okay, we talked about the LA Rams’ inability to run the ball in Super Bowl LVI. What we did not discuss at length is the fact that the Rams’ run blocking in the game was a bit… suspect.  What do I mean? When the LA Rams were rushing the ball effectively in the season, the offensive line had great leverage and made and held their blocks at the line of scrimmage and penetrated to the second and third levels.  But in the Super Bowl, that was not the case.

Of course, the Rams could not give that type of responsibility to WR Cooper Kupp, because for over half the game he was the primary offensive weapon. The Rams were down to TE Brycen Hopkins, a player who is more about receiving than blocking. And the fact is that OC Brian Allen, the player responsible for blocking Cincinnati Bengals MLB Germaine Pratt, failed to attempt blocking the linebacker. Instead, he engaged defensive tackles B.J. Hill or D.J. Reader, giving Pratt an unfettered path to the Rams running back as soon as a crease appeared.

Something slipped with the secondary

The LA Rams secondary was a strength of the club early in the season, but by the time the team’s defensive backfield got to the Super Bowl, it was one of the huge question marks. The Rams did face one of the more dangerous passing offenses when the team lined up to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Ja’Marr Chase was the hottest receiving threat in the NFL, and he was surrounded by veteran Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.

One of the most disappointing players was DB Darious Williams, who followed up an incredible 2020 NFL season with a modest 2021 season, and then he almost singlehandedly became a liability throughout the playoffs. He was outplayed by teammate Donte Deayon in the playoffs, so that will certainly help any decisions facing the Rams this offseason.  Conversely, backup defensive back David Long Jr. stepped up for the Rams defense in the playoffs.

Another hugely disappointing performance was that of DB Taylor Rapp. He struggled in the Super Bowl, perhaps due to the lack of playing time due to his concussion. Thankfully, the LA Rams had stellar rock-solid performances from DB Nick Scott, solid play from Terrell Burgess, and even formerly retired DB Eric Weddle played outstanding. The Rams will need to give realistic assessments in training camp for the 2022 season, as the team seemed to anoint several starters too early, only to suffer critical mistakes in pass coverage throughout the season.