LA Rams: 5 step plan for a perfect offseason

Step I: Bolster the Rams’ rushing offense

The top priority in this offseason for the LA Rams is restoring respectability to the running game. Not a wish list. Not a ‘wouldn’t be nice if . . .’ matter. The Rams’ offense needs to show resilience in running the football, particularly in those game situations where the team needs to control the clock, move the chains, and seal the win.

The Rams only appeared to have any grasp of running the football during the 2021 NFL season when the team started backup Coleman Shelton at the center and Sony Michel as running back. Now, Michel is gone, and Shelton appears to be resuming his backup role to Brian Allen on this offensive line.

And that could be a problem. But there is reason to be hopeful. Very hopeful and optimistic.

This Akers interview occurred after a session at the Rams minicamp.

Remind them who’s boss

Running back Cam Akers has been working and acknowledges that he was unhappy with his performance after his return. No excuses. No shyness. Just a fiercely determined competitor who is already sounding like his mind is in the right place to come out and rack up the yards on the ground.

I can only speculate what the Rams returning running backs are thinking. But I have to believe that rehabbing while reading other teams’ players describing the Rams as ‘soft’ would stick in their minds, fueling the motivation to put on one helluva show this season. They, and the offensive line, have their reputation on the line now.

There are no questions that the Rams’ passing attack will be very dangerous this season. But how effective will the Rams be on the ground this year? That may be the lone question remaining for the team in their quest to have the perfect off-season to follow up their Super Bowl LVI victory.