
Can’t run if the Rams won’t run
The Rams called just 15 rushing plays against the Cowboys, despite trailing by only six points at halftime. Henderson, who carried the ball seven times in San Francisco, didn’t take a single handoff in Week 5. Those things are proof of McVay’s one-sided game plans.
It doesn’t help the head coach if his offensive line is failing to move people in the trenches. The Rams have lacked physicality up front since left tackle Andrew Whitworth retired and wasn’t replaced. There isn’t even a natural blocker at the tight end position to help with some double teams. Well, TE Kendall Blanton had shown some skill at blocking, but he is seldom on the football field.
This Rams offense doesn’t have or play the personnel to win consistently with the run, but it wouldn’t be such a problem if Kupp had more support. Last season’s triple-crown receiving champion, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, is still waiting for his teammate Allen Robinson to become a factor.
What is stopping the Rams from passing to Allen Robinson?
The former Pro-Bowler who was originally drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars has caught just 12 passes through five games. As Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports pointed out, the numbers are unacceptable for a receiver who tallied 102 receptions as a member of the Chicago Bears in 2020:
Allen Robinson is in year one of a three year, $46.5 million deal.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) October 10, 2022
He's on pace for 40 catches for 364 yards this season.
His 8.9 yards per catch is 101st in the #NFL.#Rams #RamsHouse
McVay has to find ways to get the team’s newest experienced and intuitive route runner more involved. That might mean moving Robinson into the backfield or doubling him up with Kupp in the slot.
Either way, the Rams need something different to keep defenses off balance and open things up for the stalled rushing attack. The team appears to have reached a point of frustration now. Perhaps changes are on the way?