8 LA Rams no-cost quick fixes needed to beat the formidable Buffalo Bills

(5) - Balance the offense

The Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints in Week 13 with a balanced offensive attack. Of course, one of the reasons for the interest in running the football is the fact that Matthew Stafford was shaken up early in the game with an ankle injury, and the team had to flex to the running game to keep Stafford from further injury.

So why bring up a balanced offense if the team just ran a balanced offense to a desperately-needed victory? Simply stated, the Rams are unlikely to stick with the running game against a very high-powered Buffalo Bills offense. As soon as the Rams trail in the game, you can bet the offense will flip on the hyperdrive on the aerial assault, and running the football will be an afterthought.

That could prove to be a huge mistake.

The worst strategy conceivable is to accelerate the number of times that the Buffalo Bills offense touches the football. And three incompletions and a punt will do that every time. Not only does a pass-happy offense pile a lot of pressure on the defense, but it is far too easy to defend. In essence, the idea of running the football is not just for the sake of running, but it sets up the passing plays to be more effective.

I don't think that the Rams can win in a shootout against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14. So the Rams must plan a different strategy. As long as the Rams offense has possession and is moving the chains, the defense rests and the Bills offense cannot score.

I know that the Rams offense is unfamiliar with running a ball-control game plan. But perhaps it's time to try that.