Are LA Rams GM Les Snead and HC Sean McVay still on the same page?

What were Rams thinking?

The LA Rams front office and coaching staff have typically been remarkably aligned. GM Les Snead is the epitome of great front office management from the perspective of ensuring that the team is given the best fit at a moment's notice to ensure that the roster matches the whims and wishes of the coaching staff.

The problem of the front office no longer aligning with the gameday strategy of the coaching staff seems to be growing.

That is not to say that the team has always synched up roster construction with the on-field usage. The team had consistently added one large running back to ensure an option for tough short-yardage scenarios in the past. But the team failed to use those big running backs like Malcolm Brown, Sony Michel, or Royce Freeman. And so, the team jettisoned those players after limited use.

This team had invested significant value (Round 2 in the 2021 NFL Draft, 57th overall) in selecting speedy WR Tutu Atwell. Now in his fourth season, Atwell has accumulated 1,182 offensive snaps. Despite playing just one game in 2024, WR Puka Nacua has already accumulated 1,025 offensive snaps.

The LA Rams invested significant value (Round 3 in the 2024 NFL Draft, 84th overall) in selecting RB Blake Corum. Thought to be on par with RB Kyren Williams, the rookie has seen action in just 19 offensive snaps in five games. I don't think the lack of usage for either Atwell or Corum has anything to do with the player's fit or ability to compete. When they do see action, both players are every bit as productive as their more veteran teammates.

For whatever reason, the team has mothballed them.

I'm not trying to profess greater understanding of the team than the coaching staff. I'm simply pointing to the fact that the team is not getting full value out of the players on the roster in the present.

The LA Rams defense is struggling. But the underlying problem right now is the offense. The team is dedicating nearly 80 percent of the payroll to the offensive side of the football. But the team is not getting nearly that level of value out of that group. And it is not all about injuries. The offense has the potential to keep players rested, showcase some underused talent, and even add a bit of future development into the routine.

So it's probably true that the team is better than a 1-4 team. But unless this coaching staff and front office do a better job of aligning the potential with the production, little will change.

As always, thanks for reading.

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