Run it Back? Not Quite.
- Andrew Henriquez
- Dec 24, 2022
- 3 min read
What a disaster this season has been for the Super Bowl champs. The Los Angeles Rams have had a lot of adversity in this 2022 season.
Injuries have been the story of the season for the Rams as they have lost many vital notable players throughout the year, such as Cooper Kupp (Ankle), Aaron Donald (Ankle), and Matthew Stafford ( Spinal Cord Contusion).
They also have started 11 different offensive lineman combinations and tie with the Denver Broncos for the most sacks allowed with 51. While having to deal with the drama with Cam Akers due to usage and the questionable play calls on both sides of the ball.
There hasn't been much to cheer about this year other than the miraculous (17-16) comeback from Baker Mayfield against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mayfield would score two touchdowns in the game's final three minutes while only being claimed off waivers two days prior.
As we wrap up the season, the (4-10) Rams will be hosting the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, following the battle of LA against the Chargers on New Year's Day and Seattle on January 8th.
All you can ask at this point is for them to play hard and gain some experience next year as they try to get back to a Super Bowl contender.
Here is what I expect the Rams to do this offseason
Backup QB situation
In previous years, the Rams have valued the backup quarterback position less due to their cap space situation; this year, it showed. The John Wolford and Bryce Perkins experience was not a sight to see.
In the games Wolford played, he would throw for 390 yards, 1 TD, and 3 INT's with a completion percentage of 61.3%. Perkins would go for 161 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, and a completion percentage of 55.9%.
I'm all for the Rams bringing back Baker Mayfield but for the right price. It'll be
fascinating to see his market this off-season and the possible teams interested in the former 1st overall pick.
LA is the best fit for Mayfield as he would be with the best coaching staff he's had in his career while possibly being the successor to Matthew Stafford. If the Mayfield situation doesn't work out, here are other options.
Free Agency:
Cooper Rush - Dallas Cowboys
Taylor Heincke - Washingtion Commanders
Nick Mullens - Minnesota Vikings
Case Keenum - Buffalo Bills
Sam Darnold - Carolina Panthers
Draft:
Anthony Richardson - Florida
Hendon Hooker - Tennesse
Jaren Hall - BYU
Defensive Line
This group has suffered after the loss of Von Miller, Sebastian Joesph- Day, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo this past offseason, and it showed this year as they ranked 26th in sacks. This group has underachieved, which could be caused due to Donald's injury.
The team sack leaders are Leonard Floyd (7), Bobby Wagner (5), and Aaron Donald (5). The Rams were very active this trade deadline to acquire another edge rusher, and they were rumored to be interested in Brian Burns, Bradley Chubb, Josh Allen, and Robert Quinn.
I don't see a scenario where the Rams don't add another elite edge rusher this off-season. If they plan on trading that 2024 first-round pick, this will be the position they do that for because, with very little cap space, that may be the only way to get an elite edge rusher. Here are some options
Free Agency:
Robert Quinn - Philadelphia Eagles
Melvin Ingram - Miami Dolphins
Samson Ebukam - San Franciso 49ers
Dante Fowler - Dallas Cowboys
Jadeveon Clowney - Cleveland Browns
Trade:
Brian Burns - Carolina Panthers
Josh Allen - Jacksonville Jaguars
Rashan Gary - Green Bay Packers
Carl Lawson - New York Jets
Montez Sweat - Washington Commanders
Offensive Line
It will be fascinating to see how they evaluate this offensive line group. Trying to evaluate 11 different offensive line combinations could be a difficult task to do.
I expect them to run it back with the same group of guys. I see them drafting an interior lineman, as I believe that has been a massive issue, as Bobby Evans has been atrocious all season.
The 2022 season has been a disaster, and I won't be surprised if the Rams make some shocking moves this off-season.
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