Rams preview: Jared Goff looks for fresh start under Sean McVay
Training camps are still in the distance, but USA TODAY Sports is providing five things you need to know about every team in the NFL to catch you up on the offseason. Today, the Los Angeles Rams ...
1. The McVay era begins
Sean McVay, the 31-year-old former offensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins, was a surprising hire, but perhaps it is fitting that one of the league’s youngest rosters also would have the youngest head coach in league history. He is tasked with changing the culture of a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2004 and hasn’t had a winning record since 2003. To turn things around, McVay will need to bring fresh energy and ideas and earn the respect of his players, all while balancing the important job of calling offensive plays.
2. Goff is in control in Year 2
There will be no quarterback competition this year. The Rams will start Jared Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft. Goff had to wait until November to replace Case Keenum last season and struggled at times during his seven starts, throwing seven interceptions and five touchdown passes while completing less than 55% of his passes. McVay’s biggest task is to develop Goff, and the Rams spent this offseason trying to upgrade the talent around their young quarterback. The most important new pieces are veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth, 35, a longtime standout and leader with the Cincinnati Bengals, and former Southern California wide receiver Robert Woods, who could replace Kenny Britt as the Rams’ No.1 target.
3. Wade will get a warm welcome
McVay’s most important hire was longtime NFL coach Wade Phillips to lead the defense. Phillips built the Denver Broncos' defense into a top-five unit in each of his three years and helped lead that team to a championship in Super Bowl 50. Phillips has installed his 3-4 scheme, a change from the 4-3 under former head coach Jeff Fisher. That means star players will have to learn different positions. Pass rusher Robert Quinn will move to outside linebacker (picture him in a DeMarcus Ware-type role) and defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be used all over the defensive line.
4. Gurley is looking for a rebound year
Perhaps he had a sophomore slump or was affected by the team’s overall offensive struggles, but running back Todd Gurley had a dismal 2016 season. He rushed for 885 yards (and a paltry 3.2 yards per carry) and six touchdowns, disappointing numbers after his stellar offensive rookie of the year debut in 2015 (1,106 yards, 10 TDs). Gurley figures to be the focal point of the Rams offense, especially with a young quarterback. It will be interesting to see what sort of schemes McVay can concoct to keep Gurley from facing as many eight-man boxes as he did last season.
5. The battle for L.A. is on
The Rams had the Los Angeles market to themselves after relocating last year, but they will share the city after the Chargers’ move from San Diego. Los Angeles can be a fickle sports town, and the Rams will need to earn and maintain the support of fans both at the Coliseum and on television. The Rams have intriguing players to market, starting with Donald, Gurley and Goff, but improving on the field will be the key to winning the market.
Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.
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