Rams aim to rebound after disappointing 2019 season

After faltering and missing the playoffs in 2019,  head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Jared Goff have plenty to prove in 2020.

Best-case scenario

Despite last year going horrendously, the Rams still managed to finish 9-7. This season, their offensive line should improve, and without the uncertainty of Todd Gurley”s health, head coach Sean McVay will do much better at customizing both the offensive playbook.

Defensively, the group improves against the run and special teams play ends up being in the league’s top half.

All-Pros Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey will both be in running for Defensive Player of the Year, and quarterback Jared Goff will find his ’18 form. His weapons of Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Tyler Higbee will all push for 1,000 receiving yards, helping the Rams take the NFC West crown while making another Super Bowl run.

Worst-case scenario

Losing a key starter like Aaron Donald or Jared Goff for critical games — whether to COVID or injury — can ruin any hopes for the Rams to return to the playoffs this year.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles has more moving parts this year than in the past with new running back Cam Akers, receiver Van Jefferson and three new coordinators. If anyone slips this year, it will be tough to recover from. If it goes poorly, we could see a last-place finish to the NFC West.

Biggest offseason move

Edge rusher Leonard Floyd showed up strong to camp, and has the experience of having played for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley in Chicago. Floyd will play a vital role in how well the defense performs. He needs a big season to compensate for the Rams losing Dante Fowler Jr. and Clay Matthews.

Draft pick who makes the big impact

The Rams have three players from the draft who should play immediately in Akers, Jefferson and former Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis. Akers will get opportunities as he replaces Gurley, while Jefferson is a good route-runner who steps in for the departed Brandin Cooks. As for Lewis, he’l contribute on special teams and could work his way into the defensive mix by midseason.

Overall expectations

So many national NFL pundits are down on the Rams this year, but 2019 was a wake-up call for the entire organization.

The Rams have never had a losing season with McVay, and they won’t break that streak this year. Los Angeles returned 46 players from last year’s team, including 17 starters.

Building on nine wins from 2019, the Rams will be able to find more success this year if healthy. Late surges by talented rookies could carry this team to the NFC West title and deep into the playoffs.