One year after reaching Super Bowl 53, the Los Angeles Rams were the latest Super Bowl participant to suffer the now, annual Super Bowl hangover. While Los Angeles wasn’t exactly awful in racking up nine wins in the regular season, it was still a significant step backwards from the stellar 13-3 mark they posted in 2018. More importantly, L.A.’s once high-powered offense, was grounded for the first time since head coach Sean McVay took over prior to the 2017 season. Now, with the 2020 regular season looming, let’s find out if the NFC West residents can get back to being a legitimate Super Bowl contender or whether they’ll be mere pretenders for the second straight season.
Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LV Odds & Analysis After Draft
Rams Offense Analysis
The Rams struggled on offense a year ago in finishing the 2019 campaign ranked seventh in total offense and fourth in passing, but just 26th in rushing and 11th in scoring by putting up 24.6 points per contest. To address their needs on offense, the Rams signed veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Austin Blythe in free agency while selecting Florida State running back Cam Akers and Florida wide receiver Van Jefferson in the second round of the NFL draft, Purdue tight end Bryce Hopkins in the third round and Clemson guard Tremayne Anchrum in the seventh round.
Rams Defense Analysis
The Rams were solid, but not overpowering by any means as they finished the 2019 season ranked 13th in total defense, 12th against the pass, 19th against the run and 17th in points allowed (22.8 ppg). To improve their defense, Los Angeles signed veteran linebacker Leonard Floyd, defensive tackle Michael Brockers and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson in free agency. The Rams also selected Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis and Utah safety Terrell Burgess in the third round, Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller in the sixth round and Baylor linebacker Clay Johnston in the seventh round.
Los Angeles 2020 Outlook
The Los Angeles Rams parted ways with running back Todd Gurley and wide receiver Brandin Cooks and I don’t think they upgraded either position. Yes, Los Angeles did address their issues on the offensive and defensive lines, but their free agent additions aren’t exactly overwhelming and the vast majority of their young draft picks will need time to mature.
With San Francisco and Seattle both looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders in the NFC West, Los Angeles looks like a team that will finish in third place for the second consecutive year. Nine wins and maybe 10, sound about right for the revamped Rams in 2020!
