The new-look Rams are off to an incredible start after the first two weeks of the NFL season. After Sunday’s 37-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, LA is looking like a team on a mission after disappointing in 2019.
The offense, in particular, is looking like it could be a major strength this year after some solid performances from all of the usual suspects. Although no single player has stood out as a lock to lead the team in touches every game, it’s been a committee approach that has led to this early success.
Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods have both been excellent options for Goff to throw to, with Woods leading the way against the Cowboys and Kupp amassing more yards against the Eagles. Both receivers are just over 100 yards on the season, but they have been ready when called upon. Tyler Higbee has also been solid with three touchdown passes on Sunday against Philadelphia, including this beauty to give him the hat trick for the game.
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Take a bow, @Ty_Higs19! pic.twitter.com/k2WxFd4YuM
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 20, 2020
As far as the running game is concerned, the run-by-committee approach has worked out as well. Brown, Henderson, and Akers have rushed for 265 of the team’s 344 total rushing yards thus far and have more than made up for the loss of Todd Gurley in the offseason.
The New Guy in Town
We can’t give all the credit to the players on the field without acknowledging someone that’s had their fingerprints all over this offense. Kevin O’Connell, the Rams’ new Offensive Coordinator, has found a way to restore Jared Goff’s confidence and give him control of the offense once again.
Back in June, O’Connell spoke on how he wanted Jared to feel like he was more in control, especially after a few seasons of adjustments after Sean McVay took over as the offensive play-caller.
“There’s a layer going into his fifth year, his fourth year in the offense, of ownership, where you feel strongly about presenting him with a plan where he could truly have some ownership, while also understanding at the end of the day, it’s just about being great with the details of doing his job.”
This approach has been a success these first two weeks as Jarad Goff has already thrown for 542 yards with a passer rating of 108.5. If O’Connell can continue to give Goff the same mentorship that Matt LaFleur gave him back in 2017, this could be another impressive season for the young QB.
Final Thoughts
After an opening matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams faced a break with a trip to face the Eagles in week 2. The offense was able to light up a struggling secondary, but will face a much taller task in week 3 against the Bills.
Their offensive success has been a pleasant surprise so far, but it’s still a small sample size. With another strong showing on September 27th, however, it might be time to acknowledge that the powerhouse Rams are back.
