Brendan Abban| November 14th, 2019
This season has been an offensive albatross for the Los Angeles Rams. They have yet to resemble the explosive unit so many revered. That is one of the reasons why refinding that balance they had over the past two seasons is a major key for them this week against the Chicago Bears.
A lot of the Rams’ struggles this year correlate to their offense taking a noted step back. In 2017, the Rams were the top scoring offense and tenth in yards. Then in 2018, they were the second in both scoring and yards. This season they have fallen to tenth in scoring and twelfth in yards.
They are still a top 10 offense in comparison to the rest of the NFL. However, in comparison to themselves, they are just an above-average offense. The offense was the backbone of this team and their trademark.
It would be negligent to dismiss the contributing factors that have played a role in the offensive decline. Injuries being the main reason. Particularly, along the offensive line. Rams offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom was placed on injured reserve a few weeks ago with a torn ACL and MCL. Center Brian Allen was also put on the injured reserve with an MCL injury. Right tackle Rob Havenstein will also miss the game this weekend with a meniscus injury in his knee.
A year ago the Rams were incredibly healthy on offense but 2019 has surely taken its pound of flesh. Due to the struggles on the offensive line, the ground and passing attacks have suffered. They are 23rd in rushing yards after finishing third a year ago. This has taken away from what was a balanced offensive attack that kept most defenses unbalanced. As a result, quarterback Jared Goff is shouldering a greater offensive burden.
He has already thrown 62 more passes than he did last season in the same number of games. Quarterbacks coach Shane Waldron spoke on the offense during media availability.
“When certain aspects get shut out or have less production each week, then it puts more restraint on the other parts of the offense. So like every week, the goal is to be balanced, to be able to have that good run and pass mix.”
It will be a tough task for the Rams to get back into a groove against a talented Bears defense. The Bears defense is currently fourth in points and eighth in yards. The Rams will have their hands full but it is a team that can rise to the occasion any given week. Particularly, since both teams are fighting for playoff contention.
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