Los Angeles Rams Got Away from Their Identity in Loss

Brendan Abban | December 13th, 2018

The Los Angeles Rams lost their second game of the season to the Chicago Bears who left them with much to learn from the loss. Los Angeles made an identity for itself throughout the year that they have lost in both their losses. In both games, the Rams did not put the ball in Todd Gurley’s hands who is the best playmaker on the offense.

Head coach Sean McVay spoke during media availability on how his playcalling could have been better when it came to getting Gurley the ball.

“Certainly, I would have some decisions back and make sure that you try to be more cognizant of that based on what they were doing.”

In the Rams loss to the Bears, Gurley had only 14 touches for 58 total yards. The Bears defense did their part to keep Gurley under wraps for much of the game. However, due to their struggles on the ground, the Rams became one dimensional.

As a result, the load fell on quarterback Jared Goff. A tough proposition when playing a defense that is fifth in sacks. The Bears got three sacks on Goff and put constant pressure on him throughout the game. He threw four interceptions and had a fumble.

A similar occurrence happened in their loss to the New Orleans Saints. Gurley had 19 touches for 79 total yards and averaged four yards per touch. Once again, the bulk of the offense fell on Goff. He was not as bad in that game but the Saints were able to control the game due to Gurley’s lack of usage.

Establishing the run game allows for a team to control time of possession and protect the ball. It also helps to demoralize the opposing defense since it enforces a physical brand of football. In Sunday’s game, the Rams were less physical than the Bears. They could not gain control of the line of scrimmage and there were few running lanes for Gurley.

Getting Gurley going opens up the rest of the Rams offense which is critical. The Rams offense is tough to read because of all the different looks they put on display during a game. A lot of these looks depend on play-action which requires an established running threat.

Another game with over 150 scrimmage yards for the NFC Offensive Player of the Week!

All-22: Breaking down @TG3II‘s 19-yard reception. pic.twitter.com/qmTNvwmDHi

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 5, 2018

The Rams can still be the team to win it all at the end of the day but they will have to stay true to what has gotten them here in the first place. Gurley is a handful for any team facing the Rams. The Rams should not help the other teams by calling his number less. Force them to see why he is the reigning offensive player of the year and an MVP candidate this year.