The Los Angeles Rams are set to begin training camp this week. With Super Bowl expectations, here are three massive questions that surround the team entering camp.
What does Nate Scheelhaase add to the offense?
There is no doubt that the entire offense runs through Sean McVay but what has made the Rams so effective at evolving their offense is his willingness to add different perspectives and elements to the operation. While he still feels comfortable being in command as the play caller, he’s also shown a willingness to let others take his place if needed. That willingness bleeds into others influencing the game plan.
The big question is regarding new offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. What does he add? What does he replace from former OC Mike LaFleur? Does that make the team better or worse? Not only is Scheelhaase dealing with those questions, but he’s also dealing with an additional expert opinion in Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury, the Air Raid specialist and former Cardinals head coach, is the Rams’ assistant head coach.
Unlike LaFleur, who had defensive-minded Aubrey Pleasant as the assistant head coach last season, Scheelhaase has an additional voice in the offensive meeting room, a voice that has NFL playcalling experience. That could be an asset or an issue. Only time will tell.
What isn’t debatable is Scheelhaase’s influence. Multiple players went on record last season, praising Scheelhaase’s ability to teach and relate to the younger generation. Perhaps it’s that small detail that makes the difference, now that Scheelhaase’s voice in the building has been elevated.
Can Sean McVay get rid of the bad narratives?
For as many successful things the Rams have pulled off during the McVay era, there have been a few bad narratives that have been the difference between the Rams having one title instead of multiple.
Issues with third-and-short situations, issues with their red zone effectiveness when Davante Adams isn’t consistently on the field, issues turning turnovers into touchdowns, and all the defensive and special teams problems that have plagued the team periodically over the last few years. Now that there’s another champion in the division, the pressure has amplified.
Then, there are the letdowns in the playoffs. The fact that the Rams have a title in the midst of the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty is a testament to McVay and the team’s efforts. However, they have been one play away from advancing further the last two years, and have fallen short under McVay in the past.
So, is this the year McVay and company overcome all those issues? My take is that what separates McVay from his counterparts is that he has the perfect balance of scheme and player management. The Rams, from owner to everyone else, believe in McVay and his vision. That’s for a reason. McVay’s greatest strength is his ability to address what’s wrong – with himself and the roster. He does so with ruthless efficiency, and every roster move the team made this offseason was in response to the problems that have cost Los Angeles in recent years.
Will the new additions be the difference?
Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson are supposed to be the key pieces for the Rams to have a defense that runs at the same pace as the offense. Grant Stuard is meant to be the piece needed for the special teams to be consistent, along with long snapper Joe Cardona.
That’s the theory, but we have to see it on the field. That’s one question. The other part is that for the last few years, the offense and defense have struggled to work in tandem. However, when the Rams played complementary football, they were the best team in the NFL by a mile. So, will all these pieces be able to gel? It wouldn’t be the first time a super team failed.
What the Rams have going for them is the selfless mindsets of their players. That should get them through the rough times.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ 3 biggest questions entering training camp
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
