Los Angeles Rams: Offseason Panic Mode 2021 Edition

The Los Angeles Rams have already made a splash for the 2021 season. Cutting bait on Jared Goff and trading for Matthew Stafford signals a new era for the team. Somehow the Rams have managed to stay relevant despite Goff never fully recovering his confidence from their loss to New England in the Super Bowl. Will the move prove to be the right one or should Rams fans already be ready for panic mode?

Fresh Start, Same Results

While all parties involved could use a fresh start, fans have to wonder just how much sense the move makes for LA going forward. Stafford has always been a top passer around the NFL. No matter how much he’s dealing the Lions always seemed to underperform. Even the years he made the playoffs, he’d never make it deep into the postseason. Los Angeles just moved on from Goff who came up short in big games and could be a bit of history repeating with Stafford.

Underperforming Defense

You can blame a lot of Stafford’s shortcomings on lack of defense in Detroit, but LA could use an upgrade as well. It’s hard to say a defense that features Aaron Darnold and Leonard Floyd’s double-digit sack total underperformed but that’s the case for the Rams. With that much pressure upfront, they should’ve easily won the turnover battle. Instead, they’d finish in the middle of the pack in both interceptions and forced fumbles. Stafford will win the battle of field position being able to air it out, but upgrades on defense need to give him shots to win games.

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Quick Chemistry

Matthew Stafford is the new guy on the block but they need him to make a good first impression on his receiving unit. Chemistry on the practice field is easy. Where the Rams will struggle is on gameday behind their current offensive line. Stafford is set up for his quick release and fast pass guys and he’s no stranger to pressure, but LA needs to do more than outpace defenses. Stafford not only needs to settle into their offense but the Rams could use a guy who can add a spark downfield and develop as a favorite target for Stafford.

Last Place Cap

Thanks to some clever moves by the rest of the cap-strapped teams, the Rams are going into free agency with the worst cap situation. That’s never a good sign for a team with only a few staples holding the whole thing together. Like the rest of the NFC they’re hurting to make key free-agent acquisitions early on. Can they move quickly to free up cash and not miss out on big names or playmakers who will make an immediate impact?

The Los Angeles Rams can’t afford to mess up this offseason. Unless the rest of the division implodes this offseason, LA will have to nail this offseason to get back on top.