Tag: la rams

Sean McVay details how screen passes have been extension of Rams’ run game

Sean McVay gave a great breakdown of how screen passes have become a staple of the Rams offense in recent weeks

The use of the screen pass has been a point of emphasis in Sean McVay’s offense since the return of Puka Nacua. In fact, one could say the screen jumpstarted the Rams’ season when Sean McVay used it to expose Minnesota’s defense in Week 8.

Since the 30-20 victory over the Vikings, the Rams have won five of their last seven games and are have a great shot to win the NFC West.

Nacua is such a dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands due to his shifty feet and desire to initiate contact. The use of the screen allows offensive linemen to explode out of their stance as if the Rams are running the ball but instead of blocking big defensive linemen, they can bypass them, hunting for linebackers and defensive backs in the secondary.

Rather than trying to create holes in a standard run play, the screen uses misdirection to create natural vacancies, while offensive linemen are able to attack the second level of defenses before defenders get a chance to stop the linemen at the point of attack.

Sean McVay broke down how his use of screens operates within the structure of his offense.

“I think because there’s some relief on the offensive line and in some instances, you don’t take for granted how difficult some of the arm slot changes are for the quarterback, there’s not as much mental toll,” he said. “I think it has a lot of benefits to be able to slow the rush. You can make it look like a lot of different things depending upon what type of screen you’re talking about. The ones that we had yesterday with Puka I thought were critical plays to be able to get good, efficient ones. Some of them are on early downs, the one that we’re talking about was kind of in a second down-and-10-plus situation. They’re really important to be able to get that off. I think fully functional offenses have different parts of their pass game and run game that they can efficiently activate based on what is needed within that game. I thought that was reflected yesterday with some good execution on a couple of those screens in particular.”

However, the screen doesn’t just automatically work out of nowhere. It requires offensive linemen to have certain athletic skill sets that allow them to maintain balance while simultaneously displaying explosiveness.

McVay spoke about how Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson display those qualities.

“I think that’s the benefit of having really functional, athletic guards that have an incredible ability to be able to move and accelerate in space and be able to have close-quarters contact with people,” he said. “When you do have guys like that, that’s a real benefit where you’re saying, ‘What can’t they do?’ I think you’ve seen it and you’ve mentioned it a little bit. We’ve been able to get some of our outside zone hitting run plays going. You can’t get those plays going if you don’t have guys that have the ability to be able to reach, cut off, and then be able to finish on second-level angles of departure. Both ‘K-Dot’ and Steve can do that in the run game with different ways of being fully functional. In the screen game, I think you’ve seen their athleticism displayed. ‘K-Dot’ had two, but Steve had a key block on that play as well that went viral for Puka on the screen.”

With Tyler Higbee set to make his season debut next week and the Rams’ rushing attack finally starting to hit it’s peak, we could see more screen passes that do not involve Nacua in the future. However if the Rams need to call a “gotta have it” play, the ball is going to Nacua and he’ll have some of the NFL’s best protectors escorting him through traffic.

Bills at Rams: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 14

Bills at Rams: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 14

The Buffalo Bills will travel across the country to face the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 14.

For this cross-conference battle between Sean McDermott’s Bills (10-2) and Sean McVay’s Rams (6-6), it will be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Rams contest:

CB Taron Johnson vs. WR Cooper Kupp

USA TODAY Sports

The battle in the slot will feature All-Pro caliber players who have been around the NFL for a while. Taron Johnson is in his eighth year and is coming off of his first-career All-Pro selection last year (second-team). Cooper Kupp is in his ninth year and has an All-Pro selection under his belt as well (first-team in 2021).

Kupp continues to see the majority of his snaps in the slot. According to Pro Football Focus, Kupp has seen 278 slot snaps and 151 wide snaps this year.

Johnson will have his hands full. Not only is Kupp still a reliable route runner and pass catcher, but he has the ultimate trust and chemistry with quarterback Matt Stafford. The two won a Super Bowl together in 2022 and connected for the go-ahead touchdown in that game. A few wins from either side of this matchup could make a big difference.

Bills offensive line vs. Rams defensive line

USA TODAY Sports

Both the Bills offensive line and the Rams defensive line have had outstanding seasons to this point. Both have outperformed their expectations this year.

Heading into Week 14, both the Bills O-line and Rams D-line rank as the sixth-best unit on their respective side of the ball according to PFF.

Los Angeles has posted the league’s best quarterback pressure rate (39.8%) according to Next Gen Stats. Buffalo, on the other hand, has allowed the league’s fewest sacks this year (13), including zero over their last two games.

Something has to give. The battle in the trenches when the Bills have the ball will be one of the better matchups around the NFL and will play a big role in the outcome of the game.

RB James Cook vs. Rams front-seven

USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

If the Bills can get running back James Cook rolling on the ground like they did last week (107 yards on 7.6 yards per carry), then it will keep the Rams’ impressive pass rush honest. And, although the Rams can get after the quarterback, they have their holes in the run game.

They rank 21st in the NFL in defense rushing DVOA, while ranking 22nd in EPA/rush. On top of that, they allow the fifth-most yards after contact per rush (3.25), according to Next Gen Stats.

Buffalo and offensive coordinator Joe Brady have found a lot of success on the ground this year (4th in rush DVOA). If they can get going once again, it will be worrisome for Los Angeles.

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Around the NFC West: Rams are getting TE Tyler Higbee back

Around the NFC West: Rams are getting TE Tyler Higbee back

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. The NFC West rematch is scheduled for the regular-season finale in Week 18. The Rams may be near full strength for that contest, with tight end Tyler Higbee returning to practice earlier this week.

Higbee has missed the entire campaign to date, but the Rams designated their pass-catching tight end to return to practice. That would signal a potential return for Higbee against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. He’ll provide Sean McVay’s offense with a much-needed boost.

Higbee has been recovering from torn ACL and MCL injuries suffered in the fourth quarter of the Rams’ wild-card playoff defeat against the Detroit Lions. Higbee recorded 47 receptions for 495 yards and two touchdowns in 15 appearances last season. The Rams signed Colby Parkinson at the position this offseason, but he hasn’t been as productive. Davis Allen and Hunter Long are also playing reps at tight end.

Expect Higbee to form an intriguing trio with Parkinson following his return. The Rams’ offense is getting healthier down the stretch of the 2024 campaign. The Seahawks must continue playing strong defense leading up to a potentially decisive Week 18 regular-season finale showdown.

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Sean McVay’s use of the screen pass has opened up the Rams offense

Sean McVay deployed a screen attack to great success in the last two weeks. Here’s why it was so effective.

Brian Flores left the field at SoFi Stadium floored as his once-feared Minnesota Vikings defense was put on its back foot by Sean McVay’s quick-paced offense.

McVay recognized several tendencies of a Flores-coached defense and schemed ways to beat it. Flores’ defenses like to stack the line of scrimmage with defenders, play aggressively and he likes to run two-high safety looks.

This strategy forces offenses to play in shotgun, which limits the north-south run. Offenses must get the ball out quickly due to the pressure and the two high safeties take away a one-on-one matchup deep downfield.

By stacking the line of scrimmage, Flores disguises his coverages and who will drop back, confusing QBs. Convention says to run against two high safeties but a stacked line of scrimmage prevents that.

It’s a beautifully designed defense that has been largely used around the league, just not at the same aggression level of Flores. Mike Macdonald runs a similar defense with some of the same philosophies so Sean McVay’s use of the screen pass helped beat both defenses in back-to-back weeks.

The one weakness to a Flores defense is that the outside corner cannot play press coverage as there would be a seam between where the corner sits and where the safety is – unless it’s man coverage. However, it is rare to see man coverage run in this scenario as the receiver going inside would take the DB with him, leaving that flank exposed, especially if said flank was without a nickelback.

So the corner must play off the ball, opening up a lane for the WR screen. Being forced into shotgun means Stafford got the ball in his hands quicker and since he didn’t have to do a standard drop-back pass, he could flick it to Puka Nacua with relative ease.

Since the line of scrimmage was stacked with defenders, the leaking left tackle could seal the cornerback, opening a lane for Nacua, who had a one-on-one opportunity with the deep safety.

Recognizing that McVay planted an opportunity to get a one-on-one matchup where if the defender fails to secure the tackle, the play will go for six, Flores brought his linebackers off of the line of scrimmage into a standard nickel shell.

With only four down linemen on Minnesota’s defense, the Rams could return to putting Stafford under center and running the ball up the middle, establishing the north-south rushing attack.

It will be interesting to see how McVay uses the screen in the future, especially on third down as defenses tend to get aggressive. But it’s something to note as it broke Flores’ defensive structure, exposing Macdonald’s structure just one week later.

Around the NFC West: Rams trade veteran CB for little return

Around the NFC West: Rams trade veteran CB for little return

The NFC West received a shake-up during Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Not only did the Arizona Cardinals acquire outside linebacker Baron Browning, but the Los Angeles Rams traded cornerback Tre’Davious White and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round selection. The Seattle Seahawks watched their divisional competitors admit a mistake on Tuesday.

Rams general manager Les Snead signed White to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million in the offseason with $3.25 million guaranteed at signing. White also received up to $1 million in per-game roster bonuses. The low-risk, high-reward gamble did not pay dividends.

White has allowed 12 completions on 18 targets this season, according to Pro Football Focus. The former Pro Bowl cornerback has forfeited 178 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks have enjoyed a passer rating of 138.4 when targeting White this season.

The Rams eventually benched the aging, struggling White in favor of cornerbacks like Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 26-20 in overtime this past Sunday. The divisional rematch is scheduled for the Week 18 regular-season finale. It will perhaps be a decisive contest in a tight-knit NFC West. It’s a shame White won’t be in coverage.

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Seahawks defense enjoyed historical success vs. Rams offense in Week 9

Seahawks defense enjoyed historical success vs. Rams offense in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks lost a heartbreaker, dropping Sunday’s Week 9 NFC West contest versus the Los Angeles Rams 26-20 in overtime. The Rams managed 26 points, 22 first downs, and gained 366 total yards of offense. Most notably, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford strung together an 83-yard game-winning drive via four plays in overtime after taking over possession following a failed Seahawks’ fourth down.

Seattle’s defense may have crumbled when it mattered most, but head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde gave their offense plenty of opportunities throughout the game. The Seahawks forced seven Rams drives to end in three-and-out. That only happened in one of 115 (0.87%) previous games since Sean McVay became the Rams’ head coach, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser.

The Seahawks out-gained the Rams 424-366. McVay’s offense punted (8) more than Seattle (7) did, and the time of possession was near dead-even, with Seattle owning the slight advantage, 32:53 to 32:10. The Rams converted just 3-of-13 third-down attempts.

Seattle’s defense unfortunately wavered with the contest on the line, and that must be addressed by Macdonald and Durde. But they also enjoyed a historical amount of success against a McVay-led offense throughout the contest. It shouldn’t go unnoticed.

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Bobby Brown III having a big impact for Rams and Sean McVay is thrilled

Sean McVay gave a honest and in-depth evaluation of fourth-year NT Bobby Brown III during Monday’s press conference.

On Monday, Rams head coach Sean McVay was asked to evaluate Bobby Brown III’s performance this season. Brown has been a wall for the Rams this season, slowly becoming the team’s premier run defender.

McVay spoke highly of Brown, praising his play on early downs when teams are primarily running the ball.

“I think Bobby’s done a great job,” he said. “I think after the first couple weeks, we really challenged our front to step up, especially in some of those early down situations. I think Bobby has been at the forefront of a lot of the early down efficiency that’s earned us the opportunity to be aggressive in some of those known pass situations, whether that be second downs or some of the third downs. Bobby was great yesterday. I thought he knocked out the run in early downs, played with great hands and was able to show some great range down the line of scrimmage.”

Brown came through for the Rams on Sunday, making multiple tackles while dominating the line of scrimmage. This was made most evident when Brown took down Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker on fourth down in overtime, giving the Rams the ball with an opportunity to win with a score. Demarcus Robinson hauled in the game-winning touchdown four plays later.

“That play in particular was a huge play by him and for Omar [Speights] to be able to have that kind of violence on his arrival,” McVay continued. “Those two guys, that’s a game-winning play right there. When you really look at that sequence leading up to it, the tackle by Kamren Kinchens to be able to get it to a third down-and-1 and then what Jared Verse makes on the third-and-1 and what those two guys you just mentioned, in addition to the rest of the front on fourth-and-1, what a cool example of guys making them snap it one more time and complementary football. Then four plays later, Demarcus Robinson is making a catch in the end zone and the Rams are going crazy so that was pretty cool. Bobby’s done great.”

Brown is in the last year of his rookie contract, but he could be playing his way into an extension next offseason.

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen consistently forces turnovers vs. Rams

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen consistently forces turnovers vs. Rams

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen endured an up-and-down performance in Sunday’s heartbreaking Week 9 overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Woolen was borderline outstanding for four quarters, but overtime welcomed some difficulties. He missed a potential interception opportunity, was whistled for pass interference, and was beaten in coverage for the game-winning touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Demarcus Robinson.

Woolen also intercepted Stafford in the second quarter when the Seahawks were nursing a 6-3 lead. The Seahawks took the ensuing possession for seven, with Geno Smith finding Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 24-yard touchdown pass. It was a critical turnover going into halftime.

It was also Woolen’s third career interception in five regular-season appearances versus the Rams.

Last season, as a sophomore, Woolen picked off Stafford in a tight-knit 17-16 defeat. As a fifth-round rookie in 2022, Woolen recorded a campaign-high seven tackles and an interception in a 27-23 early December victory over the Rams. He consistently locates the football versus the Rams.

Woolen plays the cornerback position with a red-hot motor and a sense of competitiveness and aggression. It occasionally leads to the lackluster reps he endured in overtime, including the defensive pass interference penalty. It’s also worth remembering it leads to big-time interceptions against division rivals like the Rams. Woolen isn’t Seattle’s problem.

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Can Seahawks trust OT George Fant to stay healthy?

Can Seahawks trust OT George Fant to stay healthy?

The Seattle Seahawks activated offensive tackle George Fant off injured reserve (IR) ahead of Sunday’s Week 9 showdown versus their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams. Fant was active for the first time since Week 1, when he suffered a knee injury in the regular-season opener. He opened Sunday’s contest as the starting right tackle, replacing rookie Mike Jerrell.

Fant unfortunately suffered another knee injury in the overtime defeat to the Rams. The veteran blocker exited the game and did not return. Jerrell replaced him and played the majority of snaps on Seattle’s offensive line.

Fant only managed 17 offensive snaps before re-injuring the leg that landed him on IR in September. Jerrell played the remaining 63 snaps on offense. Seattle’s offensive line was totally ineffective once again, with starting quarterback Geno Smith under constant duress from the Rams’ offensive line, leading to seven sacks for the defense.

Assuming Fant’s season isn’t over, the Seahawks unfortunately can’t rely on his availability for the rest of the season. Ideally, presumed starting right tackle Abe Lucas, who has been practicing lately, is getting closer to being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Otherwise, Jerrell will likely serve as the starting right tackle against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 when the Seahawks return from their bye week.

Fant simply can’t be relied on.

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Seahawks lost S K’Von Wallace to injury in Week 9 loss to Rams

Seahawks lost S K’Von Wallace to injury in Week 9 loss to Rams

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday’s Week 9 divisional showdown versus the Los Angeles Rams with several injuries in the secondary. Starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins and versatile defensive back Artie Burns are currently on IR. Mike Macdonald’s defense was unfortunately dealt another blow in the loss to the Rams.

K’Von Wallace has been playing a part-time spot on defense as a result of all the injuries. Wallace played a season-high 27 snaps in Week 6, and had maintained a rotational role in Weeks 7 and 8 entering Sunday, per snap-count data collected by The Football Guys. As the injuries continue mounting, Wallace exited Sunday’s game versus the Rams on an injury cart and did not return.

Wallace was officially diagnosed with an ankle injury.

The injury occurred on a kickoff return during the second half. Wallace immediately removed his shoe after suffering the injury and was seen avoiding placing any weight on his weight leg. That may indicate that Wallace will be sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Wallace played 10 defensive snaps before exiting the contest. A utility player, the former Clemson standout had logged an additional 16 snaps on special teams. Wallace may be joining Burns and Jenkins, forcing the Seahawks to get even more creative in the defensive backfield.

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