Tag: los angelesrams

Dan Orlovsky explains why the Rams offense is ‘going to be awesome’

Dan Orlovsky expects big things out of the Rams offense in 2024, saying they’re going to be as tough to deal with as any team in the NFL

There aren’t many serious concerns about the Rams offense heading into the 2024 season, with most of the questions coming on the other side of the ball where Aaron Donald is no longer in the picture. The offense features a revamped offensive line, a healthy Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, as well as a top-tier running back in Kyren Williams.

Not to mention, Matthew Stafford is the guy who makes it all go and he’s playing some of the best football of his life. Altogether, the Rams should have one of the better offenses in the league if everyone is available.

Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has particularly high expectations for the Rams offense, sharing his thoughts on the group during an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” Tuesday.

“I think they’re going to be awesome. Awesome,” Orlovsky said. “I think the Rams are going to be as difficult an offense to contend that we have in the league. Maybe San Francisco, but like, the Rams offensive line is going to be awesome. They took Blake Corum, so their one-two with Kyren is going to be devastating. The two receivers are fantastic when it comes to winning on the edge. So I think the Rams offense is going to be – and look, I don’t think Stafford throws for a gajillion yards because they’re going to run the ball so much.”

It should be a well-balanced attack in Los Angeles this season thanks to the emergence of Williams and the selection of Corum at running back. It doesn’t have to all fall on Stafford’s shoulders to keep the offense moving because he can simply turn around and hand the ball off to Williams or Corum, who should have clear running lanes behind the big men up. front.

There are still questions about the third receiver spot, the tight end group and potentially even left tackle if Alaric Jackson regresses, but this offense has the talent to be one of the best in football.

Russ Yeast, Derion Kendrick getting early shot at ‘star’ role for Rams

Quentin Lake played the “star” role for the Rams last season, but it seems Russ Yeast and Derion Kendrick are competing at that spot this year

Position battles won’t start to really heat up until training camp in July but players are still trying to showcase their abilities during spring practices. At the same time, coaches are beginning to evaluate which players might be in position to earn starting jobs this season.

One position to keep an eye on is the “star” role, which Jalen Ramsey typically played as the slot defender. Quentin Lake took over that spot in 2023 and was presumed to remain there next season, but that may not be the case.

During his press conference on Tuesday, defensive coordinator Chris Shula was asked about the star position and he mentioned two players who have done a good job in that role so far: Russ Yeast and Derion Kendrick. Lake could still be competing for snaps at the star position despite Shula not mentioning his name, but it appears Yeast and Kendrick are getting the snaps there right now.

“Yeah, Russ and ‘DK’ have been doing a great job kind of switching in that spot. And it’s always a spot that – there’s a lot of nuances to it,” Shula said. “It’s guy that’s got to be smart. He’s got to understand the defense. A lot of stuff goes through that guy and he’s got to be able to tackle. He is got to be the hit blocks, but that’s all 11 on defense. So we’re just looking for the best mix of guys and those guys have been doing a great job so far.”

Lake did an excellent job as the Rams’ nickel defender last season, recording an overall grade of 71.2, according to PFF. He only missed two tackles and broke up five passes, allowing a completion rate of 70.8%. He was also very good in run defense, earning a grade of 77.4 in that department.

Kendrick has almost exclusively been a boundary cornerback in his NFL career thus far, only playing nine total snaps in the slot in the last two seasons, while Yeast came into the league as a more traditional safety rather than a nickel defender.

Training camp and the preseason will really determine which player starts in the star role but right now, the Rams are at least giving Yeast and Kendrick a shot to play there.