2019 Los Angeles Rams

The 2019 Los Angeles Rams had a bit of a down year compared to their 2018 success but still managed to have a solid season.

Here’s an overview of their 2019 campaign:

Key Highlights:

1. Regular Season Record:

   • The Rams finished with a 9-7 record, which was not enough to make the playoffs in the competitive NFC, marking a significant step back from their 13-3 record in 2018.

2. Offensive Struggles:

   • The Rams’ high-powered offense that was so effective in 2018 struggled at times in 2019. The running game, which had been a key component of their success, faced difficulties with Todd Gurley dealing with knee issues, limiting his effectiveness.
   • Jared Goff, who had been brilliant the previous season, had a more inconsistent performance. His struggles were amplified by the offensive line, which didn’t provide the same level of protection or push as the year before.
   • Sean McVay’s offense, once considered revolutionary, found itself somewhat figured out by opposing defenses, especially when the running game couldn’t get going.

3. Todd Gurley’s Decline:

   • Gurley’s knee issues worsened, and he was not the same dominant player from 2018. He finished the season with 857 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, but his workload was managed more cautiously, and his involvement in the passing game was significantly reduced.
   • The Rams made the decision to release Gurley in the offseason, signaling the end of his era in Los Angeles.

4. Defense:

   • The Rams’ defense remained one of the stronger units in the NFL, anchored by Aaron Donald, who continued to be a dominant force, finishing the season with 12.5 sacks.
   • Jalen Ramsey, whom the Rams acquired in a trade mid-season, helped solidify the secondary and added a top-tier cornerback to complement the defense.
   • Despite the strong defensive play, the Rams’ defense couldn’t always cover up the offensive inconsistencies.

5. Special Teams and Coaching:

   • Special teams were solid, and Johnny Hekker, the punter, was particularly valuable.
   • Head coach Sean McVay continued to be respected for his leadership, but his offensive system faced more challenges as teams adapted to it. McVay worked hard to adjust, but the Rams still struggled to find the same rhythm they had in 2018.

6. Notable Players:

   • Aaron Donald (DT) – Another dominant season for Donald as one of the top defensive players in the league.
   • Jalen Ramsey (CB) – Made a major impact after being traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars, adding stability to the Rams’ secondary.
   • Cooper Kupp (WR) – Had a breakout year, finishing with 94 receptions, 1,161 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
   • Robert Woods (WR) – Another key target for Jared Goff, with 1,134 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
   • Hekker (Punter) – Played a key role in field position.

7. Playoff Picture:

   • Despite their strong defense and some standout individual performances, the Rams ultimately missed the playoffs. Their 9-7 record was not good enough to qualify, as the NFC was extremely competitive, and they fell just short of a wild-card spot.

What Went Wrong:

• Inconsistent Offense: The Rams’ offense struggled to consistently put points on the board, especially when their running game was ineffective.
• Gurley’s Decline: Todd Gurley’s inability to return to his 2018 form due to knee problems had a significant impact on their offensive scheme.
• Missed Opportunities: Several close losses to playoff teams, like a 20-7 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers and a 45-35 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, hurt their playoff chances.

The 2019 Rams were a team that showed promise but couldn’t put everything together. Their defense remained strong, but their offense took a step back due to Gurley’s issues and Goff’s inconsistency. It was a frustrating season for a team that had high expectations after their Super Bowl appearance the previous year. The year set the stage for a roster overhaul and adjustments in 2020.

Head Coach: Sean McVay

• To be listed, a player must have played at least one game for the team during this season.
• + Primary starter