The LA Rams team needs might be less complicated than people think. Through six weeks, LA is 3-3 in a collision course with arch-rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. But that’s for week eight. Let’s talk beyond this week and focus on the Rams team needs that will help put them back in the fight.
That’s not to suggest they’re out of it, but this team is nothing like last year’s team. In fact, last year, the Rams were 5-1 through six tilts, averaging 29.8 points per game. This year it’s much different, down to 17.3 points per game. With the most challenging schedule in the league this season, 3-3 isn’t a bad start. But let’s check out the Rams team needs for a smooth rest of the season.
Rams Team Needs- Running Back:
Yes, I know what everyone in the Ramily is thinking. “We need to trade for an offensive lineman.” While that might be true, Cam Akers is leaving one way or the other this season. Over the last few weeks, the offensive line has started to fix itself, and Les Snead has molded these moves to fit like puzzle pieces. The Rams team needs now lay in the backfield.
Alaric Jackson is the definite replacement for Joe Noteboom at Left Tackle, and Brian Allen is back at center. Matt Skura is moving to guard, presumably. The offensive line will be fine, but the running game does need an upgrade. Cam Akers is on his way out the door and would leave Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown as the lead-backs. I personally like Henderson but have doubts about Brown. Brown saw his first action of the season in week six vs. the Carolina Panthers and did not do much of anything.
LA needs to find that running back to pair with Henderson. Rumors are swirling about a Kareem Hunt trade happening in the coming days, and I find that intriguing. As much as I like the idea, a different scenario could happen. This might be unlikely, but the Green Bay Packers are looking for playmakers. Cam Akers might be involved in a trade to acquire Aaron Jones. Jones is a hard runner, an endzone-seeking missile if you will. Jones can add a new layer to the Rams offense without having to make a giant splash for an offensive lineman.
Rams Team Needs- Edge Rusher:
The Rams defense has played relatively well this season. After week one’s debacle at home vs. Buffalo, LA’s defense has allowed 14.8 points per game. But there’s still room for improvement on this defense. Leonard Floyd and others who are supposed to be the clean-up crew for Aaron Donald have yet to show up this season. Hence the reason to put this position in the Rams team needs. This is why an edge rusher is a crucial piece to trade for at the deadline.
Rumors say a deal for Bradley Chubb from the Denver Broncos could happen. Rumors also say LA is heavily in on Brian Burns from the Panthers. Either one would be a great trade but will it make sense? Chubb has been injury prone the last few years and would come at a King’s ransom. The same could be said about Burns in the asking price will be a massive haul for the Rams.
Both players would be great additions to a star-studded defense. But let’s see a comparison. Chubb is a fifth-year vet and missed quite a bit of time. Missing 24 of 49 possible contests over the past three seasons isn’t a great trade justification. He’s recorded 8.5 sacks in those three years and complied 5.5 in seven games this season. Burns is a four-year pro, played in almost every game, and he’s two years younger than Chubb. Burns has recorded 25.5 sacks in the last three years and tallied five this season in seven games.
Who Will Help LA More?
Chubb is blitzing more than Burns and has only four more pressures in six more games started. I’d give the edge to Burns. Burns has 30.5 sacks and 62 Quarterback hits, to Chubb’s 26.5 sacks and 58 hits. The Rams rank at the bottom of the league in pressure with a 12.9% rate. They also rank last in the league in team pressures with 26. Burns has 15 this year, and pairing him with Aaron Donald would elevate his game even more. The Rams team needs to definitely include more pressures and sacks.
Burns makes sense more than Chubb because he’s younger, more impactful, and cheaper. The Rams team needs are Brian Burns and a strong running back who can find space and be a valuable asset in the passing game. With the trade deadline fast approaching, LA needs to make a move for one or both of these position needs.
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