Los Angeles Rams’ 2018 success will depend on the offense

The Los Angeles Rams were one of the best turnaround stories in the NFL in 2017. Now, the focus shifts to the 2018 season.

With the 2017 football season now over, we look back on the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams were able to wrestle the NFC Division Title away from the incumbent Seattle Seahawks and achieve major strides with their two young stars:  Running Back Todd Gurley and Quarterback Jared Goff. The success of 2018’s Rams will largely depend on the strength of their offense led by these two.

Gurley’s 2016 season left much to be desired. He was given a high volume of touches but did not do much with it. This year was much different. Gurley excelled and was an absolute beast with the touches he was given.

Gurley was named the NFL Offensive Player of the year and his numbers show it. He ran the ball 279 times for 1,305 total yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Gurley was also an integral part of the passing game, hauling in 64 of his 87 total targets for 788 yards. 19 total touchdowns were scored by Gurley, 13 on the ground and six via the air.

In all, Gurley touched the ball over 340 times which is an insane amount. But it shows how dependent the Los Angeles Rams are on him to be successful and at the same time, Gurley is dependent on the Rams to give him the chance to help them succeed. Quite simply, he was their workhorse. Gurley did everything to show that he can remain productive with the lion’s share of touches.

At only 24 years of age by the time the football season comes around, there is no reason Gurley cannot be able to replicate the success he had this past season. However, it is in the Rams hands how much they want to give him the ball. He showed that when given the volume, he can thrive. The Rams must give him that same opportunity next season.

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His counterpart, Jared Goff, excelled in his second season. With a revamped amount of weapons at wide receiver (Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins, rookie Cooper Kupp) and Gurley used as a receiver, Goff took a huge step forward this season.

Goff threw for over 3,800 yards and 28 touchdowns, surpassing his rookie stats by a mile. Some of the success must also be given to his offensive-minded coach, Sean McVay, who was also the NFL coach of the year.

But as we know in sports, players must play to become successful and the coaches must coach. Goff worked with McVay to ensure the offensive was much better than last season and it showed through their execution.

The Rams scored the most points per game this season at 29.9. The infusion of youth, speed, and playmaking ability at the WR position gave Goff the weapons he needed to be successful. With all of them back for next season (assuming Watkins signs an extension as he has expressed interest in returning), the Rams seem poised to have another exciting, high powered offense.

The Rams must remain healthy to make their offense as dominant as it was this year. With a young core of offensive players intact led by Goff and Gurley, the Rams should be able to score at a high clip. The success of the team will undoubtedly run through them. They are the engine that runs the team. If injuries hit the two, the Rams will definitely struggle.

Next: How the Rams can make it to Super Bowl LIII

The Los Angeles Rams know that their true strength lies on the offensive side of the ball. As a result, their offense will be relied upon to win their games in the regular season and the postseason.