This is an example of how the OL has changed under Carberry when I say they are running a gap power blocking scheme without a lead FB. Kupp is providing the same lead block as a FB would. IMO this just adds more wear and tear to his most important WR threat. But my point is that it's well-executed and was never played under Kromer. It's what I had been advocating during Kromer's tenure.
The Rams are behind the curve in their ground game compared to most teams. But IMO that is because of the emphasis of the offense under Stafford is the passing game. McVay uses his ground game as a distraction, which is different from when he had Gurley. This doesn't mean that they need another bell cow RB, it just points out how McVay's offense is structured.
This OL is playing lights out this season in their pass blocking. Nothing more reflects how well the OL is playing as when McVay goes to empty in the backfield. Defenses are getting only one sack per game and when put into context Stafford has attempted 172 passes and has been sacked 3 times (1.7%). That plays to the strength of McVay's offense. His offense changed after Gurley's injury. Playing 21 personnel is a bandaid. If he is serious about the run game he needs to incorporate a true FB to run a true power attack.
They have Buddy Howell on the PS. At 6'1", 225 lbs running a 4.52 in the 40 he's a match for any ILB if he's coached up as a FB. He's got good speed for a man his size and has shown decent hands as a receiver. all things you look for in your FB metrics. IMO adding Howell as a FB in a 21 personnel set, would do more than to continue to use Kupp as a lead blocker or a second TE. But that would signal a return to the possession-oriented offense. But in reality with Kupp and Jefferson as his outside receivers, he would still have that deep option, especially running them on deep routes if they play a one-deep alignment.
On pass plays it would give McVay, 4 receivers with Jefferson and Kupp deep, Higbee medium, and Howell short with their very good pass blocking Michel held in if needed. All they would need is to coach up Howell as a FB. As long as McVay stays with his 11 personnel alignment as his primary set it will limit what they can do in the run game. His 12 personnel is a dead giveaway he's going to run. 21 personnel gives them a stronger run attack but doesn't weaken Stafford's pass options. It will force defenses into their base set and with LA's receivers, that's advantage Rams.
With Michel, Henderson, and Funk as the primary RBs, then adding a FB makes sense. If a DC sees 21 personnel he will stay in his base set. But if McVay shifts one of those 3 RBs into the slot suddenly the defense is outmatched if it's Henderson or Funk. Both can outrun the vast majority of LBs and I don't see any DC dropping his safeties into the box with Kupp and Woods outside. IMO it's time for the next evolution of McVay's offense. Considering how well Sony pass protects, McVay could use him as a lead blocker or extra pass protector with Henderson running pass routes. There is a lot more McVay can do with the offensive players he has.
People have been saying this team will only go as far as the OL allows. Well the OL has arrived and is playing at an elite level in their pass protection. This is why IMO this is a legit SB combination of QB and OL. Morris simply needs to learn from this Seattle game that he's got elite talent on this defense when used properly. They dominated Seattle until he backed off when Wilson went out. That made no sense.
