New Year, new hope! Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on winning Super Bowl LVII. Rams fans know the joy of being world champs and want to get back the ring in 2023. The off season has barely begun but it is never too early to plan for the future, especially after the disappointing season Los Angeles suffered. The Rams started off the new year with positive news that HC Sean McVay will return for his seventh season to lead this team. 2022 was his most challenging season and I think bounces back successfully in 2023. Let’s take a look at current situations for the Coaching Staff and Fantasy positions.

Coaching Staff: As mentioned above, keeping McVay as the Head Coach was by far the biggest news for this staff. Liam Coen vacated his positon to return to the College ranks and has been replaced by OC Mike LaFleur. LaFleur is the younger brother of former offensive coordinator and current Packers HC Matt LaFleur. Mike had the same title with the Jets for the last two seasons and coached with the 49ers before that. DC Raheem Morris returns to lead the defense much to the delight of some and chagrin of others. The Rams need a new Special Teams Coordinator as Joe DeCamillis was let go. The other main coach that was not retained was O-Line coach Kevin Carberry. Kevin was hired by the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, Thomas Brown was just hired by Carolina to be their Offensive Coordinator. The running game had great success when Brown was the running backs coach and RB Cam Akers had his best games at the end of last season when Brown returned to lead the Running Back room. I was selfishly hoping he stayed with the Rams but I am happy for him.

Quarterback: QB Matthew Stafford should be 100% after sitting out the final seven games of the 2022 season. Matthew started the preseason with an elbow issue and never got back to his Super Bowl form of the previous season. He has made it known that he is committed to the coming season and I think he comes back strong. QB Baker Mayfield had a memorable debut in week 14 but was mediocre starting the last four games to close out the season. QB John Wolford and QB Bryce Perkins showed their limitations when given the chance to play. Stafford is entrenched as the starter and team leader; however, there is a very good chance that none of the other three quarterbacks are on the 2023 roster. Los Angeles could draft a quarterback to groom for the future and one name that I saw as a possible future Ram is Georgia QB Stetson Bennett. I would be very happy if the Rams selected the two-time National Champion even if he is already 25 years old. If the Rams decide to go with a veteran backup, QB Marcus Mariota would be my choice.

Running Back: RB Cam Akers had a roller-coaster season as he was inactive and almost traded in October then finished the season with three consecutive 100-yard rushing games. Akers looked more explosive later in the season as he could possibly be all the way back from his 2021 Achilles injury. OC Mike LaFleur has had successful running attacks so hopefully he can bring out the best of Akers. RB Kyren Williams had a less than stellar rookie season and his limited skill set will cap his productivity. Los Angeles needs more depth at this positon and McVay and GM Les Snead have drafted running backs almost every year they have been together.

Receiver: WR Cooper Kupp had his season cut short with a high ankle injury but he should be 100% in 2023. WR Allen Robinson had a disappointing first season with the Rams and will look to improve in year two. WR Van Jefferson suffered several injuries in 2022 and like Kupp will look to have a healthy 2023 season. WR Tutu Atwell mad a few plays in his second season but in my book he will forever be the mistake-pick that should have been All-Pro Center Creed Humphrey! Kupp, Robinson, and Jefferson are a solid trio when healthy and hopefully Atwell and WR Ben Skowronek continue to develop and give the Rams a solid receiver room.

Tight End: TE Tyler Higbee is a solid all-around player with potential for big games and TE Bryce Hopkin showed some skills the past two seasons. Higbee has had his share of injuries so Los Angeles might want to look at adding a tight end this off-season.

Kicker: PK Matt Gay has been solid for the Rams and Los Angeles needs to resign this free agent. There is not much else to say about this position.

Defense: LB Bobby Wagner might have lost a step but he had a tremendous first year in Los Angeles and was a great free agent signing. DL Aaron Donald joined Stafford and Kupp on the sideline for the last six games and like his superstar teammates, Donald is working hard for a strong comeback season. CB Jalen Ramsey is an All-Pro talent but had an inconsistent season. There are rumors out there that he could get traded but I think he remains in Los Angeles. LB Ernest Jones had his moments in his second season and gained valuable experience playing next to Wagner. DL Greg Gaines had a nice season and stepped up his game with Donald injured. Gaines is a free-agent who the Rams should retain. LB Leonard Floyd led the team with nine sacks but was a non-factor in too many games considering his lofty salary. DC Raheem Morris returns for his third season and will hopefully get this squad back to performing like they did in 2021. Los Angeles should look for edge defenders in the Draft and free-agency.

What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time the Rams were Super Bowl champs and talking about "running it back"; a year later and Los Angeles is in reload mode. The 2022 season was the most challenging for McVay and the team suffered more injuries to key players since they moved to Los Angeles. This team has its core players still in place and with upgrades at a few positions should be able to challenge for the NFC crown. Check back every month of the off-season to see what’s going on with the Rams and before you know it, the 2023 season will soon be here. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha!

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