Andrew Whitworth pins Rams’ offensive regression on red zone struggles
In each of the last two years, the Rams have regressed offensively in points scored. They went from ranking second in 2018 to 11th the following year to 22nd last season, falling down the ranks each year.
There are several reasons for that, from Jared Goff’s regression to Todd Gurley’s knee injury (and eventual departure) to offensive line issues. But in Andrew Whitworth’s mind, it comes down to red zone efficiency.
Last season, the Rams finished 19th in red zone touchdown percentage (57.8%), which is why they had the 11th-most yards in the NFL but ranked just 22nd in scoring. Whitworth says that’s one area where the Rams have to get better after failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities the last two years.
He was on the PFF NFL Podcast and explained that the Rams must get better in scoring situations.
“You really look at the last couple of years, I don’t know if slowing down is the word that I look for when I try to describe it as much as I don’t think we’ve been as successful in the red zone and maybe in scoring opportunities as we were the first couple years,” Whitworth said. “We’ve seemed to move the ball well on people, we’ve seemed to have good drives and then for whatever reason, we haven’t really put it in the way we did.”
Gurley scored 13 rushing touchdowns in 2017 and 17 the following year in 2018, leading the league in that category both seasons. He was as good as anyone in the red zone, always finding a way to punch it into the end zone.
He still scored 12 touchdowns in 15 games two years ago despite battling a knee injury and poor play from the offensive line, but when he was cut last offseason, the Rams regressed in the red zone.
“I mean, you look at the streak we had there with Todd Gurley in ’17 and ’18 of just, when we got down in there, it was almost a given that we were going to run the football in the end zone at some point,” Whitworth continued. “It was pretty impressive the job he was able to do and we were able to do and Sean was able to put us in positions. I think right now, we haven’t executed as well down there as we would’ve liked.”
The Rams have Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. at running back, as well as Matthew Stafford under center and a bevy of playmakers at wide receiver. There’s really no reason this offense shouldn’t rank in the top 10 of points scored, but if their red zone inefficiency continues, they’ll rack up yards without many points to show for it.
One of the ways the Rams can improve on offense is by scoring and converting in difficult spots, be it on third-and-long or by creating big plays in the passing game.
“… Being able to do other things and add wrinkles and convert in different ways in situations where maybe you aren’t always ahead of the chains, maybe you aren’t always in the best position possible, but you find a way to score and you find a way to put the ball in the end zone. And I think that’s one of the things that this offense has got to continue to grow into,” Whitworth said. “I think this year is one of those years that could be a great opportunity for us, having a lot of guys back, to really take a big step offensively.”
