Getty Tutu Atwell crosses the end zone in a 2020 Louisville Cardinals game against Florida State.
On September 27, the Los Angeles Rams scored three of their four touchdowns inside the Buffalo Bills’ 20-yard line but still fell 35-32, in one of the more exciting regular season games of 2020.
That was the last time the Rams lost a game when they scored three red zone touchdowns.
The Rams enter 2021 with this rare streak: Five consecutive victories when they complete the hat trick of scoring inside an opponents’ 20-yard line. Overall, the franchise was 6-1 in games when they scored three red zone touchdowns or more.
However, this doesn’t mean all was consistent inside striking distance.
The production took a dive toward the end of 2020, with inconsistent blocking up front and an inability to find the end zone plaguing the team in December and January. And, according to sharpfootballanalysis.com, the Rams showed a distrust in quarterback Jared Goff by opting to run the football 60.5% of the time between the 20 and goal line. The Rams were additionally reliant on the ground attack inside the 10, opting for 60 total running plays over 23 passing plays according to the analytical report by Rich Hribar on June 30.
But changes on the perimeter, two backfield promotions and some rookie additions all point to the red zone production trekking upward this fall, and the Rams becoming a consistent three or four touchdown threat once the ball is inside the opposing 20.
The Ground Options
Yes, losing Cam Akers hurts. Especially from a versatility standpoint.
It’s not just the fact that Akers could catch out of the backfield, but could score off of direct snaps.
But fear not Ram fans. There are still ground-based scoring options left over.
One is Xavier Jones who is likely to see an increase in snaps. Even while playing in a pass-happy offense like the SMU Mustangs’ Air Raid, Jones still has the ability to be a TD threat inside the 10, proven by cutting back to his right and scoring from inside 10 yards out in the first touchdown highlighted here.
SMU galloped into the state of Arkansas and rode out with victory over Arkansas State! 🤠
Xavier Jones tallied 3 touchdowns on the ground and CJ Sanders had over 130 kick return yards including a 98 yard return for a TD!
See all the @SMU_Football action below ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Plus Jones shows his nose for the end zone and the willingness to trust his blockers at the goal line near the 2:20 mark of this highlight.
Xavier Jones rumbled for 125 yards on the ground and two scores in a 37-20 win for @SMU_Football over Tulane
But the one likely to make the ground game go is the new projected RB1: Darrell Henderson. Of his six touchdowns from a year ago, five came inside the 20 – already making him a valuable red zone option for the Rams.
Henderson isn’t just a running back option when the Rams are in close proximity to the goal line, but can be a WR presence too.
¡SENTENCIAN EL PARTIDO!
Darrell Henderson vuelve a anotar, esta vez por la vía aérea para darle la cuarta victoria a Los Ángeles
Rams 30-10 Washington Football Team
Even the seventh rounder Jake Funk could make his mark near the goal line, since he’s done it before at Maryland.
Touchdown Jake Funk @jakefunk34 @DmassFootball @MoCoSentinel
Funk could also get consideration as a goal line back on third downs for the Rams, proven here in this short-yardage situation.
Touchdown #Terps! Jake Funk gives Maryland the lead. @TheLeftBench
Despite Akers’ loss, there are still red zone options the Rams can turn to who could run and catch. Speaking of catchers.
The Aerial Options
Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Tyler Higbee have been effective between the one and 20-yard line before. But even that trio could use some help.
Enter rookies Tutu Atwell and Jacob Harris.
Atwell was drafted to spark the deep attack. But the first highlight clip shows he can get open inside the 10 as well.
#Rams WR Tutu Atwell isn’t just fast-fast (he is tho) – he’s got some serious receiving chops & is as elusive as they come
The Rams may additionally be convinced to snatch this from Atwell’s alma mater, which shows the 5-foot-9, 165-pounder used in a gadget play at the 54 second mark. Watch how Atwell breaks out of his motion.
Atwell can create mismatches off of his speed. Harris, though, produces mismatches with height and speed. The 6-foot-5, 211-pound Harris was called “physical freak” by one scout.
Though he’s penciled in to play tight end, Harris has been used in the slot before, shown here during his Central Florida days which could give head coach Sean McVay another playbook idea.
I saw @dpbrugler mentioned a sleeper prospect before his combine yesterday, #UCF WR/TE Jacob Harris, and wow his tape impressed.
Wins those contested catch passes, can create separation at line of scrimmage with his acceleration.
Averaged 18 yards per catch, big play maker.
UCF masterfully placed Harris in one-on-one’s with cornerbacks inside the red zone, taking advantage of the height advantage he has while executing this corner route.
First time watching Jacob Harris (UCF WR 87). Comes down with TD on this corner route. Body control and gets the foot inbounds.
His pro day numbers are super impressive too:
6-5 & 219 lbs.
40: 4.39
Vertical Jump: 40.5″
Broad Jump: 133″
I know @dpbrugler is a fan.
A personal favorite? At the 1:27 mark here, Harris is aligned to the right by himself against Memphis. Two Tiger defenders try to double him, but Harris slips by both and scores on the 10-yarder.
In 2020, the Rams ranked 19th in red zone TD production, making them the second lowest rated NFC playoff team in that category (Chicago was lower). This team has proven to thrive better when they hit the three TD mark inside the 20.
But now, the new weapons in place and the returners give the Rams the potential to become the league’s most dangerous team once defenses are backed into a certain 20-yard area of the field. The 2021 Rams red zone personnel has the look of a group that will keep the field goal unit on the sidelines.