LA Rams offense 2026: 4 Key New Year’s resolutions?

4 New Year’s resolutions for LA Rams offense must make for 2026
The Los Angeles Rams enter 2026 with a top-ranked offense, but tweaks remain. After an 11-5 season and a strong 9-2 start, the unit shows elite rushing and creative tight end usage. However, inconsistent finishes and a two-game skid exposed vulnerabilities that demand focus. Therefore this piece offers four clear resolutions to refine play-calling, protect the quarterback, and balance the attack.
First, prioritize offensive line continuity to sustain the running game and reduce pressure. Next, optimize 13 personnel without losing downfield explosiveness, because opponents now key on three tight ends. Also, address running back depth after Blake Corum’s injury and cultivate reliable rotation options. Finally, sharpen situational passing — third down and red zone — so scoring drives finish more often.
Taken together, these resolutions aim to convert regular season dominance into postseason success. Hope remains high, and with modest adjustments the Rams can translate their rushing strength and Mike LaFleur’s play-calling into deeper playoff runs.
4 New Year’s resolutions for LA Rams offense must make for 2026
Balance the attack to protect the passing game and preserve the rushing attack. Because Matthew Stafford remains the signal caller, the Rams must prioritize offensive line continuity. Better protection will buy Stafford time on intermediate routes. Additionally, a more varied run-pass mix will prevent defenses from stacking the box. Therefore the first resolution centers on creating a truly balanced offense that sustains drives and limits sacks.
Leverage 13 personnel without becoming predictable. Mike LaFleur has shown genius with three tight end sets and tight end usage, yet opponents now key on those formations. As a result, the Rams should expand motion, spread concepts, and mix in personnel that forces single coverage. This keeps the rushing offense efficient while opening up play action and downfield shots. Next, adjust play calling so 13 personnel becomes a tool, not the default.
Address Blake Corum’s injury with depth and a clearer rotation plan. Because injuries happen, rostering reliable backups and using situational rushers will protect the ground game. Also, refine third down and red zone scripts to convert drives into points more often. Finally, emphasize small schematic tweaks to protect star players and finish games stronger. With these resolutions, LA can convert a top offense into a postseason juggernaut.

| Team | Rushing Offense | Passing Offense | Points per Game | 13 Personnel Usage | Win-Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | Top 10 rushing offense; one of three top rushing teams heading to playoffs | High-volume passing led by Matthew Stafford; inconsistent finishes | Top-tier scoring at times (45 points in Week 14) | 28 percent of plays, roughly double any other team | 11-5 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Strong rushing support but pass-first identity | Elite passing attack; high passing yards per game | Consistently high points per game | Rarely uses 13 personnel | Playoff team |
| San Francisco 49ers | Elite rushing attack; among league leaders | Efficient play-action passing | High scoring balanced attack | Minimal 13 personnel usage | Playoff team |
The table shows the Rams lean heavily on the rushing offense and on 13 personnel. Therefore opponents can key on tight end usage and crowd the box. As a result, the Rams must protect Matthew Stafford, diversify personnel, and deepen the running back rotation. These adjustments align with the four resolutions above.
Analysis: How injuries, trends and coaching shape the Rams’ 2026 offense
The Blake Corum injury alters the Rams’ depth chart and game plan. Because Corum handled a heavy workload, his absence forces a clearer rotation. Therefore the team must identify situational backs and commit to a backup plan. This matters because Los Angeles ranks among the NFL’s top rushing offenses. Also, missing Corum increases the need for a sturdy offensive line to sustain rush lanes and pass protection.
Recent performance trends show both promise and concern. The Rams began 9-2 and finished 11-5, yet they went 2-3 in the last five games. As a result, momentum faded entering the postseason. However, Week 14 demonstrated the ceiling when the offense scored 45 points. That game, called by Mike LaFleur, proved the system can be explosive. Next, the coaching staff must turn sporadic dominance into consistent execution across quarters.
Mike LaFleur’s schemes elevate tight end usage and 13 personnel. Because LA used three tight ends on nearly 28 percent of plays, opponents now game-plan for that look. Therefore the Rams must diversify formations and deploy motion to force different coverages. This keeps the rushing offense effective while preserving Matthew Stafford’s opportunities downfield. Additionally, LaFleur should mix in shotgun and spread elements to prevent predictability.
Protection of Matthew Stafford remains key. The offensive line must reduce sacks and pressure, especially on third down. As a result, sustained pass protection improves red zone efficiency and lengthens drives. Also, planned situational scripts will help convert third downs and close games.
Taken together, these factors create both challenges and opportunities. Injuries force depth answers, trends demand steadier finishes, and LaFleur’s creativity gives tools to adapt. Therefore modest changes to personnel usage, offensive line continuity and play-calling can convert a top-ranked unit into a true postseason threat.
Conclusion
The four resolutions offer a clear roadmap for 2026: prioritize offensive line continuity, diversify personnel beyond 13 personnel, protect Matthew Stafford more consistently, and shore up running back depth after Blake Corum’s injury. These changes target weaknesses that surfaced late in the season. Therefore modest, focused adjustments can turn regular season dominance into playoff momentum.
Mike LaFleur’s creativity and the Rams’ top-tier rushing offense give the team a strong foundation. However, opponents now game-plan around three tight ends and crowd the box. As a result, the Rams must use motion, mixed personnel, and situational passing to stay unpredictable. Also, tightening third down and red zone execution will deliver more finished drives and higher scoring efficiency.
Rams News LLC will continue to track these developments. For more analysis, visit Rams News and follow coverage on Twitter at @ZachGatsby. Finally, hope remains high. With smart coaching tweaks and improved depth, Los Angeles can convert its offensive talent into deeper postseason runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four New Year’s resolutions for LA Rams offense must make for 2026?
Prioritize offensive line continuity to improve protection and run lanes. Diversify personnel beyond 13 personnel to reduce predictability. Protect Matthew Stafford with better pass blocking and quicker releases. Shore up running back depth after Blake Corum’s injury and define situational rotations. These steps aim to balance the rushing offense and passing game.
How will Blake Corum’s injury change play-calling and depth usage?
Because Corum carried a heavy workload, the Rams must expand the rotation. Therefore coaches should identify situational backs and preserve snaps for explosive runners. Also, expect more three tight end sets early to maintain blocks. As a result, the ground game can remain efficient while reducing wear on backups.
Will the Rams keep using 13 personnel so often?
Mike LaFleur values tight end usage and three tight end looks. However opponents now key on that formation. Therefore the Rams should use 13 personnel selectively. Next, mix in spread and shotgun concepts to force single coverage. This keeps the rushing offense effective and opens play-action shots.
What specific steps can improve protection for Matthew Stafford?
First, invest in offensive line continuity and fewer lineup changes. Next, add quick passing concepts and increased pre-snap motion. Also, use chip blocks and running back help on blitzes. Together these changes reduce sacks and improve third down conversions.
Do these resolutions realistically boost playoff and postseason success?
Yes, modest adjustments can yield big returns. Because the Rams already rank among the NFL’s top rushing offenses, added balance will make them harder to defend. Therefore consistent execution, better protection, and deeper depth increase the chances of deeper playoff runs.