The Rams’ 2026 New Year’s Resolutions

The Rams’ late-season slump exposed glaring flaws across run defense and offensive timing. As the calendar turns, the Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions must target those breakdowns with focused, measurable fixes. This piece takes an analytical, data-driven view to diagnose the problems and prescribe solutions.

Since Week 13, Los Angeles has regressed in rushing defense and explosive-run control, which cost them games late. For example, opponents ran touchdown plays of 44, 62, and 78 yards in a key playoff appearance. Those plays highlight both scheme gaps and tackling failures. Therefore, any credible plan must address personnel, technique, and play-calling.

We will use metrics like rushing success rate and explosive run rate to guide recommendations. Because numbers reveal trends, the analysis will compare Weeks 1-11 to Weeks 12-plus. The goal is strategic, actionable steps rather than vague wish lists. As a result, the five resolutions aim to restore consistency and finish games stronger.

This introduction outlines the approach and stakes. The following sections will dive into specific fixes for run defense, offensive line depth, and receiver usage. Ultimately, these Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions should produce measurable improvement.

Run defense diagnosis: Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions

The run defense slide has become the clearest fault line in Los Angeles. Since Week 13, the Rams have allowed more explosive runs and suffered more late losses. Therefore this section dissects the numbers and recommends targeted fixes.

What the numbers say

• Weeks 1 through 11: rushing success rate 47.1 percent; explosive run rate 1.7 percent; 9.5 percent of rushing yards came on explosive runs.
• Since Week 12: rushing success rate fell to 45.3 percent, which ranks seventh; explosive run rate jumped to 5 percent; 35.6 percent of rushing yards came from explosive runs.
• Recent big plays include touchdown runs of 44, 62, and 78 yards allowed to the Eagles in a playoff meeting. In the last two weeks, opponents produced 55 and 93 yard runs.
• The Rams lost three of their last five games, including the last two, as these trends accelerated.

Why explosive runs matter

Explosive runs flip field position quickly. As a result, the defense faces shorter down and distance sequences. Consequently, play-calling and situational coverage become harder. Because these big plays drive scoring swings, they erode the team’s ability to close games.

Root causes to address

• Tackling and pursuit angles have regressed, which opens cutback lanes. However, scheme gaps also contribute on stretch and zone reads.
• Personnel rotation and depth have strained gap integrity late in games. Therefore fresh defenders often miss assignments.
• Run fits and front-seven communication broke down on several long runs. As a result, linemen and linebackers failed to string plays to the sideline.

Tactical fixes

• Prioritize tackling practice with controlled live reps to improve form and finishing.
• Install micro-adjustments to run fits against stretch and zone schemes.
• Rotate personnel strategically to maintain edge-setting and gap discipline.
• Evaluate in-season scheme tweaks and add a gap-plugging veteran if possible.

These targeted moves form the core of the Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions for stopping explosive runs. They tie metrics to practice plans and personnel decisions so improvement becomes measurable.

Offensive line positional spending: ranked 11th — financial investment versus on-field issues

Receiving corps assessment: Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions

The Rams receiving group has shown uneven deep target efficiency this season. Because the team relied on vertical shots, efficiency matters more than ever. Data on deep targets is stark and actionable.

• Tutu Atwell 3 of 6 deep targets this season; 6 of 10 last season.
• Konata Mumpfield 0 of 3 deep targets; no receptions on those throws.
• Xavier Smith 3 of 7 deep targets this season.
• Overall deep completion rate has declined compared with expectations, which reduced explosive passing plays.

Tutu Atwell signed for 10 million in the offseason, so expectations rose accordingly. However his deep target conversion sits below a premium wide receiver mark. Therefore the financial investment has not yet produced proportional returns. As a result, the offense missed vertical chunk plays that would have balanced the run defense issues.

Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith present mixed returns. Mumpfield’s zero catches on deep looks suggest issues with separation or timing. Conversely Smith has produced some completions but at a low volume. Because targets were inconsistent, the quarterback could not develop reliable timing with vertical threats.

Off-field friction around Puka Nacua’s controversial podcast also affected perception and focus. However the direct on-field impact appears limited. Nonetheless public distractions can influence preparation and officiating narratives.

Coaching adjustments should prioritize schematic clarity and target distribution. For example, increase high percentage deep routes, refine ball placement, and run more catch in stride drills with the receivers. These tactical moves tie into the Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions to convert deep shots into explosive gains.

The Rams face a simple truth: late season flaws cost games and momentum. Since Week 13, run defense and explosive run control regressed, and the offense inconsistently generated vertical plays. Therefore the Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions must tie metrics to practice and personnel moves. This analysis offered clear, measurable fixes.

First, stop the explosive runs. Because opponent TD runs of 44, 62 and 78 yards exposed gap and tackling issues, the team must prioritize tackling drills and gap discipline. Second, shore up the offensive line. Although the team ranks 11th in spending, depth and pressure metrics show trouble, so rotation and veteran additions matter.

Third, improve deep passing efficiency. Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith need clearer target shares and timing work, especially after Atwell’s 10 million contract raised expectations. Also, minimize distractions. Public frictions around Puka Nacua shift focus and complicate narratives.

Finally, measure progress. Use rushing success and explosive run rate to evaluate fixes each month. With disciplined coaching and targeted roster moves, the Rams can reverse the slump. Ultimately this set of Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions gives a pragmatic path to mid season recovery.

For ongoing coverage follow Rams News LLC at Rams News and on Twitter X at Zach Gatsby. Rams News will continue tracking metrics and reporting practical solutions.

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