McVay Needs To Be McVay Again
The fall from grace happens so quickly in a league like the NFL, and many are hoping that McVay has not already seen his best days come and go. The offensive prodigy caught lightning in a bottle from 2017-2018, combining Gurley’s elite talent as both a rusher and receiver with the best pieces of Goff’s game to create an offensive juggernaut that finished second in both yardage and scoring in 2018.
Due to the aforementioned issues, McVay simply couldn’t replicate that success last season, and some continue to question his role in that decline. Was it simply injuries and lesser production from some older players, or has the league already figured out McVay’s system?
Given his complete control over the offense, one might look to see if defensive deficiencies were more of a deterrant to their success; but even just a casual glance shows little evidence to prove such a claim, as the move from Wade Phillips to 37-year old Brandon Staley as their defensive coordinator saw improvements in total yards allowed, passing AND rushing yardage allowed, and scoring defense.
In 2020, LA needs the head of the family to produce like it. If pieces need to be moved, move them. If changes need to be made, make them. Much of the team’s money over the next several years is tied up in short-term contract they signed in the hopes of winning a quick championship; the losses of players like Fowler, Gurley, and Pro Bowl linebacker Cory Littleton are now all the team has to show for it. In today’s fast-acting coaching carousel, McVay needs to find a quick turnaround to avoid the proverbial hot seat.