Colorado State Football: Will Rams’ rebuild make progress in 2021?

A more productive offense will go a long way

This past season was not a step in the right direction for the Rams’ offense. With little time to make preparations and utilization on the field, the offense felt out of sync and rhythm.

They ranked 107th in the nation in points per game (22.3) and 114th in total yards per game (323.5). They only converted 22 percent of their third-down attempts this past season (13-of-59).

To make matters worse for the developing Rams offense, their offensive coordinator, Joey Lynch, left to be the quarterbacks’ coach/passing game coordinator at Vanderbilt. Steve Addazio hired former Wisconsin offensive quality control assistant and quarterbacks coach Jon Budmayr to be the third offensive coordinator in three years. Budmayr looks to match the style of offensive attack that Addazio likes in his offense, which is more of a traditional ground-and-pound running style through the rushing game.

They expect some form of a more balanced offense as they seek consistency in the passing game.

Among the Rams’ only two starters not returning in 2021 is Patrick O’Brien. During the offseason, O’Brien opted to transfer to Washington where he will compete for the starting quarterback spot for the Huskies. The Rams will look to former Temple quarterback Todd Centeio to be their starter in 2021.

Last season, while playing sparingly with O’Brien, Centeio threw for 207 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in 36 attempts. He has not shown to be the explosive playmaker through the air when called. Addazio and Budmayr fully believe that Centeio has made the strides to become a reliable playmaker through experienced and a full offseason with the team.

This type of system will benefit the experienced running backs of the Rams. In the four games played, Marcus McElroy and A’Jon Vivens rushed for 320 yards and four touchdowns on 100 carries. The Rams were ranked 106th in the nation in rushing yards per game (124) this past season. They will try to create a more productive and efficient rushing game with these two experienced backs that strive to make each other better.

The Rams return six players who caught a pass in the shortened 2020 season. They will look toward the leadership and experience of junior tight end Trey McBride, who has NFL potential. McBride led the team in receptions (22), receiving yards (330), and touchdowns (four). He is a dynamic threat in the passing game through diverse route-running and superior athleticism.

Wide receivers Dante Wright and E.J. Scott will be the long-yard threats for the Colorado State offense. These receivers and tight end will be a huge boost for a quarterback in Centeio, who has shown some confidence issues.

Last season was rough for the Rams’ offensive line as they gave up 12 sacks in the four games played. There was some lack of experience and for some of them, being thrown into the tough season without proper preparation was tough for them to overcome. This season, the Rams return four starters along the offensive line, including redshirt junior right tackle Barry Wesley, who will be in his fourth season as a starter. He will be the only Rams starter on the offensive line who has started more than five games.