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NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Jan 13, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff talks to the media at today’s press conference introducing new head coach Sean McVay at California Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff talks to the media at today’s press conference introducing new head coach Sean McVay at California Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Rams

2016 Record: 4-12, Third Place in the NFC West

The Los Angeles Rams may be back in Southern California, but they didn’t leave their offensive woes behind them in St. Louis.

Running back Todd Gurley was supposed to continue his ascension, but that didn’t happen. Will it in 2017? And can quarterback Jared Goff, selected No. 1 overall last year, finally make his lofty draft status worthwhile for a Rams team that gave up so much to grab him?

At least former Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay comes to town with a proven offensive approach. Maybe this enough. But credit the Rams for making moves to get Goff weapons in the draft.

Receiving targets Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds should help. And tight end George Everett is a solid addition here.

The only question is how good Goff can be.

Defensively, the Rams are fine. Especially up front.

Strengths

As noted, the defense will be the best thing Los Angeles has going for it. And adding Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator should boost this group even more. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald remains a force, and cornerback Trumaine Johnson is a solid piece within the secondary.

This will be enough to keep the Rams in games, as long as the defense doesn’t tire out from being on the field too long.

Weaknesses

Gurley likely has one more chance to prove his rookie season was more than just one of those weird anomalies. If his 2017 campaign is anything like last year, the Rams will be quick to move on. Especially if McVay has his say.

L.A.’s receivers may be good, not great. It’s been a while since the Rams have had a true No. 1 receiving threat. They still don’t.

X-Factors

Year one didn’t go so well for Goff. But there was turmoil within the Rams organization, so not meeting expectations immediately can be excused to a point.

But how far along will he be in his maturation process this year, especially considering a new head coach and added weapons? The excuses will start drying up really quickly.

And if Goff continues to struggle, all those lost picks given up to nab him will leave a very sour taste in SoCal.