Rams receivers coach Mike Groh has his work cut out for him

When Mike Groh signed with the Chicago Bears as receivers coach in 2013, he inherited a corps that included Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall, promising second-year pro Alshon Jeffery and solid depth in rookie Marquess Wilson and slot man Earl Bennett.

That group, along with prolific pass catchers Matt Forte at running back and Martellus Bennett at tight end, helped an offense led by quarterback Jay Cutler to finish fifth in the NFL in passing.

Joining the Rams as receivers coach and passing game coordinator this season, Groh was handed a group that finished last in the league in passing in 2015. The only off-season additions at wide receiver were fourth-round draft pick Pharoh Cooper and sixth-rounder Michael Thomas.

However, Groh is no stranger to working with a corps that lacks star power. To begin his third year in Chicago, Marshall had been traded to the Jets. Kevin White, drafted seventh overall as the presumed replacement for Marshall, never reached the field because of injury. Jeffery and the “new” starters also were plagued with health issues, combining to miss 37 games.

Chicago ended up 23rd in passing offense — nine places above the Rams, whose top receiver was Kenny Britt with 681 yards.

“Nobody cares about your problems,” said Groh, when asked what he learned from watching his receiving depth on the Bears disappear. “All they do is care about the results.”

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The Rams’ failures in the passing game resulted in a lot of introspection by Coach Jeff Fisher.

“We made some hard decisions, not only during the season, but after the season was over — changes were necessary. So, we went out and tried to hire the best guys we could. It was an opportunity for us to be able to talk to Mike as a passing game coordinator.... and it really fit in because Rob’s expertise is in the run game and the play-action and protection,” Fisher said of offensive coordinator Rob Boras. “I just wanted to expand it a little bit in the passing game.

“Watching tape and having played the Bears and being familiar with what they were doing, in the passing game, was kind of the direction we wanted to go. It’s been great, he’s handled it really well and they’re working really well together. So hopefully it turns into production for us.”

The Rams’ passing game has nowhere to go but up, and quarterback Jared Goff was selected first in the draft to help lead the ascent. Case Keenum is still atop the quarterback depth chart, however, and Groh is confident in his weapons no matter who is under center.

“We like the ability that we’ve got,” Groh said. “We’re excited about Tavon Austin. He’s unique to this league. He’s a touchdown waiting to happen every time he touches it. …

“With him on one side and Kenny Britt on the other, and however it works out — whether it’s Brian Quick or one of the new guys or Lance [Kendricks, tight end] giving us more than what they’ve done in the past — I think we’ve got a lot of skill here to work with.”

Groh didn’t want to make comparisons between his Chicago players and those at camp in Irvine, but said he saw similarities in the variety of roles they could play.

“We try to put together a group that’s got different skillsets and brings something unique to the offense and creates a different problem for the defense,” Groh said. “I’m very pleased with the blending of the different talents of this group, and certainly with what we can continue to become.”

Groh noted that the presence of star running back Todd Gurley helps the passing game exponentially, and anticipated the league’s offensive rookie of the year would be sent out of the backfield for passes more often in year two.

Groh said the tight ends could help diversify the attack. Last year’s top tight end, Jared Cook, who was released in the off-season, but the Rams added Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway in the draft to compete with veterans Kendricks and Cory Harkey.

“Lance is a guy who’s had a lot of production in the league, veteran guy who really understands the offense,” Groh said. “We want to get him more involved and use more of his abilities in the passing game. We’re excited about what Tyler can add, and Cory Harkey has done a tremendous job around here for a long time.”

Something new for Groh is the title of “passing game coordinator,” which gives him more responsibility in designing and installing game plans with offensive coordinator Rob Boras.

“The dynamic here is completely different, with Rob and I working through it together,” Groh said. “That’s been a lot of fun. The transition out here to L.A. has been great for that relationship. He and I have had to live in close quarters for the last several months, sharing an office just due to circumstances, which I think has created a very good working relationship.

“We’re starting to really speak the same language, and hopefully that will translate into wins.”

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