Early Season Struggles for the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams, two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, are grappling with a disappointing 0-2 start. Compounding their early troubles, the team faces significant injury challenges. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, known for his play-making ability, will miss an extended period due to a left ankle sprain, a déjà vu scenario considering his similar injury in 2022 that necessitated season-ending surgery.
Injury Woes Compound Off-Field Concerns
In addition to Kupp, the Rams are dealing with injuries to key players on both sides of the ball. Guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are nursing shoulder injuries and, like Kupp, might see time on injured reserve. Head coach Sean McVay voiced his concerns, stating, "We're kind of running out of those [injured reserve] spots and we're only into Week 3 in terms of the return to play, but that is a possibility for all of those guys."
The offensive line has been particularly problematic, a sentiment McVay did not shy away from sharing: "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." This instability has been evident in the on-field performance. In the recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked five times and fumbled the ball once. Despite throwing for 216 yards, Stafford’s performance suffered, exacerbated by an average time to throw of 3.25 seconds, ranking fifth-longest in the league for the week.
Defensive Front in Transition
The Rams defense, too, is facing its share of challenges. The retirement of stalwart defensive lineman Aaron Donald has left a sizeable gap in the defensive front seven. The unit now leans heavily on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft. With corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick on injured reserve, the secondary is also in a state of flux.
McVay's team benefitted from remarkable injury luck last season, a stark contrast to their current predicament. As analyst Frank Schwab noted, "In 2022 they dealt with numerous injuries and finished second in adjusted games lost due to injury." Yet, last season saw a dramatic improvement: "It went from 146.6 AGL in 2022 to 26.4 last season, which is an incredible shift and shows how injury luck often has no rhyme or reason." Schwab added, "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season."
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The Rams' injury-plagued start poses a significant hurdle. Historically, no NFL team starting a season 0-3 has ever clinched a Super Bowl victory, adding a psychological layer to the Rams' battle to turn their season around. From a broader perspective, the Rams hold a mix of draft picks heading into the 2025 NFL draft, including their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round selections, along with additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. This draft capital positions them to potentially fill gaps and build for the future.
This confluence of immediate challenges and strategic opportunities will test the mettle of the Rams' coaching staff and player roster. As the team navigates this tumultuous period, the resilience and adaptability of both veterans and newcomers will be crucial to their short and long-term success.