Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves grappling with an array of challenges, having started their campaign with back-to-back losses. These mounting issues have raised questions and concerns about the team's future performance and resilience.
Injury Woes
Central to the Rams' predicament is the injury bug that has bitten several key players. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp will miss an extended period due to a left ankle sprain, an injury eerily similar to the one he suffered in 2022, which required season-ending surgery. The absence of Kupp, who is a cornerstone of the Rams' offensive strategy, poses a significant setback. Furthermore, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are dealing with shoulder injuries, casting doubt on their availability in the coming weeks.
All three players are candidates for injured reserve, a possibility underscored by head coach Sean McVay. "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," McVay remarked. The potential long-term loss of these pivotal players could be devastating for the Rams' aspirations this season.
Offensive Line Struggles
Compounding the injury issues are ongoing concerns with the offensive line, an area McVay has highlighted as particularly problematic. "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild," he noted. This instability was glaringly evident in their recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, where quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked five times, eventually losing a fumble. Stafford managed to throw for 216 yards but struggled under constant pressure, demonstrating a clear need for better protection upfront.
Stafford's performance was further hampered by the fact that his average time to throw in Week 2 was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league for that week. The prolonged time in the pocket reflects the offensive line's inability to provide him with the necessary protection, a significant concern moving forward. It is worth noting that Stafford missed the latter half of the 2022 season with a spinal cord contusion and concussion, adding to the urgency of addressing these protection issues to safeguard their veteran quarterback.
Defensive Setbacks
The Rams' defense is also grappling with its own set of challenges. The retirement of star defensive tackle Aaron Donald has had a profound impact on their front seven. The defense now relies heavily on rookies, including first and second-round picks Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, to fill the void left by Donald's departure. While these young talents show promise, their inexperience is evident.
Further complicating the defensive woes, corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are on injured reserve. This leaves the Rams' secondary vulnerable and forces them to adapt quickly to maintain any semblance of defensive integrity. Last season, the Rams experienced an unusual stroke of good fortune with injuries, registering the fewest adjusted games lost due to injury. However, this year's early spate of injuries suggests a regression to the mean, making it clear that injury luck often lacks rhyme or reason.
The Road Ahead
The Rams' situation is precarious, especially considering historical precedents. No NFL team starting the season 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl, a daunting statistic as the team prepares for the weeks ahead. Despite their challenges, the Rams do have some assets for the future, holding their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft. Additionally, they have accumulated additional sixth-round picks from trades with the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans.
Analyst Frank Schwab pointed to last season's injury luck as a potential indicator for this year's regression, stating, "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." He added, "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season."
As the Rams look to stabilize their season, the blend of veteran leadership and emerging youth will be crucial. The coaching staff faces the challenge of addressing the offensive line struggles, while the defense must find ways to cope with significant losses. The resilience and adaptability of this team will be tested as they navigate these early setbacks.