Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a precarious situation. With an 0-2 record, the team is already grappling with significant challenges, including injuries to key players and a struggling offensive line.
Injury Woes
The Rams' star wide receiver, Cooper Kupp, will miss an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. This injury echoes a similar setback he suffered in 2022, which required season-ending surgery. Alongside Kupp, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are dealing with shoulder injuries. Head coach Sean McVay indicated that all three players could potentially be placed on injured reserve.
"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 disclosed. The team is evidently feeling the strain of these absences, compounded by the fact that corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are also on injured reserve.
Offensive Line Struggles
One of the glaring issues for the Rams has been their offensive line, which McVay highlighted as a significant concern. "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild," he stated. This instability was evident in their recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, where quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked five times and lost a fumble. Stafford's average time to throw in Week 2 was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league, emphasizing the need for quicker protection.
Defensive Adjustments
The Rams' defense is also in transition following the retirement of Aaron Donald, a cornerstone of their defensive front seven. Relying on rookies like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who were their first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft, adds another layer of uncertainty. While these young talents have potential, they face the daunting task of filling the void left by a defensive giant.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The Rams' current predicament is particularly stark given their recent history with injuries. "The Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense," wrote Frank Schwab. However, this was a drastic change from 2022, a season marked by numerous injuries that saw the team finish second in adjusted games lost due to injury. "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 observed.
The Rams hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft, in addition to additional sixth-round selections from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. While these picks offer some promise for the future, the immediate concern is the present season.
No NFL team starting a year 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl, adding to the urgency for the Rams to turn their season around quickly.
Rams' Offensive Challenges
Matthew Stafford, who missed the latter half of the 2022 season due to a spinal cord contusion and concussion, managed to throw for 216 yards in the loss against the Cardinals. However, the lack of sufficient protection and the offensive line's instability is evident. Stafford's ability to perform is directly impacted by the line's performance, and with the current state of affairs, it's no surprise that he struggled to find consistent success in Week 2.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Rams are navigating a tumultuous start to their 2024 campaign. With critical injuries, a faltering offensive line, and significant defensive adjustments, the road ahead is challenging. The team must find ways to mitigate these issues and rally to prevent an 0-3 start, a record that historically comes with no Super Bowl aspirations. The resilience of the team's depth and the strategy devised by Sean McVay will be crucial in determining whether the Rams can overcome these early setbacks.