Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams are grappling with significant challenges and a winless record. The team's 0-2 start, compounded by injuries to key players, has raised considerable concern among fans and analysts alike.
Injury Woes Plague the Rams
Leading wide receiver Cooper Kupp is set to miss an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. This injury harks back to 2022 when a similar ailment required season-ending surgery for the star wideout. The absence of Kupp, coupled with injuries to guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III, has forced the Rams to consider placing these crucial players on injured reserve.
Head coach Sean McVay has spoken openly about the current predicament. "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 said, highlighting the strain on the team's resources.
Offensive Line Struggles
The issues extend beyond injuries to the offensive line's performance. Matthew Stafford, the team’s veteran quarterback, threw for 216 yards in the recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals. However, Stafford's performance was marred by a fumble and five sacks, exposing vulnerabilities in the protection he received. “The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild,” admitted McVay, pointing to the lack of stability up front as a critical issue.
Stafford's time to throw averaged 3.25 seconds in Week 2, the fifth-longest in the league for the week, suggesting that the offensive line’s shortcomings are providing ample opportunities for opposing defenses to disrupt plays.
Historical Context and Recent Trends
Injuries have significantly impacted the Rams in previous seasons. Frank Schwab notes, "In 2022 they dealt with numerous injuries and finished second in adjusted games lost due to injury." Last season, the team experienced a remarkable shift in fortune, recording the fewest adjusted games lost to injury in the league, a factor that contributed to their relative success. However, Schwab cautions that "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season."
The retirement of defensive stalwart Aaron Donald has further compounded the team's difficulties. The defensive front now leans heavily on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, both first and second-round picks in 2024, underscoring the reliance on fresh talent amidst seasoned professionals' absence.
The Rams are also missing key defensive players, with corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick on injured reserve. Such setbacks on both sides of the ball have created a tumultuous start to the season for a team used to competing at a high level.
Implications for the Season
History casts a long shadow over the Rams' current predicament. No NFL team starting a year 0-3 has ever clinched a Super Bowl title, casting doubt on the Rams' championship aspirations if they cannot turn their fortunes around quickly.
On the brighter side, the Rams hold several key draft picks for 2025, including their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks, as well as additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. These assets could prove crucial in rebuilding and addressing the vulnerabilities exposed early this season.
As the Rams navigate these choppy waters, the resilience of their experienced players and the promise of their rookies will be tested. Sean McVay and his coaching staff face the mammoth task of rallying their injury-hit squad to salvage their season and restore confidence in a team that has known both the highs of victory and the lows of debilitating setbacks.