The Los Angeles Rams have found themselves in a disconcerting position just two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, standing at an 0-2 record. The early struggles have been compounded by a spate of injuries that have hit key players across the roster, creating an atmosphere of urgency and concern in the Rams' camp.
Injury Woes Piling Up
The most notable absence moving forward will be wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who is set to miss extended time due to a left ankle sprain. This injury eerily mirrors a similar ailment he suffered in 2022, which necessitated season-ending surgery. Meanwhile, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also nursing shoulder injuries, adding to the team's mounting challenges. Head coach Sean McVay has highlighted the severity of the situation, noting, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild."
These injuries not only affect the individual players but potentially force the hand of the coaching staff in utilizing injured reserve spots. "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 stated. The implications are significant, as the Rams' depth will be tested early and often this season.
Offensive Struggles
Alongside the injury demoralization, the Rams' offensive line issues cannot be overlooked. The line's instability has directly impacted quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 216 yards in a recent loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Stafford's performance was marred by a fumble lost after being sacked five times, an indicator of the pressure he faced. His average time to throw in Week 2 was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league, illustrating the lack of protection.
Stafford, who missed the latter half of the 2022 season with a spinal cord contusion and concussion, finds himself battling uphill once more. The offensive line’s consistency will be crucial in ensuring his health and effectiveness moving forward.
Defensive Adjustments
On the defensive side, the Rams are grappling with the impact of Aaron Donald's retirement. His departure has significantly affected the defensive front seven, now heavily reliant on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, the team's first and second-round picks in 2024. The youth movement in defense brings potential but also a learning curve that could see the Rams' defensive unit experiencing growing pains.
In addition, the secondary is depleted with corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick on injured reserve. The variety of injuries across the defense places even more pressure on inexperienced players and could become a decisive factor in the Rams' ability to compete this season.
A Matter of Luck?
The Rams' current predicament stands in stark contrast to their previous season's relative health. As Frank Schwab points out, "The Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense." Injury luck is fickle, as Schwab notes, "In 2022 they dealt with numerous injuries and finished second in adjusted games lost due to injury."
This variance in injury impact illustrates the unpredictable nature of the NFL. Schwab adds, "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." The Rams' regression could largely hinge on this aspect, as they contend with a barrage of health issues early in the season.
A Glance Ahead
With their current winless status, the Rams face an arduous journey. The historical context does not favor teams starting the season 0-3, as no NFL team with such a start has ever won a Super Bowl. For the Rams, the upcoming weeks will demand resilience and adaptability as they navigate this challenging period.
Looking toward the 2025 draft, the Rams hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks, along with additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. These draft assets may become instrumental in rebuilding depth and addressing weaknesses exposed this season.
The road ahead for the Rams is fraught with challenges. Realizing their potential will require overcoming the early setbacks and finding stability amidst the chaos. Only time will tell how this chapter in the Rams' storied history will unfold.