The Los Angeles Rams face a challenging start to the 2024 NFL season, opening the campaign with a 0-2 record. The early obstacles are compounded by significant injuries to key players, raising concerns about the team's prospects moving forward.
Injury Woes
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a cornerstone of the Rams' offensive lineup, will be sidelined for an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. This injury is reminiscent of the 2022 season, where a similar ailment forced Kupp to undergo season-ending surgery. The team also grapples with injuries to guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III, both nursing shoulder issues. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged that these three players might be candidates for injured reserve, which would be a significant blow to the team's depth chart. "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.
Offensive Line Struggles
McVay has voiced concerns regarding the offensive line, describing the situation as "wild" with numerous moving parts. The instability on the line has directly affected quarterback Matthew Stafford's performance. Despite throwing for 216 yards in the loss against the Arizona Cardinals, Stafford struggled under pressure, being sacked five times and losing a fumble. His average time to throw was 3.25 seconds, ranking fifth-longest in the league for Week 2, indicating that the offensive line's protection issues are a significant factor.
Defensive Front Adjustments
The Rams' defense is also undergoing significant changes, not least due to the retirement of stalwart Aaron Donald. The absence of Donald has left a void in the defensive front seven, now reliant on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, the team's first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft. Further compounding the issue, cornerbacks Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are both on injured reserve. The defense's dependence on rookies and injury replacements places additional pressure on the team's overall performance.
Historical Context
In contrast to their current situation, the Rams had the fewest adjusted games lost (AGL) due to injury last season—a fortuitous twist of fate following a 2022 season marked by numerous ailments. As Frank Schwab noted, "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 further highlighted that "the Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense." However, the pendulum appears to have swung back, and the injuries are now piling up early in the season, pointing towards a regression.
Draft Future
Looking ahead to the 2025 draft, the Rams hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks. Additionally, the team has acquired extra sixth-round selections from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. These picks could become crucial assets as the team navigates the rebuilding process in the wake of their current injury crises.
Concluding Remarks
The Rams face an uphill battle as they strive to overcome this turbulent start. With critical players sidelined and gaps in both the offensive and defensive squads, the team's resilience will be severely tested. Historically, no NFL team has ever clinched a Super Bowl after starting the season 0-3, a stark reminder of the urgency they face. Head coach Sean McVay's ability to adapt and strategize under these conditions will be crucial as they aim to turn their season around.