Rams' Struggles Deepen: Injuries and Offensive Woes Mar 2024 Season Start
Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves grappling with a daunting 0-2 record. The absence of key players and persistent injuries have only added to their woes, casting a shadow over their early-season performances.
One of the most significant blows to the Rams' lineup is the extended loss of star wide receiver Cooper Kupp due to a left ankle sprain. Kupp’s injury is particularly concerning given his history; in 2022, he suffered a similar ankle injury that necessitated season-ending surgery. His sidelining is a significant setback for the Rams' offense, which has heavily relied on his performance over recent years.
To compound the issue, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also nursing shoulder injuries. The trio, consisting of Kupp, Jackson, and Johnson, are all potential candidates for the injured reserve list, a situation that threatens to deplete the Rams' roster further. Head coach Sean McVay has acknowledged the challenging circumstances, expressing concern over the limited injured reserve spots left. "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 offensive line has been another critical area of concern for McVay. "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild," he noted, highlighting the instability and inconsistency plaguing the team's front five. This instability was starkly visible in the Rams' recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, where quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked five times. Stafford managed to throw for 216 yards but also lost a fumble under relentless pressure.
Stafford's struggles to stay upright are partly attributed to the time he has in the pocket. In Week 2, his average time to throw was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league. This extended duration can often be a double-edged sword, indicative of both solid protection and the receivers' inability to quickly get open.
Adding to the Rams' difficulties is the long-term absence of Aaron Donald, the dominant defensive tackle who retired before the season. Donald’s retirement has left a significant void in the Rams' front seven, now relying on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft. Despite their potential, the rookies’ lack of experience is evident.
The Rams' secondary is also feeling the effects of injuries, with corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick placed on injured reserve. This has forced the defense to adapt and cope without key figures, further underlining the impact of injuries on the team's overall performance.
Interestingly, the Rams had the fewest adjusted games lost due to injury last season, a stark contrast to their current predicament. As Frank Schwab astutely 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.” The drastic change underscores the unpredictability and impact of injuries in the NFL.
Further complicating the Rams’ outlook is a daunting historical trend: no NFL team starting a year 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl. As the Rams sit on the precipice of this unenviable start, the pressure mounts to turn their season around before it’s too late.
Looking ahead, the Rams do have potential salvage opportunities. They hold a healthy array of picks for the 2025 draft, including their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks, and additional sixth-round picks acquired from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. This ammunition could be vital for rebuilding and addressing the roster gaps that have become painfully evident this season.
Ultimately, as the Rams brace themselves for the battles ahead, their resilience and ability to navigate through this injury-laden storm will be tested. Sean McVay and his coaching staff face the daunting task of rallying their battered squad, instilling belief, and finding solutions in the face of mounting challenges. Only time will tell if the 2024 Rams can defy the odds and salvage their season.