As the Los Angeles Rams find themselves 0-2 two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the team faces mounting challenges that could significantly impact their campaign. With a slew of injuries and underperformance issues, head coach Sean McVay has considerable concerns both offensively and defensively.
Key Players Sidelined
The Rams will be without star wide receiver Cooper Kupp for an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. Kupp, who suffered a similar injury in 2022 that necessitated season-ending surgery, is a key offensive weapon for quarterback Matthew Stafford. This is not Kupp's first setback; his history of ankle issues raises questions about his long-term durability.
In addition to Kupp, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are nursing shoulder injuries. The trio of Kupp, Jackson, and Johnson are all considered candidates for injured reserve, further straining McVay’s options. "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 noted.
Offensive Line Struggles
One of the glaring issues plaguing the Rams has been the performance of the offensive line. "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild," McVay highlighted. This became evident in their loss against the Arizona Cardinals, where Stafford was sacked five times. Despite throwing for 216 yards, Stafford lost a fumble, underscoring the instability up front. Adding to the concern, Stafford's average time to throw in Week 2 stood at 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league, revealing the difficulties in maintaining pocket protection.
The offensive line issues are alarming, especially given Stafford’s recent injury history. He missed the latter half of the 2022 season due to a spinal cord contusion and concussion. Maintaining stability in the line is paramount to keeping Stafford healthy and effective.
Defensive Adjustments
In defense, the retirement of Aaron Donald has left a significant hole in the Rams’ front seven. The team now relies heavily on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who were first and second-round picks in 2024. The absence of seasoned veterans has put additional pressure on the young defenders, necessitating rapid development and adaptation to NFL-level play.
Cornerbacks Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are also on injured reserve, further complicating the defensive scheme. The Rams' defense, which benefited from having the fewest adjusted games lost due to injury last season, now faces an uphill battle. The fluctuating injury fortunes, as highlighted by sports analyst Frank Schwab, show how unpredictable and impactful injuries can be. Schwab stated, "In 2022 they dealt with numerous injuries and finished second in adjusted games lost due to injury... It went from 146.6 AGL in 2022 to 26.4 last season."
Draft Capital and Future Considerations
Looking ahead, the Rams hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft. Additionally, they possess extra sixth-round picks acquired from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. This draft capital could be instrumental in bolstering their roster next year, assuming this season's struggles persist.
However, the immediate future remains uncertain. Historically, no NFL team starting a year 0-3 has ever clinched a Super Bowl title, adding pressure to the Rams’ upcoming games. McVay's ability to stabilize the team amidst these adversities will be critical as they navigate the season.
The 2024 season has already presented significant hurdles for the Los Angeles Rams. With injuries to key players, ongoing offensive line trouble, and a reshuffled defensive front, the road ahead is daunting. Yet, the unpredictability of the NFL means it’s never wise to count anyone out too soon.