The Los Angeles Rams are grappling with a turbulent start to the 2024 NFL season, having plunged to an 0-2 record. As Week 3 approaches, injuries and inconsistencies loom large over the franchise, threatening their prospects in the highly competitive NFC West.
Injuries Take a Toll
One of the most significant setbacks for the Rams is the extended absence of their star wide receiver, Cooper Kupp. Kupp is sidelined with a left ankle sprain, an injury eerily similar to the one he suffered in 2022 that demanded season-ending surgery. The loss of Kupp is a major blow to the Rams' offensive firepower, as he has been a pivotal player for quarterback Matthew Stafford since their Super Bowl run.
Adding to the Rams' woes, key players guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also dealing with injuries, both nursing shoulder issues. The trio—Kupp, Jackson, and Johnson—are all candidates for the injured reserve list, which could further deplete the team's depth. Head coach Sean McVay expressed his frustration, stating, "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."
Offensive Line Struggles
The offensive line has been a revolving door, compounding the Rams' struggles. McVay highlighted the instability, remarking, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." This inconsistency has directly affected Stafford's performance. In the recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Stafford threw for 216 yards but was sacked five times, resulting in a lost fumble. His average time to throw in Week 2 was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league, underlining the protection issues upfront.
Defense Faces Challenges
The defensive unit hasn't been spared either. The retirement of star defensive tackle Aaron Donald has left a substantial void in the front seven, placing additional pressure on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, the team's first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft. Furthermore, the Rams' secondary is stretched thin with corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick on injured reserve.
The Rams' contrasting injury fortunes over the past years have been stark. Analyst Frank Schwab noted, "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, which is an incredible shift and shows how injury luck often has no rhyme or reason." The team's good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense, a statistic that now feels like a distant memory.
Bleak Historical Context
The historical context underscores the urgency for the Rams. It's an uphill battle from here, as no NFL team starting a year 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl. With critical games ahead, the Rams must find a way to mitigate their injury challenges and rekindle the form that saw them crowned champions just a few seasons ago.
Hope in Future Draft Picks
Looking ahead, there's a glimmer of hope in the form of future draft picks. The Rams hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft, supplemented by additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. These assets could be crucial in rebuilding and bolstering the roster in the long term.
The road remains arduous for McVay and his squad as they prepare to battle the odds. They must navigate through these adversities with resilience and adaptability, hoping to defy the bleak injury trends and historical precedents.