The Los Angeles Rams' 2024 NFL season has started on a shaky note, with the team stumbling to an 0-2 record after the first two weeks. This is a significant setback for a franchise that has high expectations but is currently grappling with a cascade of injuries and performance issues.
Key Absentees and Injury Concerns
One of the most pressing issues is the extended absence of star wide receiver Cooper Kupp due to a left ankle sprain. This injury is eerily reminiscent of a similar ankle ailment he suffered in 2022, which required season-ending surgery. Losing a player of Kupp's caliber is a substantial blow to an offense already burdened by inconsistency.
Moreover, the Rams' injury woes don't end with Kupp. Guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are dealing with shoulder injuries. The trio of Kupp, Jackson, and Johnson are all candidates for being placed on injured reserve, adding to the team's woes. Head coach Sean McVay highlighted the challenges posed by these injuries, noting, "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, plagued by constant changes and injuries. McVay himself lamented, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." This instability upfront has had a direct impact on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 216 yards in their recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals. However, he also lost a fumble after being sacked five times, underlining the offensive line's struggles.
Further compounding Stafford's plight is his time in the pocket. With an average of 3.25 seconds to throw in Week 2, he ranked fifth-longest in the league for that week. The prolonged time indicates difficulty in finding open receivers and the need for better protection and more effective play-calling.
Defensive Setbacks
A key figure recently missing from the Rams' defense is Aaron Donald, whose retirement has left a significant void in the defensive front seven. This has forced the team to rely on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, their first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft. The defense also faces hurdles with corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick being on injured reserve, adding to the unit's frailty.
The Rams had remarkably good fortune with injuries last season, recording the fewest adjusted games lost due to injury. 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." Unfortunately, that luck seems to have turned this season.
Challenges Ahead
Historically, no NFL team that has started a season 0-3 has ever won the Super Bowl. The Rams now face the daunting prospect of overcoming such a historic barrier, making every game crucial as they seek to right the ship.
On a positive note, the Rams hold a wealth of draft capital for the 2025 draft, including their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks, along with additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. This could potentially facilitate a rebuild or an injection of fresh talent to bolster their ranks.
However, the immediate focus remains on navigating the season with a battered roster and a beleaguered offensive line. As McVay and his team work to address these challenges, Rams fans can only hope for a quick turnaround. The road ahead is undoubtedly tough, but with strategic adjustments and perhaps a bit of regained injury luck, the Rams may yet find a way to salvage their 2024 campaign.