The Los Angeles Rams are facing significant challenges just two weeks into the 2024 NFL season. With an 0-2 start, the team is grappling with a slew of injuries that could derail their campaign early on.
Key Injuries Hamper Early Season
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is sidelined with a left ankle sprain that will keep him out for an extended period. This injury is particularly concerning, as it mirrors a similar ankle issue from 2022 that required season-ending surgery. Additionally, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are nursing shoulder injuries, making them potential candidates for injured reserve. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged the predicament, saying, "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
McVay also highlighted problems with the offensive line, describing it as having "wild" instability. This issue was starkly evident in their recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, where quarterback Matthew Stafford faced immense pressure. Stafford managed to throw for 216 yards but lost a fumble after being sacked five times. The quarterback’s average time to throw was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league for Week 2, pointing to considerable protection issues up front.
Defensive Adjustments
On the defensive side, the Rams are feeling the absence of retired star Aaron Donald. The defensive front now depends heavily on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who were first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft. The secondary is also weakened with corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick placed on injured reserve.
The Rams' recent injury woes are a sharp contrast to their previous season when they had the fewest adjusted games lost due to injury in the league. NFL analyst Frank Schwab noted, "The Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense." This season, however, the tables have turned, reminiscent of their injury-riddled 2022 campaign when they finished second in adjusted games lost due to injury. Schwab added, "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."
Offensive Performance and Historical Context
Stafford's performance is also under scrutiny, particularly given his history. The veteran missed the latter half of the 2022 season due to a spinal cord contusion and a concussion, raising concerns about his durability. The Rams' offensive line instability isn't doing him any favors, and McVay’s remark, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild," underscores the adversity they face.
Historically, starting a season 0-3 has been a death knell for teams hoping to win the Super Bowl. No NFL team has ever hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after such a start. With their next game looming, the Rams are acutely aware of the urgency to secure a win.
Looking Ahead
While the current outlook appears grim, the Rams do have some future assets. They hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft, along with additional sixth-round selections from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. These picks could be pivotal in rebuilding and addressing the gaps left by their injured stars.
The early part of the 2024 season has tested the Rams' resilience to the core. With mounting injuries and difficult games ahead, the team’s veteran leaders and coaching staff will need to find solutions quickly. McVay and his squad understand the stakes, and it's now a race against time to turn their season around before history and circumstance render their aspirations unattainable.