Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a precarious position with an 0-2 record. As they scramble to regain their footing, mounting injuries and a faltering offensive line further complicate their path forward.
Injuries Hit Hard
The Rams are reeling from a series of significant injuries to key players. Star wide receiver Cooper Kupp is out for an extended period due to a left ankle sprain, an injury chillingly similar to the one that ended his 2022 season and required surgery. Guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also nursing shoulder injuries, and all three are potential candidates for injured reserve. "We're kind of running out of those [injured reserve] spots and we're only into Week 3," head coach Sean McVay said, reflecting the growing concern within the organization.
During a recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, Matthew Stafford's performance was a mix of resilience and struggle. Though he threw for 216 yards, he faced relentless pressure, being sacked five times and losing a fumble. Notably, his average time to throw was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league for Week 2. "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild," McVay highlighted, pinpointing the offensive line's instability as a major issue.
Defensive Woes
The defense hasn't been spared from the injury plague either. Corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are on injured reserve, leaving the Rams to lean on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, their first and second-round picks in 2024. This reliance on inexperienced players is exacerbated by the recent retirement of defensive stalwart Aaron Donald, which has left a noticeable void in the front seven. The team is clearly feeling the impact, both on and off the field.
Historical Context and Draft Prospects
The Rams' current predicament is a sharp contrast to their recent past. Last season, they had the fewest adjusted games lost to injury, a stark turnaround from 2022 when they finished second in that dubious category. ESPN's Frank Schwab aptly 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." This dramatic fluctuation underscores the unpredictable nature of injuries and their impact on a team's performance.
Moreover, the Rams' draft situation offers a glimmer of hope amid the gloom. They hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft, along with additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. These assets could play a crucial role in rebuilding and strengthening the roster for future seasons.
A Cautious Outlook
While no NFL team starting a season 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl, the Rams must focus on incremental improvements to salvage what they can from this challenging start. The loss of key players and the instability of the offensive line are formidable hurdles, but McVay's leadership and the team's draft prospects provide a framework for potential recovery.
The narrative around the Rams has swiftly shifted from one of resilience and good fortune to a stark reality check. As Schwab put it, "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season." The team's current plight is a painful reminder of how fragile success can be in the NFL.
The Rams now face a critical juncture. Their response to this adversity will not only define their 2024 season but also set the tone for the franchise's future. As they prepare for their next game, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping for a turnaround but bracing for another tough outing.