The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a precarious position two weeks into the 2024 NFL season. With an 0-2 start, the team faces an uphill battle to not only reverse their fortunes but also manage an increasingly concerning injury list. Among the most significant losses is wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who will miss extended time due to a left ankle sprain, an injury eerily similar to the one he sustained in 2022 that required season-ending surgery.
Injury Woes Compound Early Season Struggles
In addition to Kupp, the Rams are grappling with the potential sidelining of key players in crucial positions. Guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are currently nursing shoulder injuries, making all three—Kupp, Jackson, and Johnson—candidates for injured reserve. Head coach Sean McVay pointed out the gravity of the situation, 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."
The offensive line, a longstanding pillar of the team's structure, is also under scrutiny. Reflecting on the myriad challenges faced, McVay admitted, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." This statement underscores the chaotic start to a season that was anticipated to be a return to form for the Rams.
Offensive Challenges
Quarterback Matthew Stafford's performance thus far has been a mixed bag. In their recent loss against the Arizona Cardinals, Stafford threw for 216 yards but was sacked five times, one of which resulted in a fumble. His average time to throw in Week 2 was 3.25 seconds, ranking as the fifth-longest in the league for that week, a statistic that highlights the offensive line's struggling stability. Further complicating matters, Stafford missed the latter half of the 2022 season with a spinal cord contusion and concussion, adding another layer of concern to his physical resilience.
The impact of Aaron Donald's retirement has further complicated the Rams' situation. The defensive front seven, once stouted for its impenetrability, now relies heavily on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, both first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft. Their baptism by fire has added to the urgency for swift development and adaptation, given the team's depleted defensive line and injured cornerbacks, Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick, who are on injured reserve.
Contrasting Injury Fortunes
The Rams' current injury plight stands in stark contrast to their good fortune last season. As highlighted by Frank Schwab, "The Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense." This drastic shift in injury fortune is encapsulated by Schwab's observations: "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." Yet, Schwab offers a sobering reflection: "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season."
Historical and Future Implications
Historically, the outlook for teams starting the season 0-3 is bleak. No NFL team with such a start has ever gone on to win the Super Bowl. Compounding the immediate pressures are longer-term considerations, with the Rams holding their 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.
As the season progresses, the Rams must grapple with their current realities while keeping an eye on the future. The health of marquee players like Kupp and Stafford, the integration of rookies on the defensive line, and the stability of the offensive line will all be crucial factors in their ability to turn the season around. With injuries mounting and historical odds stacked against them, the path forward requires resilience, effective management, and perhaps a bit more of the good fortune that seemed to shine on them not too long ago.