The Los Angeles Rams are 0-2 following the second week of the 2024 NFL season, and the challenges keep mounting. Injuries are taking a toll on the team, sidelining key players and leaving Head Coach Sean McVay scrambling for solutions.
Injury Woes Pile Up
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is set to miss an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. This isn't a new issue for Kupp, as he suffered a similar ankle injury in 2022 that required season-ending surgery. Joining Kupp on the injury list are guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III, both nursing shoulder injuries. McVay noted that the trio are candidates for injured reserve, 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
The offensive line has been another area of concern, heavily criticized for its performance. McVay pointed out the significant issues within his squad, stating, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." Quarterback Matthew Stafford felt the pressure, throwing for 216 yards in the Week 2 loss against the Arizona Cardinals, but also losing a fumble after being sacked five times. Stafford's average time to throw was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league for that week, indicating inconsistencies in the offensive line's protection.
Defensive Challenges
The defense has its own set of problems. The retirement of Aaron Donald significantly impacts the front seven, which now heavily relies on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, first and second-round picks in 2024. Additionally, corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are on injured reserve, further complicating the defensive setup.
A Stark Contrast
This season’s injury troubles are a stark contrast to the Rams' 2023 season, where they had the fewest adjusted games lost due to injury. Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports highlighted the disparity, noting, "The Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense." Schwab also pointed out that in 2022, the Rams dealt with numerous injuries, finishing second in adjusted games lost. The drastic shift is evident in the numbers; the Rams went from 146.6 AGL in 2022 to just 26.4 last season.
Looking Ahead
No NFL team that has started a season 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl, which looms ominously for the Rams as they prepare for Week 3. On a more optimistic note, the Rams hold valuable draft capital for the 2025 draft. They have their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks, along with additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans.
Despite the current predicaments, McVay and his team will need to find a way to adapt and compete in what has already become a challenging season. With significant injuries and a struggling offensive line, the Rams face an uphill battle, but this team has proven resilient before. Whether they can overcome these new hurdles remains to be seen.