As the Los Angeles Rams find themselves at a daunting 0-2 start to the 2024 NFL season, the weight of injuries is beginning to cast a long shadow over their campaign.
Mounting Injuries
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is set to miss an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. The injury recalls his 2022 season, where a similar ankle issue required season-ending surgery. Accompanying him on the injury report are guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III, both nursing shoulder injuries. Head coach Sean McVay hinted that these players might find themselves on injured reserve, stating, "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 Woes
Quarterback Matthew Stafford's return from a 2022 season marred by a spinal cord contusion and concussion hasn't been smooth. In Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, Stafford threw for 216 yards but was sacked five times, losing a fumble in one instance. His average time to throw was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league for the week, suggesting issues with the offensive line.
Sean McVay admitted to the chaos upfront, noting, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." The instability has been evident on the field, and with Kupp's absence, the Rams' offense appears to be struggling to find its rhythm.
Defensive Challenges
On the defensive end, the retirement of star defensive lineman Aaron Donald has left a significant gap. The Rams are now relying on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, their first and second-round picks in 2024, to step up. Compounding these challenges are the injuries to corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick, both on injured reserve.
Injury Luck Turning?
One notable aspect of the Rams' current predicament is their contrasting injury scenarios over the past few seasons. Last season, Los Angeles enjoyed an extraordinary stroke of health, recording the fewest adjusted games lost due to injury in the entire league. In stark contrast, 2022 saw them plagued by injuries, finishing second in adjusted games lost. As analyst Frank Schwab pointed out, "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."
Schwab further commented, "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season." It seems the pendulum has swung back with a vengeance this year.
Historical Context and Draft Positions
While the Rams are currently battling a slew of injuries, historical context offers a sobering reality – no NFL team starting the season 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl. As they head into Week 3, the stakes could not be higher.
It's not all doom and gloom for the franchise. Looking towards the 2025 draft, the Rams hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks, alongside additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. This enviable draft capital provides a potential lifeline to rebuild and fortify their roster.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Rams face an uphill battle, beset by injuries and the struggles of an underperforming offensive line. As key players like Cooper Kupp, Jonah Jackson, and John Johnson III continue their recovery, the team's resilience will be tested. Head coach Sean McVay and his squad will need to navigate these choppy waters skillfully to avoid the dreaded 0-3 start and keep their 2024 hopes alive.