Sean McVay Reveals Key Difference Between Rams 2023 Success And 2024’s Struggles

Last week, Sean McVay warned about comparing 2023’s Rams to this season’s squad.  “..every year is a new year. You’ve got to go earn it.”

The Los Angeles Rams have struggled this season – going 1-3. Many will point to just last year and make the same point. Last season, heading into their bye they were 3-6 with no signs of turning it around. Then Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams got healthy and the team went on a tear, ending the season 10-7 and making the playoffs.

Sean McVay: 2024 Rams Haven’t Had This 2023 Luxury

On Wednesday, McVay was asked to expand on what made last year possible and where this season’s Rams team stands.

“That accumulation of guys working through the offseason and into training camp, there was a build.” Sean McVay told reporters. “We haven’t had the luxury of that with this group and so I think continuing to show what it really looks like you know are we getting that rapport that was established where there was a consistency and a continuity really from the start to finish. Really with the exception of Cooper [Kupp] from an offense and then defensively it was consistent throughout. That matters.”

The ‘luxury’ McVay is talking about is the availability of players, particularly on offense. McVay has also said that the offense was going to define the entire team’s identity. The Rams offense, in particular, hasn’t had much time to work together as a whole unit.

More than half of the offensive starting lineup has missed time this season. If you include Tyler Higbee, 7 of the 11 starters have been out for multiple games. But the trouble started in the offseason, starting offensive guard, Jonah Jackson missed time in spring OTAs and training camp. Puka Nacua, Rob Havenstein, Alaric Jackson, and Kevin Dotson all missed significant time in the summer training camp sessions.

The Rams currently have six of their intended starting lineup on injured/reserve, seven if you include Cooper Kupp, who is not officially on the list but is expected to miss “at least the next two weeks.”

While this lack of continuity and rapport is evident, McVay also pointed out ‘bright spots’ he has seen among the Rams, but remains cautious about expecting this team to replicate 2023’s success.

Can The Rams Build Consistency And Continuity Fast Enough?

“I don’t think it’s exactly the same [as last season]. You can draw some parallels but ultimately the guys are working and they’re doing they’re doing a great job of everything we ask. I think sometimes we maybe can take for granted do they really understand exactly what we’re looking for and are we painting that clarity to then go execute. Those are the things that we’ve got to do collectively.”

Unfortunately for the Rams, continuity doesn’t automatically appear once these players get healthy. Having more talented players on the field will have a positive effect on the team, but particularly with the offensive line playing its first competitive football will require time.

The big question is can they win enough to remain competitive until they are fully healthy and have established that rapport?

The Rams will play the Green Bay Packers before their Week 6 bye, then take on the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks.

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