It’s not just injuries that are to blame, however, as the Rams also are in the hole they’re in because of errors in execution and communication, especially on defense. But the offense has its share of the blame.
Offensively, Sean McVay hasn’t entirely been in his bag this season, especially in the red zone. The frustrating thing is that despite all of these difficulties both self-made and not, the Rams COULD easily be 2-2, 3-2, or even 4-1.
Arizona was the one game where everything went to hell and it was over before it could start. Every other loss has been by one score, often coming down to one or two plays. The vibes are not what they were and instead, the discourse has devolved into what it’s devolved into since the “November Swoon of 2021,” IT’S OVER BURN IT ALL DOWN FOR THE PICKS AND INSURANCE MONEY, FIRE LES, FIRE MCVAY!
Yep, that’s right there are already stories debating whether the Rams should trade Matthew Stafford to the Giants for a 2nd, a 5th, and a linebacker. Maybe they should trade Kupp to Pittsburgh for a third and a player?
Regardless of what people think this team should do, one thing is true. They have to start winning, and on the Rams, that starts with the offense.
The Rams Offense Needs to Be Balanced and Efficient
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The offense took the brunt of the injury plague this season with Kupp, Nacua, Avila, and Jackson being the biggest long-term absences.
That said, the line has come together better than expected especially once Jackson and Havenstein returned. Beaux Limmer seems to be a long-term starter at center so when Avilla comes back he can resume playing guard. Logan Bruss hasn’t been perfect but all things considered, has played admirably against the Niners and Bears while struggling against the Packers. Joe Noteboom’s return should place him at guard until Avilla comes back and that does represent a bit of an upgrade over Bruss, although Noteboom might not be a guarantee to be healthy long-term.
Matthew Stafford has spent most of the season under duress both because the line has had to adjust and because his receivers have struggled to get separation (beyond Jordan Whittington ). This has led to him making uncharacteristic mistakes including three interceptions, two in the red zone. He’s been sacked 16 times already so that needs to get cleaned up.
Kyren Williams ‘s 306 yards and 6 touchdowns might not win a fantasy title BUT he’s been moving the chains and aside from that killer fumble against Green Bay has been solid.
The offense can hum to the end zone but once they get there they fall apart. McVay has been aggressive but not in the right way. Sure, he should take the field goal but if he is going to continue to be aggressive the play-calling needs to put them in the best position to succeed. McVay is prone to running to the end zone and then calling three straight passes or when he does call a run it’s the wrong run.
McVay’s play-calling needs to better recognize the situation but aside from getting Kupp back, the other receivers need to help Stafford out more. Colby Parkinson was signed because he was not only a decent blocker but he could potentially stretch the field. The problem is that he can’t get separation and yet the Rams have been calling his number at the end of games. It worked against the Niners in terms of getting a flag but when a catch was needed he couldn’t get open.
The only receiver that can regularly get separation is rookie Jordan Whittington but he’s banged up so fellow rookie Xavier Smith as well as Demarcus Robinson need to step up and get open. It’s been tough without tight end Davis Allen who CAN get open as he’s been dealing with back issues.
The one aspect of the offense that HAS been fixed is the diversity in the running game. They’ve used a dash of Ronnie Rivers and have just started to use rookie Blake Corum . The more they can take off Kyren’s plate the better. The offense has shown they can compete but their margin of error is razor thin given the defense’s issues. Their biggest inefficiency lies in their red zone offense (surprise surprise) and if that gets fixed they can finish drives and not have to dig themselves out of a hole every game.
Fixing the Rams Isn’t That Dramatic
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A lot of these fixes don’t seem as dramatic as throwing McVay out on his ass, making a dramatic trade or two, or cutting someone. The Rams don’t actually need to do that in order to improve. They’ve largely beaten themselves the first six games of the year and all they really need to do is execute and not do dumb things.
Their next stretch of games is winnable. They play the Raiders who are (um) in flux, the Vikings will be coming off what should be a tough game against the Lions on a short week, and then they get 10 days to prepare for Seattle who are flawed. Then a Monday game against a Dolphins team that with or without Tua has struggled as Mike McD goes through more vape cartridges than play calls. After that, they have the Patriots who are breaking Drake Maye in.
That stretch can be conquered and then the Rams at best could be 6-4 heading into a game against Buffalo.
Look, this all sounds like wishful thinking and as everyone knows optimism and hope are CRINGE but it’s true. The Rams aren’t an irredeemable disaster just like last year they’re a young team being asked to play like a veteran team. McVay can get it out of them it just takes time and mental toughness. Here’s hoping it all starts to come together against Vegas.
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