The Los Angeles Rams are currently sitting in the last position in the NFC West. Nine games into their Championship defense after their Super Bowl victory at SoFi Stadium at the start of the year, the wheels have well and truly come off the bus.
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The Rams have a 3-8 record and will surely miss the playoffs. After such an incredible run to the finals last year, many Rams fans are wondering who’s to blame. While their loss of form isn’t down to any single individual but rather an underperforming collective, there are a few apparent issues. Rams fans aren’t backing their team to win at the sportsbooks this season, with many choosing to look at the World Cup and websites that offer classic casino games instead.
In the Firing Line
One person who cannot escape blame is head coach Sean McVay. Far too often this season, we have seen Stafford getting sacked, overly relying on Cooper Kupp, and lacking in his running game, which is a bit of a weakness.
In fairness to Stafford, he hasn’t had the protection he should have been afforded, which must come down to McVay. His plays have seemed stale and predictable and need a refresh. Before their injuries, Robinson seemed adrift in the offense, with Cooper Kupp the target for Stafford nearly every time.
This is not the same Rams offense as last year, and a lousy offense often leads to problems on the defense.
Injury Woes
Injuries haven’t helped the Rams, they lost Odell Beckham Jr in the Super Bowl before halftime, and he would have likely resigned for the following season. Matthew Stafford has been placed under concussion protocol twice already this season, one for a concussion and a second time for safety.
Stafford was experiencing leg numbness due to a nasty hit on the neck, he missed the game against the Chiefs, but he may be cleared to play the next game, although it does not sound likely.
Wide Receiver Allen Robinson II will miss the rest of the season after suffering a bad foot injury that will require surgery. According to reports, he has suffered a stress fracture and will require a screw in his foot.
He’d been cleared for limited practice in the week leading up to the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs until a scan on Friday revealed the news that nobody in the Rams camp would have wanted to hear. He had been having an underwhelming season but for a team lacking in options, he’s a crucial player.
The Los Angeles Rams have also been without star Cooper Kupp since the middle of November, he was ruled out for at least 4 weeks, and by the time he comes back, it could be curtains for the Rams season. There’s no doubt how big of a miss this will be, with some challenging games coming up for the team.
Will They Make The Playoffs?
There were talks of running it back coming into the season but it’s hard to see how they will find a way to turn things around now. The blame can’t lie with any single person – this just isn’t the Rams year. After a period of success, Rams fans might have to come to terms with having a losing season.
