The Los Angeles Rams continued their string of road games in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers, but unfortunately they couldn’t overcome missing some of their offensive pieces as they lost and dropped to 3-6 during the 2023 season.
The Rams were hoping that Matthew Stafford would be able to go after suffering a UCL sprain in his right thumb against the Dallas Cowboys, but unfortunately the quarterback was ruled out. Stafford is as tough as they come, but the team felt it best to give him time to rest and recover with their bye week coming up.
In his place, Brett Rypien drew his first start of the season but it went as most fans predicted considering the Packers strong pass rush. Rypien replaced Stafford after he exited against Dallas, but the backup was unable to find much of a rhythm despite taking the first-team snaps during practice.
With the rain pouring in Lambeau field, Sean McVay called a conservative game as Rypien didn’t throw much until the team was trailing by double digits. Rypien would go on to complete just 13 of his 28 passing attempts for 130 yards and one interception.
It was an offensive struggle for both sides as Los Angeles and Green Bay failed to scratch in the first quarter. The Packers got on the board after an Aaron Jones three-yard run, though Lucas Havrisik converted a 52-yard field goal to make it 7-3.
However, that would be the final time L.A. would score as Green Bay’s defense tightened up things the rest of the way. The rain made it difficult for players to hold onto the ball as there were several fumbles, but the Rams offense was unable to capitalize on those turnovers.
McVay tried to lean on the run game, but both Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman found it difficult to find any room as the Packers loaded up the box. Henderson and Freeman combined for 51 rushing yards on 22 carries, a paltry performance though it’s hard to blame them given the circumstances.
Cooper Kupp led the team in receiving yards with 48 of them on two receptions, while Puka Nacua reeled in three catches for 32 yards.
Up next for the Rams…
Thankfully, Los Angeles has the bye week to get themselves right and hopefully get some of their players like Stafford back. Following the bye, the Rams will finally return home where they get to play the Seattle Seahawks for the second time this season.
