The Los Angeles Rams surprised just about everyone by clinching a place in last year’s postseason and nearly winning their Wild Card Weekend game against the Detroit Lions. So it was assumed that Matthew Stafford and the Rams would be in contention for the postseason once again in 2024, despite losing Aaron Donald on defense.
But a plethora of offensive injuries have effectively destroyed any momentum the Rams could have had, instead leaving them at a 1-4 record through five games. Three key offensive linemen — Joe Noteboom, Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson — are on IR. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have both been out for most of the season.
Stafford has had to carry an exceptional weight missing just about every major piece the Rams have on that side of the ball. And if the slide continues, it reportedly wouldn’t be surprising for the Rams and Stafford to part ways, according to Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN:
Definitely. The Rams have looked at Stafford’s future as a year-to-year proposition. His reworked contract last offseason reflects that, pushing his 2024 pay into the $40 million range but lessening his guarantees in 2025, essentially allowing both sides to decide whether they want to remain married at that point. This is a situation to watch closely, because neither player nor team seems to know how or when it will end. Stafford is 36 and has dealt with injuries recently. Does he want to play after this season?
The Rams and their quarterback have several questions to answer, which are easier to put off if the team is winning. And maybe L.A. can regain its winning ways once Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and others return. It’s also worth noting the Jimmy Garoppolo signing got the attention of some around the league, because Garoppolo could be an insurance option down the road. While interested teams are unclear, the Raiders have a glaring need at the position.
The Rams could still get decent value for Stafford, although it would be nowhere near what they paid to get him three years ago. Injuries have affected Stafford the last two years, but he has still been a hugely productive quarterback and could be a massive boost for the right team.
And it’s possible the Rams still are that team. But they have to get healthy, and they have to do it soon, if they want any chance of turning around the 2024 season.
Sean McVay: Bye week came at good time for Rams
Week 6 provides a bit of a reprieve for Rams head coach Sean McVay and the team as they’re on bye.
The Rams dropped their Week 5 matchup against the Green Bay Packers and now sit at 1-4.
With hopes of a playoff spot quickly dwindling, the bye week will offer McVay and the players a chance to reset and more importantly, get healthy.
McVay acknowledged that the bye came at a good time, though will be using the time off to evaluate how the team can improve. “Yeah. I think that I will be able to better answer that based on the availability of guys and what that really means, but yes,” McVay said.
