It’s been a slow start for Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams offense. Through four weeks, Stafford has managed to only toss four touchdown passes compared to six interceptions. Making matters worse, the Rams were held out of the end zone for the first time this season in their Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
While the injuries along the offensive line are a real problem, Stafford took responsibility and emphasized he needs to do a better job of putting Los Angeles in scoring positions.
“I mean, name of the game for the quarterback is helping the team get in the end zone,” Stafford said. “We haven’t done that enough and I can do a better job of that, whether that’s executing a little bit better in the red zone or being a little bit more explosive. I’m not going to get into full evals (evaluations). I’m not in that mode right now. I’m on a short week trying to figure out the Dallas Cowboys at the moment so that’s kind of where my focus is, but definitely can be better, try to get us in the end zone a little bit more.”
Stafford has yet to connect on many explosive plays this year, instead opting for shorter throws near the line of scrimmage. Without time to let plays develop in the pocket, he’s been forced to lean on Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee to make plays after the catch.
The offense’s struggles go beyond Stafford, though, as the run game has also been unable to produce any chunk plays. Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson have been splitting carries, but neither back has been able to find much success on the ground.
Week 5 could present another tough challenge as Los Angeles takes on the Dallas Cowboys, who boast a talented defensive line. Stafford may find himself on the run a lot, meaning scoring opportunities could be scarce.
