The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a precarious position following a disheartening 37-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The defeat drops the Rams to 5-6 on the season, placing them a game behind the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals in the hotly contested NFC West. With their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, the Rams must address glaring issues on both sides of the ball if they hope to make a late postseason push.
Offensive Struggles Continue to Plague Rams
Despite boasting a talented roster featuring quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, and running back Kyren Williams, the Rams’ offense has been inconsistent throughout the season. Sunday’s matchup against the Eagles was no exception, as the unit managed just one touchdown in the first quarter before sputtering to a mere minus-6 yards in the second quarter.
The Rams’ inability to sustain drives was particularly evident on third down, where they went an abysmal 0-8. This marks the first time since 2019 that the team has failed to convert a single third down in a game. Head coach Sean McVay attributed the offensive woes to a lack of execution, a recurring theme for the Rams this season.
Red Zone Woes and Turnover Troubles
The Rams’ offensive struggles were further compounded by their inefficiency in the red zone, converting just two of their four opportunities inside the 20-yard line. A costly fumble by running back Kyren Williams on the opening drive set the tone for a frustrating afternoon. Williams has now fumbled four times, losing two, in his past four games, prompting concerns about ball security.
It’s tough, you’re close on some stuff, but for some reason just aren’t able to make the play. Got to do a better job finishing.
– Cooper Kupp on the Rams’ offensive struggles
Stafford Under Siege
Compounding the Rams’ offensive woes was the constant pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Eagles’ formidable defense sacked Stafford five times and hit him on 11 occasions, making for a “tough night” in pass protection, according to McVay. The absence of right tackle Rob Havenstein, who missed the game due to an ankle injury, was keenly felt as the Rams struggled to keep Stafford upright.
Defensive Lapses Allow Eagles to Soar
While the Rams’ defense has carried the team at times this season, it was unable to contain the Eagles’ high-powered offense on Sunday. Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley gashed the Rams for 255 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, adding four receptions for 47 yards. The Rams’ young defensive unit, which had shown promise early in the season, was exposed by the Eagles’ balanced attack.
Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
Despite the disappointing loss, the Rams remain in the playoff hunt, though their path to the postseason has become increasingly difficult. According to ESPN Analytics, the Rams have a 14.8% chance of making the playoffs and a 12.5% chance of winning the NFC West. To keep their hopes alive, the Rams must find a way to correct the mistakes that have plagued them throughout the season.
Yeah, we do [think we’re a playoff team]. I think that’s the mentality each of us has taken and feel like we’re right there. It’s just, we haven’t been able to put it all together as much as we’d like to, but it’s there, it’s just finding it.
– Cooper Kupp on the Rams’ playoff aspirations
The road ahead won’t be easy for the Rams, who travel to New Orleans to face the Saints in Week 12 before a crucial two-game stretch against division rivals Seattle and Arizona to close out the season. If the Rams hope to make a playoff run and compete with the NFC’s elite, they must find a way to address their offensive inconsistencies, protect Stafford, and shore up their defensive vulnerabilities.
As the season enters its final stretch, the Rams find themselves at a crossroads. Will they rise to the occasion and recapture the form that made them a Super Bowl contender just a few short years ago? Or will they succumb to the mounting pressure and see their playoff dreams slip away? The answer will lie in their ability to overcome adversity, execute on both sides of the ball, and prove that they belong among the NFC’s best.
