Can Sean McVay figure out the issues with the Rams offense before it’s too late?
The Los Angeles Rams are in the playoffs for a second consecutive season under head coach Sean McVay following another start in which many had counted them out. With their win against the Cardinals, the Rams secured their fourth NFC West title since Sean McVay took over in 2017. While the Rams won the NFC West, the offense has looked off over the last few weeks. With not a lot of time left and almost at the end of the season, the Rams need to figure it out fas. Here is this week’s stock up, stock down
Stock Up: Rams Defense
After giving up 42 points to the Buffalo Bills, the Rams defense has given up 24 points over the past three weeks combined. A big reason for the Rams winning each of the last three weeks has been the defense. That was the case again last week against the Arizona Cardinals.
While the offense has struggled, the defense has kept the Rams in games. They shutout the Cardinals in the first half while the offense got going. They then clinched the game with an interception. This group has stepped up recently and are the reason why they are winning games. If the saying is that defense wins championships, this is a group that has shown they can carry the team.
Stock Down: Matthew Stafford and the offense
Since scoring 44 points against the Bills, the Rams offense has scored 44 points in the past three games total. This is a group that has not shown to consistently play up to their potential. Early in the season, they had the excuse of an injured offensive line and playmakers. At this point in the season, every team is dealing with injuries. The Rams are also mostly healthy.
Matthew Stafford has simply not been as sharp at quarterback. The offense has been inconsistent. Heading into the playoffs, it’s something they need to fix. From the slow starts to overall consistency, it’s the offense and not the defense that could cost the Rams when it matters.
Stock Up: EDGE Jared Verse
Prior to the game against the Cardinals, Verse had hit somewhat of a rookie wall. It had gotten to the point where Verse was no longer the overwhelming favorite to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Verse has had his periods of dominance this season, but needed to have an impact in a big moment.
That’s exactly what happened on Saturday night when Verse had seven pressures against the Cardinals, including a few high impact pressures. It was Verse’s pressure that forced Kyler Murray’s interception to Kam Kinchens. While he didn’t have a sack, he still managed to impact the game in a positive way. It was the type of performance he needed heading into the playoffs.
Stock Down: Offensive Line Depth
The Rams absolutely need their starting five offensive line healthy of the postseason. If they end up having to rely on Joe Noteboom for any sort of time, it will be hard to trust him in that spot. Noteboom had three penalties against the Cardinals and never looked comfortable on the right side. He also gave up a few pressures that forced Matthew Stafford out of the pocket.
When the Rams offense is the most successful, it’s been when the offensive line has been healthy. That hasn’t been often this season, but the key to the offense’s success with McVay starts with the offensive line. If the Rams are going to make any noise in the postseason, they will need to be healthy on the offensive line because the depth outside of Beaux Limmer at center has not shown consistency.
Stock Up: CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Ahkello Witherspoon has been far from perfect this season. However, over the past few weeks, he has given the Rams what the need on the outside. While he may not be playing at the level that he did at the beginning of last season, he’s been a steady presence and made some keys plays. His interception to clinch the win against the Cardinals backed up his pass breakup on fourth down the week before against the Jets.
The Rams still have major questions at cornerback. This is not to say that the Rams need to sign Witherspoon to an extension after the season. With that said, he’s seemed to pass Cobie Durant on the depth chart and at least provides length which is something the Rams lack in the secondary.