Only two seasons have past since the Los Angeles Rams were the kings of the NFL world as Super Bowl champions. Three years later, and those aspirations still live inside the facility with some of the best young stars in the game. Welcome back to another edition of ‘The Super Bowl Race In The Perspective of Chase’, and today we will preview the Los Angeles Rams 2024 season!
2023 Season
After the Rams Super Bowl year in 2021, they had one of the more surprising drop off seasons in history in 2022. They suffered some injuries but overall wasn’t that competitive, finishing with an underwhelming 5-12 record. So going into 2023, not many people had high expectations for the squad. Besides, they didn’t appear to have that ‘X-Factor’ on offense next to Cooper Kupp. Well, we were wrong. Because that X-Factor was Puka Nacua, a fifth round pick at wide receiver. He had an impressive stint while Kupp was sidelined, and an impressive stint while he was playing, totaling a rookie record 1,486 yards. He was awarded with All-Pro 2nd team honors for this campaign. Second year running back Kyren Williams also impressed, leading the NFL in rushing yards per game and making an All-Pro team. The defense was also okay enough, and Matthew Stafford had a huge bounce back season. And despite some inconsistency from a not 100% Cooper Kupp, the Rams found their way in the postseason, and look to be back in 2024.
Offseason Additions and Losses
The Rams had a very quiet offseason, but one that was also very productive. They main thing was to improve the offensive line, which is always important for a team trying to contend. So they made the big move of signing former Lions guard Jonah Jackson, one of the better offensive lineman in the league, to a $51 million deal. They also re-signed guard Kevin Dotson to a $48 million deal, making their offensive line one of the more underrated ones in the NFL. They also made other moves. They signed Tre’Davious White to a one year deal, who’s still playing at a high level at cornerback, and so is new signee Darious Williams, who is rejoining the Rams after helping them win a Super Bowl in 2021. They even signed Jimmy Garoppolo to back up Stafford. And in the draft, LA added pass rusher Jared Verse and running back from Michigan Blake Corum. None of those moves were really noticed, but yet they were all important for the Rams and should be impactful as they look to take the next step in 2024.
X-Factor: Kobie Turner
The shocking news came earlier this year that the Rams legendary DT Aaron Donald was hanging up the cleats and retiring from the NFL. Well, someone is going to have to take his void and be the anchor of this defensive line. Enter: Kobie Turner. Turner is one of the more under-appreciated talents in the NFL. As a third round pick rookie last year, Turner totaled 9 sacks and 16 QB hits along with 57 tackles and finishing 3rd in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. That is huge…and for whatever reason no one is talking about it. Who says he can’t build off that this season? The Rams still have other talented pieces on this D-Line who will deserve attention. It’s not like Donald’s lack of presence will slow down Turner. I expect double digit sacks from him this season, and I think he will finally get the recognition he deserves.
Reason for Concern: Cooper Kupp
This sounds odd. The guy who just a few years ago had a season in which his receiving total was the second highest in NFL history is the now the reason for concern on his NFL team. But since then, things haven’t looked great for him. He had a nice start to 2022, but suffered a high ankle sprain which required surgery, sidelining him for him the season. And he didn’t come back until week four of last season, where he impressed in his first two games before going cold. In fact, Kupp played 12 games last year. When you look at his clear four best performances, his total yardage combines for 492 yards…while he had just 245 yards in his other eight games. That’s not consistent enough. And say he gets hurt again or plays this inconsistently, Nacua can’t do it on his own. Demarcus Robinson is the next best receiver. So I think it will affect Nacua, Stafford and the offense as a whole if Kupp isn’t the playmaker he used to be, or somewhat close to it.
Reason for Promise: Running Game
The Rams overall as a team just aren’t recognized to a high enough standard…especially their running game. Last season, Kyren Williams was one of the most dominant running backs in the league. No run for more yards on average per every game they stepped foot on the field than Kyren Williams. He finished third in the NFL in rushing yards…third! He was an All-Pro player, he got in the end zone and is only going into his third season. I wouldn’t be surprised if Williams actually progresses this season now with the Rams improving their offensive line. And Corum will be a huge difference maker on this team. He had three seasons in college at Michigan with 1,000 or more scrimmage yards, including All-American and National Championship winning campaigns. That’s their backup. This run game is going to be scary.
Prediction
All we’ve done today is sing this team’s praises. Because yes I am high on them. But they also had a lot of things go right for them last year…health being one of them, and breakout stars being the other. They are losing their captain Aaron Donald, which will make a bigger difference than most think. Also, there is no guarantee Nacua and Williams will replicate their 2023 production. Same goes for Matthew Stafford. So this team is no postseason lock. I do think they have enough talent to squeak in, and could be a team to make a run in the postseason with a hot end-of-season performance. However, I don’t think this team will reach the Super Bowl level of production in 2024.
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