Rams’ Slow Start Leaves Little Time to Turn Things Around

WHO:

ABC News - The Los Angeles Rams had a 2-4 record after six games; coach Sean McVay said, “We’re going to continue to fight” and “continue to swing.”

ABC News - Rams receiver Davante Adams was out for at least six weeks with a hamstring injury; defensive tackle Poona Ford was out for the season with a triceps injury; defensive tackle Kobie Turner was expected to miss a few games while on injured reserve with a groin injury.

ABC News - Matthew Stafford was the Rams’ quarterback. All-Pro receiver Puka Nacua received three targets against Arizona after catching 17 passes the previous week. Running back Kyren Williams averaged 4.9 yards per carry.

ABC News - The Rams were due to use their third kicker in three games after Blake Grupe suffered a season-ending knee injury.

ABC News - Jacoby Brissett played quarterback for Arizona. Myles Garrett was not returning to practice and was set to miss his sixth straight game.

therams.com - The Rams’ listed power-ranking placements were NFL.com: 24 (Nick Shook); ESPN.com: 14; Yahoo! Sports: 15 (Frank Schwab); Bleacher Report: 17; Fox Sports: 16 (Ralph Vacchiano); CBS Sports: 18 (Pete Prisco).

WHAT:

ABC News - The Rams lost 18-16 at home to the Arizona Cardinals. Their three most recent losses had a combined margin of defeat of nine points; two were decided in the final seconds of regulation and one in overtime.

ABC News - Against Arizona, the Rams defense allowed 4.8 yards per play and no touchdowns on five Cardinals trips inside the red zone. The Rams had eight sacks, second fewest in the NFL, and failed to sack Brissett.

ABC News - McVay said the team’s “overall energy,” “edge” and consistency were lacking and that he felt “tremendously responsible.” He said the Rams faced challenges and would “lean in.”

therams.com - The Rams’ average power ranking was 17.3, with a low ranking of 24 from NFL.com; their average change was -7.5, and NFL.com recorded the biggest change, -12. Las Vegas Raiders’ listed rankings averaged 18.7.

WHERE:

ABC News - The Rams’ loss to Arizona took place in Los Angeles; the team was preparing to travel to Las Vegas.

WHY:

ABC News - The article attributed the Rams’ poor start to failures in key moments, mounting injuries, offensive struggles, and inadequate energy and poise. It cited McVay’s erratic play-calling and Stafford’s inconsistent decisions as contributors to the offense’s performance.

HOW:

ABC News - The Rams planned to find a starting receiver to replace Adams, either internally or through a trade; sign a kicker; and assign additional defensive-line snaps to cover for Ford and Turner.

ABC News - Grupe’s knee injury occurred while he attempted a tackle after the Rams’ special-teams coverage unit forced him into the play.

The Los Angeles Rams fell 18 to 16 at home to the Arizona Cardinals, dropping to two wins and four losses after six games. Coach Sean McVay said the team lacked energy, edge and consistency, while injuries will sideline receiver Davante Adams for at least six weeks and defensive tackle Poona Ford for the season, with Kobie Turner expected to miss a few games. The Rams also need a new kicker after Blake Grupe suffered a season-ending knee injury, and they’re preparing to travel to Las Vegas as McVay says they’ll keep fighting and lean into the challenges.