After a down season can the Rams rebound?

By Tristan Ell

The Los Angeles Rams came into last season with high expectations after their Super Bowl championship the previous year. After going all in for their 2022 Super Bowl run, they paid the price last season finishing 5-12 in an injury-riddled season.

After the 2022 season, the Rams let go of many key players, including All-Pros Jalen Ramsey and Bobby Wagner. Much of the Rams roster is now young and inexperienced.

The Rams drafted a total of 14 players this year. It is safe to say the Rams have a lot of youth and have raised a lot of questions on whether the team can compete or not.

The offense is led by Quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford suffered injuries throughout the season, including missing the final seven games. Even when healthy, he had significant struggles, throwing only 10 touchdowns along with 8 interceptions.

Skill positions for the Rams are very intriguing, with young players looking to break out. The group is headlined by Wide Receiver, Cooper Kupp, who like Stafford suffered major injuries. Kupp is the Rams main target, but will need others to step up in order to compete.

A couple of players to look towards are Van Jefferson and Cam Akers, who are both entering their 4th season in the NFL. After a strong end of the season, the Rams will look for Akers to become the lead back. Jefferson, another player who suffered injuries, will look to solidify the second wide receiver position alongside Kupp.

The biggest question for the Rams offense resides on the offensive line, which took a big step back last season, suffering countless injuries, and mediocre performances. They addressed this in the offseason by drafting Guard Steve Avila out of Texas Christian University, as their second-round selection.

Many of the Rams departures in the offseason were on defense. Headlining the defense is star, Defensive Tackle, Aaron Donald, who returns for his 10th NFL season. Outside of Donald, the defensive line will feature rookie Byron Young along with Micheal Hoecht and Bobby Brown, both third-year players who are all big unknowns.

One potential bright spot is linebacker Ernest Jones, coming into his 3rd NFL season. Jones will step up as he takes over linebacker duties, after the departure of Wagner in the offseason. Jones has shown potential, but will look to solidify himself as the linebacker of the future.

The secondary features sophomore Corners Cobie Durant, and Derion Kendrick, along with veteran Ahkello Witherspoon. The Rams also signed veteran Safety John Johnson, who’ll play alongside Jordan Fuller. Almost an entirely new group compared to the previous season.

A team with Stafford, Kupp and Donald can’t be counted out. If the young players step up, the Rams can be a surprise contender this season. There are still a lot of questions about this Rams team, which could lead to another long season for the Rams.

Can the Rams bounce back this NFL season?