Coming into the 2023 regular season, not much was expected from the Los Angeles Rams. They were in a state of transition with their roster, moving on from several veterans this offseason whether it was a trade, releasing the players or watching them depart in free agency.
For years the Rams had moved draft capital for the sake of contention, bringing in as many veterans as they could. It resulted in a Super Bowl, but the repercussions were felt with the roster having to be turned over.
Lacking recognizable names as in years past, many people wrote the Rams off before the season. But, those people have been proven wrong, as Los Angeles is now one of the hottest teams in the league.
NFL News & Rumors: Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams Updates
Since their bye, the Rams have gone 4-1, evening their record at 7-7 and pushing their way into the playoff picture in the NFC. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive tackle Aaron Donald remain the faces of the franchise but they have received a lot of help on the field this season.
Offensively, this is a high-flying group. It is no longer just Stafford having to pepper Kupp with targets as rookie Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell have stepped up when their number was called. Recently, given some injuries, veteran Demarcus Robinson has stepped up and played well.
Along with Nacua, the breakout star offensively for the Rams has been running back Kyren Williams. He is leading the NFL with 95.3 rushing yards per game. With him in the lineup, the Rams have gone 6-4 as his presence is key to them finding balance and success on that side of the ball.
Defensively, this group didn’t have any household names other than Donald. But, they have seen excellent development and breakouts from players such as Byron Young, Michael Hoecht, Ernest Jones, Jordan Fuller and Derion Kendrick. This unit has improved as the season has worn along, gelling and stepping up their performance each week.
NFL News & Rumors: Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams Updates
Of all the 7-7 Wild Card teams in the NFC, the Rams certainly look like the most dangerous group. They certainly have some shortcomings, as their defense may not have enough to put a scare into the upper-echelon offensive teams, but this is a group that can certainly hang offensively with the best of them.
An overtime loss against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 provided plenty of evidence about how dangerous this group can be. Any team being led by Super Bowl winners cannot be underestimated, as the Rams Big 3 and head coach Sean McVay won the Lombardi Trophy just under two years ago.
Out of all the other teams in contention for a Wild Card spot, such as the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints, the Rams look to be the most complete team. Having Stafford and Donald leading their respective units certainly helps and McVay gives them a coaching edge against nearly every team in the NFL.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
