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Los Angeles Rams look to rebound after 2022 disaster

By Russell S. Baxter

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 6: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams puts on his helmet prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 6, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 6: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams puts on his helmet prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 6, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /
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Sean McVay’s team fell hard just one year after winning a Lombardi Trophy. The Los Angeles Rams look to bounce back from a forgettable season.

In 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished 11-5 and captured a wild card berth. Despite finishing second in the AFC South, the team got hot at the right time and rode that momentum to a Super Bowl championship.

One year later, the Los Angeles Rams got off to a strong start, suffered through a midseason slump, and then like the Buccaneers started to play their best football down the stretch. They won their share of close games in the postseason. The club’s victories over the Buccaneers (Divisional Playoffs), 49ers (NFC Championship Game), and Bengals (Super Bowl LVI) were each by three points.

From ecstasy to agony for the Los Angeles Rams

Something happened to Sean McVay’s team this past season. The club was roughed up in the Week 1 Thursday night opener at home against the Buffalo Bills, 31-10. The team struggled a week later to hang on to beat the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 31-27. A 3-3 start was followed by six consecutive losses.

When it was all said and done, the Rams went from a 12-5 club and hoisting a Lombardi Trophy in 2021 to a 5-12 team and a third-place finish in the NFC West the following year. Those dozen losses were the most ever by a defending Super Bowl champion.

McVay’s squad finished dead last in the NFL in total yards per game and scored the sixth-fewest points in the league. Like the rival Cardinals, the team utilized four different starting quarterbacks. Matthew Stafford, John Wolford (1-2), Bryce Perkins (0-1), and Baker Mayfield (1-3) combined for 16 TD passes and 20 turnovers.

Injuries along the way to Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and even perennial All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald were but a few reasons for the collapse. The offensive line was shaky and those four quarterbacks were sacked a combined 59 times.

Losses continues to add up

Onward. It’s safe to say this team will have quite a different look. The only veteran performer general manager Les Snead has added this offseason is tight end Hunter Long. He was acquired in a trade that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Dolphins.

Pass-rusher Leonard Floyd was released as was linebacker Bobby Wagner, the team’s leading tackler this past season. Any thoughts of a Rams’ reunion with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. ended on Sunday when the talented performer agreed to a deal with the Baltimore Ravens.

As for the free-agent departures, safeties Taylor Rapp (Bills) and Nick Scott (Bengals), as well as defensive tackle Greg Gaines (Buccaneers) head the defensive list. Even the special teams will have a different look as kicker Matt Gay (Colts), punter Riley Dixon (Broncos) and long snapper Matthew Orzech (Packers) are all elsewhere. Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson and cornerback Troy Hill remain unrestricted free agents.

General manager Los Snead will have to be at his best during this month’s draft with 11 draft choices at his disposal. Once again, there’s no first-round selection. However, the Rams have eight selections in the final three rounds, as well as some salary-cap (via Spotrac). Will Snead be able to work a little magic when his turn finally comes?

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