Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams made several significant offseason moves, trading for Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett and even bringing back Aaron Donald. They also had key returning players, including Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Kyren Williams and Byron Young.
And it's all led by reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback and Sean McVay as head coach and play-caller. This is one of the most stacked rosters in NFL history. You have talent, continuity and experience. What could go wrong?
Apparently, a lot.
The Rams sit at 2-4 after back-to-back losses to the Bills on Monday Night Football last week and the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
This team just hasn't been nearly consistent enough, especially on offense.
In Weeks 2 and 5, the Rams offense has looked like one of the best in football, ranking third in EPA per play. But in Weeks 1, 3 and 4, their EPA per play ranking falls to 21st.
They have to be much more consistent offensively to get this season back on track.
And now Adams, their leading receiver, is expected to miss 6-10 weeks with a ruptured hamstring.
But I still believe this team will end up being fine. They're behind the eight ball, for sure, but I trust McVay to get this team going again.
They have a more manageable stretch of games coming up against the Raiders, Chargers and Commanders before facing the Cardinals again.
If they can win three of those four games, they'll be 5-5 heading into their bye week, with matchups against the Packers and Chiefs awaiting them afterward. That would put them right back in the playoff hunt.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, falling to 2-4 on the season. This team entered this season with Super Bowl aspirations, but it's been a disappointing start to the year, largely due to some significant absences.
Star running back Saquon Barkley hasn't played in two weeks, Lane Johnson retired, and the Eagles traded away starting center Cam Jurgens. And now, as I'm writing this, news just broke that Jalen Hurts is out for the season because of blood clots in his lung.
Tanner McKee started in Hurts’ place on Sunday against Carolina. He averaged -0.26 EPA per dropback and 4.8 yards per attempt while completing just 57.8 percent of his passes.
The Vic Fangio-led defense has struggled as well, ranking 23rd in EPA per play allowed and 22nd in success rate allowed.
Even with all that context, I still think the Eagles' season has a chance to be salvaged. Yes, they're 2-4, and McKee will need to play significantly better, but the NFC East is very much up for grabs.
This Eagles roster is still the most talented in the division, Saquon is returning soon, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith is looking healthy again. I wouldn't completely write them off just yet.
But I'm hesitant to be optimistic considering McKee's performance last week. It'll take one heck of a coaching job from head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Sean Mannion to make this offense look competent given McKee's limitations and inexperience.
I'm sure Eagles fans will be patient, though, right?
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