8 LA Rams no-cost quick fixes needed to beat the formidable Buffalo Bills

(3) Third down conversions

The LA Rams offense is horrible at third down conversions in 2024. In fact, the latest data through Week 13 shows that this offense is 30th at making a first down when facing third down. The team is converting just 32.58 percent of third downs, which is less than one in three chances. For contrast purposes, the Kansas City Chiefs make over 51 percent of their third downs.

That's a huge problem.

The thing is, nailing down contributing factors to those struggles will not be easy. Does it fall on undisciplined play? That is, are the Rams trying to make first downs after an offensive penalty puts them in unenviable down and distance situations? Is it the predictability of the plays? Do the Rams tend to throw to Cooper Kupp in almost every third down situation? Or is it a matter of poor execution? Do the Rams fail to block, hit the right hole, or catch the football when it matters most?

If the team hopes to win in Week 14, the offense must do a much better job of converting third downs. So how can the team do that?

The team has a bevy of offensive weapons, but it depends on the momentum of the game, and the effectiveness of the defense. If the Rams run the football twice for little gain, then it make no sense to try a similar play a third time. But why try twice? If a run struggles to gain yards, mix up the play on second down. Attack the perimeter, then attack the middle.

The Rams have skilled receivers who can create separation. But this offense has to fool the defense to create enough separation to keep moving the chains. Hopefully, the team can gain enough yardage in early downs to keep third downs manageable throughout the game.