No, the LA Rams shouldn't panic and blow things up after losing to Eagles

I: Many challenges are about strategy than chess pieces

If you think the problem with the team falling to a record of 5-6 is solely on the shoulder of the players, you could be right. If you think that the team falling to a record of 5-6 is solely due to the defense, you could be right as well. Even if you believe the team's 5-6 record is due to the special teams unit, and rookie kicker Joshua Karty, you could be right as well.

But before you decide your verdict, let me highlight a few points that may have a bearing on the way you see this team:

The Rams are not getting their money's worth from the offense

The team decided to invest heavily into their offense for the 2024 NFL season. Don't believe me? Per Over the Cap.com, the Rams boast the most expensive offense in the NFL. In fact, the Rams are spending more than $22 million more than the second-most-expensive offense, the Kansas City Chiefs. How can the Rams' offense be so expensive? Let's take a look:

The Rams spent a ton of hard-earned currency on the offense during the free agency period. If you need a refresher:

• Jonah Jackson, G (from Detroit Lions) - (3 years, $51 million) The LA Rams shocked many fans, by agreeing to terms with former Detroit Lions free agent guard Jonah Jackson to a hefty contract worth three years and $51 million.
• Colby Parkinson, TE (from Seattle Seahawks) - (3 years, $22.5 million) I had the right position from the right team, but I failed to get the right player.
• Jimmy Garoppolo, QB (from Las Vegas Raiders) - (1 year, $4.5 million) The Rams wanted to add Jimmy Garoppolo in 2022. Now, two years later, they finally get their wish.
• Kevin Dotson, G (re-signed - 3 years, $48 million. A priority signed below FMV.
• Demarcus Robinson, wide receiver (1-year, up to $5 million)
• Alaric Jackson, offensive tackle (1-year, $4.89 Million) The team deliberated for some time over the choice of using a Second-Round or an Original-Round Qualifying Tender Offer to bring back left tackle Alaric Jackson.
• Ronnie Rivers, RB (re-signed 1-year $985K)
• Tyler Johnson, WR (re-signed 1-year $1.13 million)

The Rams added nearly $40 million to the salary cap in 2024 via free agency. Three of the top paid players are not even significant contributors to the team.

While money does not ensure production, I don't believe that calling for the top-paid NFL offense to land among the top ten productive offenses. Sure, the team has fought through injuries. But all teams have suffered injuries at some point in the season. But that hasn't happened in 2024. The Rams are the 20th-ranked offense after Week 12 in terms of yards gained, and the 20th-ranked offense in terms of points scored.

The Rams routinely play just one tight end (while carrying three on the roster). The Rams routinely play one running back (while carrying four on the roster). If you wonder where the excess might be, you could start your search there.