Latest Matthew Stafford injury gives another reason for offensive changes

The LA Rams offense has not performed to expectations so far this season, and we can talk for hours about the causes, the scapegoats, and rational reasons why that has come to pass. After all, you can't drive if you spend all your time looking in the rear view mirror. That applies to the team's offense as well, as much as we all want to find the scapegoat, there is just as much value in looking ahead for ways to improve the team.

We know that the team wins when they lean into 12-personnel. In fact per Lineups.com, five of the Rams six victories coincide with games in which the team has used 15 percent or more of the offensive snaps with two tight ends. The only win without 12-personnel offensive plays was Week 13, the latest win against the New Orleans Saints.

But refusing to play two tight ends did come at a price. Early in the first half, QB Matthew Stafford was shaken up on a play, grabbing at his calf/lower leg. At the time, we did mention the injury, but Stafford remained in the game and shrugged off the first-half slumber to lead the team to three second-half touchdowns.

Now, the team and Stafford must deal with the injury a bit more comprehensively.

Rams offense must reluctantly turn in a new direction

The Rams defense is embedded in the lower tier of NFL rankings, and for good reason. Not only does the team have the cheapest defense in the NFL, but it is among the youngest defenses as well. That youth means energetic and passionate play. It also mean inexperience and inconsistent performance.

That means that the offense must help that defense out. The Buffalo Bills average nearly 30 points per game. The Rams offense has only scored 30 points once this season, and did so with a heavy dose of 12 personnel.

But the cries to go with two tight ends continues to fall on deaf ears this season. Despite the team's success when leaning heavily into two tight ends, the offense insists on trotting out 11-personnel. Not just as the majority of the offensive plays, but nearly exclusively. That leads the team to stick with the same predictable plays. That leads to no points scored.

The Rams have two potent running backs, and must stick with a rushing offense despite the risk of trailing in Week 14. The passing game erupts when the run is established. And a defense that is not playing 75 percent of the game clock has a much better chance of making key stops to get the offense the football.

That means that the Rams must run with the football.

The Buffalo Bills defense is adept at stopping the pass. But it's susceptible to a solid running game. Will the Rams offense take advantage of that weakness? They must. Stafford is still standing, but he was sacked seven times over the last two games, and 11 times over the past four games. The Rams offensive line won't protect Stafford with an offense that consists of passing alone.

Rookie RB Blake Corum can run effectively in the NFL. Kyren Williams needs the help of Corum to avoid fumbling the football. And Stafford needs the help of a strong running game to help the offense keep up with the high-flying Buffalo Bills offense.

The Buffalo Bills have already clinched the AFC East Division title. The Los Angeles Rams will never have the luxury of clinching anything. So it comes down to this: It's do or die time for the Rams. Without a much better strategy, they will lose. It's time for the coaching staff to up their game.

As always, thanks for reading.

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