Rams can't let mounting injuries force them to over-rely on Matthew Stafford

Let's break it down. The Los Angeles Rams are 5-4, but the cost to get there continues to stack up injuries. They now face a Week 10 must-win game without starting receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, starting cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and potentially Trent McDuffie, starting defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Poona Ford, starting left guard Steve Avila, and rotational tight end Terrance Ferguson.

Now wide receiver Jordan Whittington finds himself on IR as well. If you're keeping count, that means seven core contributors on injured reserve, not yet including Nacua.

Los Angeles is entering its most important stretch of the schedule. It's also the most difficult of any NFL team. Fans had hoped to be whole by the second half of the season. But even as Myles Garrett announced his return with an unstoppable pass rush, the Rams are at half-strength on defense.

The problem with mounting injuries is that the roster has reached critical mass. Any additional injuries and the burden placed upon healthy players will be too great to bear. In essence, LA faces a ripple effect that increases injuries by forcing too few players to do too much. So how can the Horns avoid repeating that horrific 2022 season that ended with a record of 5-12?

It will take careful planning.

Rams must avoid leaning too heavily on Matthew Stafford

Head coach Sean McVay trusts Matthew Stafford implicitly. Perhaps too much, since the unfolding scenario will almost certainly commit LA to pass more. Stafford is already fighting through arm soreness. So that's not really an option.

Preserving Stafford's health must be a top priority. While reaching the playoffs is vital, it won't matter a lick if Stafford is on the bench hurt when the team gets there. The math isn't leaning in LA's favor, but it would be foolish to put Stafford in the spotlight in every game.

Stafford can still zip the ball. But after nine games, he has thrown 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The rate of touchdown throws will very likely decline. The interception rate may trend upward. As the Rams flood the field with untested receivers, Stafford can't count on them being where they are supposed to.

And that makes the pass game unreliable.

We'll look at what the offense can do to sustain success. For now, the Rams must avoid over-depending on Stafford. Ultimately, that could be the greatest challenge they face moving forward.

As always, thanks for reading.

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