Rams sluggish offense puts too much pressure on young defense in must-win game

The LA Rams offense had expected to be a dynamic, elite convoy capable of putting up a bunch of points in any given game. But this offense has only scored 12 points, 19 points, and 10 points through one half of play in Week 17. That is hardly the type of offense that emboldens the players and fans as the team prepares to compete in the postseason. That is, as long as the Rams can win and get into the NFL Playoffs.

Nothing is certain in Week 17.

Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to appear every moment of his age of 36 years ole. He has not been sacked through three quarters in the game, but has only completed 11 of 23 passes for 142 yards. In fact, in his last five games, Stafford has thrown:

• Week 13 @ Saints - 14 of 24 for 183 yards, two touchdowns
• Week 14 vs. Bills -23 of 30 for 320 yards , two touchdowns
• Week 15 @ 49ers - 16 of 27 for 160 yards, zero touchdowns
• Week 16 @ Jets - 14 of 19 for 110 yards, one touchdown and one interception
• Week 17 vs Cardinals - (In Q4) 11 of 23, 142 yards, zero touchdowns

Despite Stafford's struggles, including missing receivers by a mile, throwing behind an open receiver, and simply not making catchable passes, the Rams have passed 23 times and run just 13 times.

Want a single stat from the game to tell the story? The Arizona Cardinals have held the football for 32:00 minutes. The LA Rams offense has held the football just over 14:08 minutes. Of course, the Rams are once again without starting right tackle Rob Havenstein. This makes the fifth time of the season for Havenstein's absence, and the Rams are a disappointing 1-3 when Havenstein is unable to suit up and start.

The Rams have promoted Joe Noteboom in Havenstein's place, but Noteboom is struggling mightily in Week 17. Noteboom has been flagged multiple times for offensive holding, negating several solid plays by the offense.

The LA Rams continue to cling to a one-point lead. But the Arizona Cardinals have scored nine unanswered points in the second half, the only points since halftime. And the Rams offense, even when it is moving the football, has done so with the hold-your-breath passes from Matthew Stafford that should be intercepted by all rights.

The LA Rams are still leading, but barely. And this is a game that should be all about the Rams, and yet it's the Cardinals offense that seems to be more productive in this game. The Cardinals have two receivers flirting with 100 yards. TE Trey McBride has caught 10 of 12 for 99 yards and a touchdown. Rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has hauled in four of seven passes for 82 yards.

The LA Rams have countered with second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua, who has hauled in 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards. The Rams defense has held Rams opponents to 6 points, 9 points, and now have held the Cardinals offense to 9 points with 6:33 to go in the fourth quarter.

At some point, this Rams offense has to do better. But as the Rams fail to convert in the red zone and are forced to kick a second field goal of the game, the outcome is going to depend on this young defense one more time.

With 6:33 to go in Q4

Arizona Cardinals 9
Los Angeles Rams 13

As always, thanks for reading.

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