Reversing Rams' second-half slumps will require tactical change

If you had to put your finger on a reason why the Los Angeles Rams are 1-2, one glaring cause-and-effect relationship is the team's second-half struggles. So far in three first halves, they have outscored opponents by the jaw-dropping score of 31-13.

But as in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, games slip through LA's fingers in the second half by the ridiculously lopsided score of 50-30.

So what gives? Is this team simply feeling residual effects from weeks old jet lag? Or have opponents simply been making better halftime adjustments? While fans may debate the coaching adjustments made or not made, it's impossible to ignore the manner in which game momentum flips at halftime.

Opposing teams play much better. The Rams simply do not.

The coaching staff has two new coordinators. OC Nate Scheelhaase is assisting head coach Sean McVay. And special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone is trying to patch up last season's many leaks. So far, neither the offense nor special teams has been especially effective.

Why didn't the Horns run the football in the second half against Denver? Why did Matthew Stafford pull the trigger on a careless pick-six? Ah, the mysteries of football.

Rams must veer away from relying on Matthew Stafford so heavily

Let's be crystal clear. Stafford earned MVP honors in 2025. But this is a new season, and the team has no business leaning as heavily as it has on Stafford to win games.

Yes, he's thrown for 874 passing yards and six touchdowns in four games. But he is only completing just over 60 percent of his passes. And he's thrown four interceptions in three games, with one being a pick-six. He only threw eight interceptions all last season.

It's not all on Stafford. Without injured receiver Puka Nacua, the girl-dad quarterback is trying to box with one arm tied behind his back. Sadly, Week 3 was a winnable game. But the offense abandoned an effective running game and placed its chips on a less-reliable passing attack.

While running back Blake Corum struggled in Week 3's loss, teammate Kyren Williams averaged nearly 5.9 yards per carry. Unfortunately, he only earned 15 carries, most of them in the first half when the Horns piled up a respectable 16-0 lead.

Stafford remains one of the best at leading fourth-quarter comebacks. At times, though, that is due to the fact that he digs a hole late in games that he must dig the team out of.

As always, thanks for reading.

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