LOS ANGELES — As the Los Angeles Rams’ offense struggles through a challenging phase, their defense has been remarkably effective, managing to keep three consecutive opponents under 10 points for the first time in several decades.
While the Rams (10-6) are on the verge of clinching an NFC West title and a playoff spot due to a solid five-game winning streak, their path to the postseason remains somewhat uncertain.
The approach they’ve taken is unorthodox, but the outcomes are undeniable: After narrowly defeating Arizona 13-9 on Saturday night, Los Angeles has triumphed in nine of their last eleven games. They are closing in on clinching their fourth division crown and sixth playoff appearance in coach Sean McVay’s eight-year tenure.
“I’m proud of this team and how they’ve persevered,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “Many doubted us, especially at 1-4. Looking at our current record, I feel a lot of pride for this group.”
It has been since 1975 that the Rams held three opponents to single-digit scores in successive games, a feat achieved this year under rookie coordinator Chris Shula. The defense has displayed resilience, bolstered by a strong front line and a bit of fortune in the secondary. Notably, a last-minute interception by Ahkello Witherspoon, who snagged a pass deflected off Arizona tight end Trey McBride at the goal line, sealed the victory. Kyler Murray released the ball perhaps before McBride was prepared, due in part to Shula calling a bold zero blitz on the previous play from the five-yard line.
“I want to contribute more to ease their workload, but I’m proud of our defense,” Stafford remarked. “It’s incredible to see how much they’ve improved from training camp to now. Shula is doing an excellent job, and the guys are really putting in the effort for him.”
Despite the positive defensive statistics, the Rams have struggled offensively, scoring over 21 points in just one of the five games during this winning streak, which is their longest since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2021.
In their last three contests, Los Angeles has managed only three touchdowns, falling short of 20 points each time. This run includes games played in challenging conditions, such as rain and subfreezing temperatures against teams like San Francisco and the New York Jets.
Even during an ideal weather scenario against the Cardinals in Inglewood, the Rams’ offense faltered, managing just one touchdown, a season-low 12 first downs, and 257 total yards — 139 less than what Arizona produced. The rushing game faced challenges once again, hampered by injuries to the starting offensive line, and outside of Puka Nacua, the rest of the squad garnered only seven receptions for 60 yards, a surprising outcome for a McVay-led offense.
“I don’t think there’s a singular issue to pinpoint,” McVay said on Sunday. “There are many aspects that need improvement, starting with myself, along with our connectivity in the run game, targeting accurately, and ensuring the ball is distributed correctly. I believe our players can perform as we’ve seen them do before, and if they do so, then our progress may not be as far off as it seems. Ultimately, we need to execute.”
The young defensive front continues to be a significant strength of the team. Jared Verse was particularly impressive against Murray and Arizona’s ground game, while rookies Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner, alongside second-year player Byron Young, each tallied sacks.
However, the Rams again struggled to establish a reliable rushing attack, despite leading the game against Arizona. Kyren Williams received his second-lowest touches of the year, only 13, and was hardly utilized in the second half. Los Angeles averaged 3.9 yards per carry, marking the second-lowest rate in the NFL, a contrast to Williams’ impressive standing as he entered the day ranked third in the league with 1,299 rushing yards.
On a positive note, Witherspoon not only made a critical interception but has also secured a starting cornerback position, having outperformed Cobie Durant, who was healthy but did not play on defense against the Cardinals. McVay attributed this shift to Witherspoon’s performance during Durant’s brief injury.
On the downside, Cooper Kupp managed just one catch against Arizona, with only 12 receptions over the past five games—a stretch equaling the least productive of his eight-year career. Stafford highlighted the necessity of getting their Super Bowl MVP more involved in the game plan, while Kupp insisted he is healthy, yet results are lacking.
Coach McVay believes the Rams managed to avoid significant injuries aside from a stinger sustained by rookie safety Kam Kinchens, but felt the absence of right tackle Rob Havenstein, who injured his shoulder during a non-contact practice. Backup Joe Noteboom struggled significantly, credited with three holding penalties and often beaten by defenders.
A notable statistic is that Stafford has avoided being sacked in four consecutive games, marking the longest stretch of his 16-year career, although he has only mustered one game with over 200 yards passing during this period.
Moving forward, the Rams are preparing for a matchup against the Seahawks (9-7) next Saturday, although the game schedule may adjust by a day. While McVay hasn’t disclosed his game strategy, it appears that if the Rams secure a playoff position, they may choose to rest several key players in anticipation of the postseason.
