LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams recognized the importance of securing wins against lesser opponents to prepare for the more challenging matchups as the regular season progresses. Last week, they stumbled against the struggling Miami Dolphins, but they managed to find their footing on Sunday with a decisive victory over the three-win New England Patriots.
Coach Sean McVay perceives both the team’s struggles and moments of success as necessary steps toward development as he works to transform one of the NFL’s youngest rosters into a competitive squad. Following a rocky start to the season at 1-4, the Rams (5-5) have made a commendable comeback, going 4-1 recently and staying in the playoff race.
“I’ve been pleased with our group’s ability to get themselves back into the fight,” McVay expressed in a recent statement. “Winning four out of five games shows distinct and varying methods of success, but there’s a learning curve involved in finishing games, and our young players are embracing these lessons, aided by the guidance from our veteran athletes.”
Among those veterans, Matthew Stafford stands out, demonstrating impressive performance in his 16th NFL season. He accomplished four touchdown passes against the Patriots, bringing his total to ten touchdowns in the last four weeks since the return of teammates Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua from injury.
“You have to string wins together,” Stafford noted. “It’s about building momentum from positive plays and improving on the areas that need work.” He completed 18 of 27 passes for 295 yards without any interceptions, which marked the end of an unusual six-game streak of interceptions. His presence significantly contributed to the Rams’ efficiency in the red zone, as they scored on three out of four attempts after failing to do so in their prior game against Miami.
With Stafford leading alongside Nacua, Kupp, and running back Kyren Williams, all supported by a solid offensive line, the Rams are performing well, though there is still room for growth. McVay aims for continued improvement in the upcoming weeks as they approach the postseason.
On the defensive front, the Rams’ young defensive line is showing remarkable progress. Rookie tackle Braden Fiske achieved two sacks for the second time in three games, while nose tackle Kobie Turner made seven tackles and recovered a fumble. Despite some penalty issues, McVay praises their growth, stating, “I’ve seen steady improvement as they’ve gained experience. They’re enjoyable to work with, highly coachable, and they thrive on competition.”
However, the overall defensive performance took a step back, yielding 382 yards — significantly over New England’s average — and allowed 22 points against one of the league’s weaker offenses. The inability to stop six third-down conversions highlighted the issues. Los Angeles did manage to secure two turnovers, including a crucial interception by Kam Kinchens that sealed the win with 1:47 remaining.
On the rise, rookie center Beaux Limmer has been filling in for the injured Jonah Jackson and continues to prove himself, even after Jackson’s return. McVay shared, “He’s improved through his opportunities during Jackson’s absence. He reads the game well and shows stability in key areas, which is essential for our protection.”
In contrast, rookie Joshua Karty faces pressure after missing a short 26-yard field-goal attempt, making him the player with the shortest miss this season. This marks his third missed field goal in five weeks and a missed extra point. His performance may be putting his position at risk, especially after McVay opted to punt rather than attempt a long field goal in the game’s final stages.
As for injuries, McVay mentioned the potential return of right tackle Rob Havenstein from an ankle sprain that has sidelined him for two games, noting, “He’s trending in the right direction.”
A significant statistic to note is that Stafford has not taken a sack in the last three wins combined, a marked difference after suffering ten sacks in the previous three losses.
Looking ahead, the Rams will face Philadelphia, a team on a six-game winning streak, posing a tough challenge. To reach their goals in January, the Rams will need to defeat some formidable opponents in the weeks to come.