Los Angeles 2024 Season Outlook

By: George Lopez

After a disappointing 2022 season, the Los Angeles Rams surprised many in 2023 when they finished the season 10-7 and earned a trip to the NFC Wild Card round. Under Head Coach Sean McVay, the Rams made some key draft picks and free agent signings to help the team get back into Super Bowl contention.

Offense

Quarterback Matthew Stafford leads the Rams offense. Coming off an injury-plagued 2022 season, Stafford returned with a vengeance last season, passing for 3965 yards and 24 touchdowns in 15 games. Having a healthy Stafford will be a focus for the Rams this season. The Rams went through free agency to bring their primary backup quarterback, signing veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. With Garoppolo serving a 2-game suspension to begin the season, Stetson Bennett will serve as Stafford’s backup.

In the offseason, the Rams looked to bolster their offensive line. The team started by resigning offensive guard Kevin Dotson. When inserted into the starting lineup last season, Dotson made an immediate impact with both his pass protection and run blocking. Dotson is expected to begin the season as the starting right guard. In free agency, the Rams made a big move by signing former Detroit Lion Jonah Jackson with the expectation he would play left guard. Jackson’s availability for week 1 is in question as he has dealt with a shoulder injury throughout most of training camp. If Jackson is unable to play, look for Logan Bruss to fill in.

With the signing of Jackson, the Rams were able to move 2nd-year offensive lineman Steve Avila to the center. While at TCU, Avila played most of his games as the center, only moving to guard in his last season. Having played guard for the Rams last season, Avila gives the Rams another option if Jackson is unavailable. Alaric Jackson is listed as the Rams starting left guard, charged with protecting Stafford’s blindside. However, the Rams will be without Jackson to begin the season as he serves a 2-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Joe Noteboom is expected to start the first 2 games as a left tackle for the Rams.

The Rams have added depth to their wide receiver room, carrying 6 receivers on their roster. Leading the way is Cooper Kupp. Due to injuries last season, Kupp was limited to 59 receptions for 737 yards and 5 touchdowns. Entering this season healthy, Kupp is out to the rest of the league he is still a top-level receiver. With his ability to disguise his routes, Kupp should be expected to be a top target for Stafford in the Ram’s passing attack.

In Kupp’s absence, Puca Nacua was able to shine in the Rams’ offense last season. In his rookie year, Nacua set rookie records for both catches and receiving yards all while showing to be a trusted target for Stafford. Having both Kupp and Nacua on the field together will give opposing defenses a lot to think about with their pass coverage. Demarcus Robinson enters the season as the third receiver in the Rams’ multiple-receiver attack. Tutu Atwell provides a deep-threat option for Stafford. Rookie Jordan Whittington had a very impressive training camp and is expected to be in the mix in the Rams’ passing attack. With TE Tyler Higbee recovering from surgery to repair both a torn ACL and MCL suffered in the wild card game, Colby Parkinson enters the season as the starting TE. Hunter Long and Davis Allen join Parkinson as tight ends on the Rams’ 53-man roster.

The Rams rushing attack will be a key to the team’s success this season as running back Kyren Williams looks to build on the 2023 season that saw him lead the league in rushing yards per game. Williams averaged 22 touches per game last season and the Rams will look to bring that number down to preserve Williams for a deep playoff run. In the draft, the Rams selected running back Blake Corum to serve as the #2 running back this season. Corum’s running style allows the Rams to use him in short-yardage situations as well as on the goal line. Ronnie Rivers enters the season as the 3rd running back for the Rams.

Defense

On the defensive side of the ball, all eyes will be on new defensive coordinator Chris Shula as he takes over for Raheem Morris. Shula coached under Morris last season. The defensive schemes should remain the same for the most part, with Shula adding in his wrinkles. The Rams find themselves in a situation the team hasn’t had to address in 10 years…playing without Aaron Donald. With Donald’s retirement, the Rams looked to the draft to add a defensive lineman, selecting Braden Fiske from Florida St. Fiske enters the season listed as a starting on the defensive line. Joining Fiske on the defensive line are Bobby Brown III and Kobie Turner, who looks to build off a tremendous 2023 season. Fiske, Turner, and Brown will look to close inside running lanes as well as provide an interior pass rush.

Last season, the Rams selected edge rusher Byron Young to help pressure opposing quarterbacks. Young responded by registering 8 quarterback sacks in his rookie season. To compliment Young, the Rams selected Jared Verse in this year’s draft to help bring pressure from the other side of the Ram’s defense. Young and Verse will be tasked with maintaining outside containment to prevent quarterbacks from escaping as well as forcing running backs inside.

The biggest surprise to Ram fans was the team trading starting inside linebacker Ernest Jones on final cutdown day. Jones had been coming into his own as a middle linebacker for the Rams the past couple of seasons. With Jones being traded, Omar Speights is listed as the starting inside linebacker on the initial depth chart alongside Christian Rozeboom. Look for Troy Reeder to see considerable playing time for the Rams this season.

In the secondary, the Rams signed 2 key free agents in strong safety Kamren Curl and cornerback Tre’Davious White. When healthy, White is one of the top cornerbacks in the league while Curl will bring a toughness to the safety position. Darious Williams returns to the Rams after playing for Jacksonville last season and enters the season listed as a starting cornerback playing opposite White. John Johnson III resigned with the Rams and is listed as the starting free safety. In the Rams nickel coverage, Quentin Lake emerges as the primary nickel back. Look for Cobie Durant, Kamren Kinchens, and Russ Yeast to see playing time in the Rams secondary.

Conclusion

The Rams enter the 2024 season with expectations of competing for another Superbowl appearance. As with all teams, health will be a key to the Rams success this season. With the additions the team has made both in free agency and through the draft, the Rams have strengthened the team and should make a deep run in the NFC playoffs. Look for the Rams to finish the season 12-5 and compete with the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC West Division championship.