Key Concerns Following the Rams’ Alarming Loss
The Los Angeles Rams have had a turbulent 2023 season, with moments of promise followed by setbacks that have left many questioning the team’s consistency and ability to compete at a high level. After an impressive stretch of winning four out of five games, the Rams found themselves in a tough spot after a crushing 37-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12. This defeat marked a significant setback, as it not only ended a potential momentum swing but also dropped the Rams to a disappointing 5-6 record, far from the playoff picture in the competitive NFC West. What makes this loss particularly alarming is the manner in which the Rams were beaten—comprehensively outplayed and outgained by an Eagles team that capitalized on their every mistake.
To understand what’s wrong with the Rams, it’s important to analyze the various facets of the team’s performance during this loss, and how they’ve been struggling all season. The Eagles, one of the NFC’s top teams, exposed weaknesses in nearly every area of the Rams’ game, from offense to defense, and the lopsided nature of the game raises serious concerns about whether the team can regain its form in time to salvage its season.
One of the most disheartening aspects of the loss to the Eagles was the complete inability of the Rams to slow down Philadelphia’s offensive attack. The Eagles’ running back, Saquon Barkley, had a career day, with his performance alone outgaining the entire Rams offense. Before their final garbage-time touchdown, the Rams had only mustered 14 points and 222 total yards of offense—a truly lackluster output against a team that they had hoped to keep pace with in the NFC playoff race. Barkley’s performance was a clear indicator that the Rams’ defense had no answer for his combination of power, speed, and vision, and their inability to stop the run or contain Barkley was emblematic of their broader defensive struggles.
Offensively, the Rams were similarly ineffective. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been a solid presence for the team, couldn’t get anything going against a tough Eagles defense. Stafford managed just 243 passing yards in the game, failing to reach the type of explosive numbers he had been posting earlier in the season. The Rams’ offense, once considered their strength, appeared disjointed and stagnant throughout much of the contest. The team’s inability to execute on critical drives, paired with turnovers and missed opportunities, made it impossible for them to mount a serious challenge against Philadelphia. This type of offensive inconsistency is alarming, especially when the Rams have relied on Stafford’s arm and their passing game to stay competitive this season.
Adding to the woes was the Rams’ lackluster performance in key situations, including third downs, red zone efficiency, and time of possession. They simply couldn’t sustain drives or capitalize on opportunities, which is a recipe for failure against any team, let alone one of the NFL’s elite. The defense, although not perfect, wasn’t the sole culprit in this loss; the offense played just as much of a role in the lopsided scoreline. And while it’s easy to point fingers at individual mistakes, this loss reflects deeper, systemic issues that have been present throughout the season.
Looking at the overall trajectory of the Rams’ 2023 campaign, this defeat to the Eagles encapsulates the inconsistency that has defined their season. After an optimistic stretch where they seemed poised to make a playoff push, they now find themselves at a critical juncture, with the need to find their rhythm in order to stay in the race for the postseason. Their 5-6 record places them on the edge of contention, as they slip further down in the power rankings, now averaging a disappointing 19.2 ranking as they head into Week 13. This is a stark contrast to the optimism that existed earlier in the season, and it highlights the gulf between the Rams and the top-tier teams in the NFC.
As the Rams look to bounce back from this crushing loss, they’ll need to address several areas of concern if they hope to stay in the playoff hunt. The first of these concerns is their defense, which has been inconsistent at best. While the Rams have talent on that side of the ball, including standout players like Aaron Donald, they have struggled to stop the run and have given up big plays in key moments. Their inability to contain Saquon Barkley in the loss to the Eagles was just one example of a broader issue with run defense that has plagued them throughout the season. If the Rams are to have any chance at competing for a playoff spot, they must shore up their defensive line and figure out how to stop elite running backs from taking over games.
Offensively, the Rams must get back to what they do best—moving the ball through the air. Stafford’s performance against the Eagles was a significant step back from the previous weeks, where he had been throwing for high yardage and keeping the offense humming. The Rams need to re-establish their passing game, utilizing their playmakers like Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson, and get Stafford back to his early-season form. Consistency in the passing game will be crucial in their ability to win close games and keep pace with high-scoring offenses like the ones they’ll face in the coming weeks.
Another area where the Rams must improve is their overall depth and execution in key moments. Whether it’s converting third downs, making red zone stops, or executing in the two-minute drill, the Rams have struggled to perform when the game is on the line. These small moments have added up over the course of the season, and they were evident in the loss to the Eagles. If the Rams want to remain competitive, they will need to iron out these execution issues and play with greater discipline and focus in the latter stages of games.
Looking ahead, the Rams will need to recover quickly and rebound from this loss if they want to stay in contention for a playoff spot. They face the New Orleans Saints in Week 13, a team that has struggled this season but is still dangerous. The Saints’ record may not be impressive, sitting at 4-7, but they have been competitive in recent weeks, winning two straight games and posting a high-scoring performance in their Week 12 win over the Cleveland Browns. The Rams will need to be prepared for a tough game, and while the Saints may not be as formidable as the Eagles, they are a team capable of exploiting weaknesses if the Rams don’t come out with a sense of urgency.
For the Rams to get back to .500, they must put the Eagles loss behind them and refocus on the task at hand. A win against the Saints is crucial, as they cannot afford to fall further behind in the NFC playoff race. With the Buffalo Bills looming on the schedule, the Rams will need to capitalize on winnable games like this one before facing another high-caliber opponent. The Rams’ offense, led by Stafford, will need to regain its form, and the defense will need to make adjustments to avoid being run over again.
The loss to the Eagles was a reality check for the Rams, highlighting just how far they still have to go to compete with the league’s elite teams. However, it also serves as a reminder that the NFL season is long, and one loss, however painful, does not define a team. The Rams have the talent to rebound from this setback, but it will require a collective effort from both the offense and defense, along with better execution in critical moments. If they can find that balance, they may still be able to salvage their season and make a run at the playoffs. But it all starts with bouncing back in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints, a game that will be crucial in determining the Rams’ postseason hopes.
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