The Los Angeles Rams are 1-2 after blowing a 16-0 halftime lead in a 30-26 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football. The Rams controlled much of the first half before Denver rallied behind Bo Nix in the second half. Matthew Stafford threw two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, while costly penalties and special teams mistakes continued to haunt Los Angeles. The Broncos eventually took the lead on a late Nix touchdown run, leaving the Rams with another frustrating loss.
Through three weeks, there are four important reflections on where this Rams team currently stands.
1. Injury Concern: Rams are great, but not elite without their stars
There is no question that the Rams have enough talent to compete with anyone when their roster is healthy. The problem is that the margin for error becomes significantly smaller when their stars are unavailable.
Puka Nacua missed his second consecutive game against Denver because of a hip/groin injury, while Myles Garrett remains on injured reserve following knee surgery. Garrett is guaranteed to miss at least four games, while Nacua was considered doubtful entering Sunday’s game.
The injuries don’t stop with the stars. Colby Parkinson has been dealing with a knee injury, Terrance Ferguson has been battling an ankle issue, and Kamren Kinchens missed Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Jaylen Watson also joined the injury list after Sunday’s loss.
Those players may not carry the same star power as Nacua or Garrett, but they are important complimentary pieces. The Rams can overcome one or two absences. As the list grows, however, the team’s margin for error shrinks.
2. Delay of Games & Penalties
Yes, Bill Vinovich was a thorn to the Rams in this one. But the Rams also had a self-inflicted penalties. The Rams had two delay of games penalties that stalled the offense on more than one occasion.
The Rams had almost as many penalties in Week 3 as they did combined in Weeks 1 & 2.
3. Run more, Pass less
Sean McVay has developed a reputation for occasionally getting away from the running game, and Week 3 was another example.
The Rams attempted 55 passes against Denver, while their running backs received considerably fewer opportunities. That approach is particularly questionable against a Broncos defense that has established itself as one of the league’s more difficult units to attack through the air.
The Rams don’t need to abandon the passing game. Matthew Stafford is still the quarterback who gives this offense its highest ceiling. But there needs to be greater balance.
Stafford’s two interceptions ultimately proved costly, including a pick-six that helped Denver erase Los Angeles’ early advantage. When playing a strong defense on the road, consistently putting the ball in the quarterback’s hands 55 times creates unnecessary opportunities for mistakes.
The Rams need to lean on Kyren Williams and Blake Corum more consistently. Establish the run, stay ahead of the chains and force opposing defenses to respect the entire offense.
4. Special Teams: New Story, Same Result
The Rams continue to find ways to hurt themselves on special teams.
Against Denver, Emmanuel Forbes was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on special teams. It was another avoidable mistake that contributed to the larger problem: the Rams cannot continue giving opponents free yardage and additional opportunities.
This isn’t necessarily about one player. It’s about a recurring problem.
The Rams have enough talent to overcome an occasional mistake. But when penalties, turnovers and special teams miscues pile up in the same game, the margin disappears.
And that is ultimately what makes the 1-2 start so frustrating.
The Rams have shown enough through three weeks to believe they are capable of being a very good football team. But being very good isn’t enough if they can’t stay healthy, protect the football, establish the run and eliminate self-inflicted mistakes.
At 1-2, the Rams don’t need to panic.
They do, however, need to dig themselves out.
