Rams' Struggles: Stafford & Donald's Impact on Season

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Rams’ 2-4 Start Exposes Deep Problems Across an Aging Roster

The Rams are sitting at 2-4, and their latest loss to the Cardinals has raised serious concerns. Previous defeats came with possible explanations, including the flight to Australia before the 49ers game, a difficult road matchup and tough pass interference call against the Broncos, and a missed kick against the Bills. There was no such excuse for the Cardinals loss.

The problems appear to extend across both sides of the ball, but the offense has been particularly surprising. A unit led by Sean McVeigh, Matthew Stafford, Devonte Adams and Pukunakura has performed poorly, both against the Cardinals and throughout the season.

Stafford’s decline has also become a concern. During the preseason and training camp, there were questions about whether he might retire. After becoming the league’s most valuable player, it may not have been realistic to expect him to duplicate that performance, but the size of the drop-off has still been unexpected.

Age is another issue throughout the roster. Devonte Adams is not the player he was a few years ago, while Tyler Higbie and several others are also getting older. The Rams are not as young as they initially appeared to be.

The defense has faced its own problems. Aaron Donald came out of retirement hoping to play alongside Miles Garrett, but the pair has not yet taken the field together because Garrett has been injured. Garrett could return next week, offering the first chance to see what that tandem can do.

Donald, however, has not looked like his former self after two years in retirement. His back has not been right, and he has already missed multiple games. He returned with the goal of winning another championship, particularly with the Super Bowl at Soi Stadium, but the Rams’ 2-4 start has made that decision look questionable so far.

This was an all-in roster built to win a championship this season. With an older group and major issues on both sides of the ball, the Rams must find answers quickly.