With a thumb injury, Matthew Stafford is not throwing the ball well. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, his top two targets, are battling a build-up of injuries following a demanding NFL season.
However, the Los Angeles Rams (5-6) appear to be a viable playoff contender and a dangerous offense when Kyren Williams is playing at a high level.
In a 37-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Williams amassed 204 total yards through receiving two of Stafford’s four touchdown passes in addition to rushing for 143 yards.
Midway through his second season, the St. Louis native and second-year pro has improved his game tremendously, giving head coach Sean McVay options for his offense that he hasn’t had since Todd Gurley’s prime. McVay’s playbook gets bigger with a running back who can constantly break through tackles, gain extra yards, and pose a threat as a receiver.
“He´s a really good football player, and he´s one of those guys, he loves competing,” McVay said of Williams. “And when you´ve got that natural zest and enjoyment for going out there and playing the game and you´re really productive, he´s doing a great job.”
Williams, who sprained his ankle last month, continued to be the Rams’ offensive engine, starting exactly where he left off. But he had plenty of assistance: Stafford skillfully executed McVay’s beautiful game against Arizona, constantly stumping the defense with deception and astute reads.
Nowadays, facing the Cardinals boosts the spirits of almost any team, but the Rams have extra cause for celebration after their first two-game winning streak of the year.
With six games remaining on a somewhat favorable schedule, Los Angeles is just one game out of a wild-card playoff spot, despite a significant offseason talent exodus.
The Rams have a legitimate chance to contend down the stretch for their fifth postseason appearance in seven seasons under McVay as long as they have Stafford and a healthy Williams behind their much-improved offensive line – an accomplishment that seemed extremely unlikely just a few weeks ago.
Regarding the Rams’ 3-6 start, which included a three-game losing streak prior to the bye, Stafford said, “The first nine games of the season didn’t go the way we wanted it to go.”
“We had some chances there to have a better record than we do,” he added. “We didn´t make those plays. We didn´t finish those games. I think last week was a true testament to the grit and fight this team has. We found a way to win a game without playing our best football. A bunch of guys banged up, but found a way to get it done. I got a little healthier this week. Played a little bit better, a little bit cleaner football, and I have to continue to get better.”
WHAT IS EFFECTIVE?
Before garbage time, the Rams’ defense limited the Cardinals to just 151 total yards, demonstrating their continued superiority. Safety Jordan Fuller (four pass breakups), rookie nose tackle Kobie Turner (two of the Rams’ four sacks), and Ahkello Witherspoon (three pass breakups) were among the standouts this weekend.
WHAT REQUIRES ASSISTANCE?
Even before he tweaked his injured ankle on the first drive, Kupp was obviously not quite well. For the first time in his seven-year career, the MVP of Super Bowl 56 has failed to gain more than 50 yards receiving in five straight games. He intends to persevere despite the setbacks because he is still an essential part of the Rams offense.
AVAILABLE STOCK
tense conclusion After agreeing to a contract extension, Tyler Higbee has had a quiet season, but he produced two touchdowns and five receptions for 29 yards. The eight-year veteran was a strong blocker and caught every ball that Stafford threw his way. Additionally, rookie tight end Davis Allen made an impressive first-ever NFL reception by snagging a low pass for a crucial first down.
LOW STOCK
Lucas Havrisik missed an extra point and a 50-yard field goal attempt, endangering his job security. Since replacing Brett Maher towards the end of last month, he is 2 for 4 on field goals longer than 40 yards. Additionally, the Rams’ special teams were duped by a fake punt and made an extra-point attempt.
INJURED
Despite missing games due to a hamstring injury, Quentin Lake, a crucial slot defender in recent weeks, is not on injured reserve. In his absence, Cobie Durant and Tre Tomlinson played larger roles.
ESSENTIAL NUMBER
Stafford’s passer rating against the Cardinals was 121.1, which was a season high. The 15-year veteran is still performing well as December approaches despite his injured thumb, and he hasn’t been fired since Week 1.
NEXT ACTIONS
Starting with Sunday’s visit from the quarterback-deficient Cleveland Browns, four of the Rams’ remaining six games appear overwhelmingly winnable. Three weeks ago, a winning record seemed improbable for LA, but their last two games are stoking hope.