When it comes to surprises, life certainly has an abundance of them. The Los Angeles Rams are one of them, headed to the NFL postseason as a wildcard, which no one saw coming. This element of surprise within the city of Angels was clearly unexpected coming into the 2023 season for the Los Angeles Rams.
After a disappointing 2022 campaign which saw the Rams go 5-12 last year, many people including me never thought the Rams could bounce back with such force within a short amount of time. There were talks after their Superbowl Championship in 2021 that current coach Sean McVay would leave the team and head to the broadcasting booth, which didn’t happen. There clearly was a mixture of Superbowl hangover along with inconsistent play and the injury factor during the 2022 season in L.A.
Coming into the 2023 season, the Rams were not only doubted within the division to make any noise, but many around the league never thought the rejuvenated Rams would be a threat. Consider what they’ve accomplished under Sean McVay and the restructuring of the coaching staff and players. The Rams not only had over $75 million in dead money this year, but they also at one point and time had 19 rookies on their active roster, making them one of the youngest teams in the league.
One of the biggest steals in the draft came to the Rams in the 5th round with the 177th pick, as they drafted rookie sensation Puka Nacua. Talk about great timing and value, Nacua is not only slated to win offensive rookie of the year but let’s look at his numbers. Puka has 101 receptions, 5 TDs, and 1,445 receiving yards as a rookie in 16 games played. This acquisition has proven even more vital since the injury bug has hit star WR Cooper Kupp at various times this year, as Cupp has missed four games during this season.
Sean McVay also brought in some additional offensive personnel to assist with the Rams facelift, and it’s produced great results. McVay added Mike LaFleur, (who came up under the guidance of Kyle Shanahan), TE Coach Nick Caley, and Ryan Wendell (who came up under the guidance of Brian Daboll). These moves and acquisitions are a major reason the Rams are relevant again. Let’s also give
some credit to General Manager Les Snead, who’s been a heavy influence in the draft and acquisition of talent.
McVay has an all-time coaching record of 69-45, winning 60% of his games as a head coach. He’s the ultimate player’s coach who understands personnel and how to handle in-game adjustments.
I’d be remised to not recognize the great play of Matthew Stafford, who’s stayed relatively healthy and posted some impressive numbers this year. Stafford still throws one of the best deep balls in the league, and he’s thrown for 3,965 yds, 24 TD’s, 11 picks, and a QBR rating of 64.0. His ability to see the field and adjust on the fly along with his veteran leadership has produced outstanding results in Los Angeles.
Come postseason I don’t think anyone in the NFC wants to see the Rams, who match up well with the Niners and are still a dangerous team despite all the changes they’ve endured over the last few years. One thing we all know is that McVay still has all the right elements as a coach, motivator, and communicator when it comes to players and player development. Based on what we’re seeing thus far, I believe the Rams are back and will be a force in the NFC West for years to come.