The 2022 Los Angeles Rams experienced a dramatic fall from their Super Bowl LVI triumph in 2021. After winning it all the previous year, they entered 2022 with high expectations but were plagued by injuries and inconsistencies, ultimately missing the playoffs. Here’s a breakdown of their challenging 2022 season:
Key Highlights:
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Regular Season Record:
- The Rams finished the 2022 season with a 5-12 record, marking a sharp decline from their Super Bowl-winning season. They finished last in the competitive NFC West.
- Injuries and lackluster performances plagued the team all year, and they were officially eliminated from playoff contention early in the season.
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Injuries and Key Absences:
- The Rams’ season was heavily impacted by injuries to key players. Matthew Stafford (QB) missed the final six games of the season due to a neck injury. He had been playing through injury for much of the year and had a lackluster performance, throwing 10 touchdowns and 8 interceptions before being sidelined.
- Cooper Kupp, the Super Bowl MVP and one of the league’s best receivers, also went down with an ankle injury in Week 10, and was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
- Aaron Donald (DT), the centerpiece of the Rams’ defense, also battled injuries, missing several games and not being as dominant as usual.
- Allen Robinson II, the high-profile free-agent acquisition at wide receiver, struggled to make an impact and was not the game-changer the Rams had hoped for.
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Offensive Struggles:
- The Rams’ offense was a shadow of its former self. The loss of Cooper Kupp left a huge void in the receiving game, and Matthew Stafford’s struggles compounded the issue. The offensive line, which had been an issue in 2021, remained a problem in 2022, allowing frequent pressure on Stafford and backups like John Wolford and Bryce Perkins.
- The running game was inconsistent. Cam Akers, after a tumultuous 2021 season, started slow but showed some signs of life in the latter half of the season, finishing with 786 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns.
- The offense ranked 28th in total yards and 26th in points per game, with their struggles on both the ground and through the air.
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Defense:
- The defense, though still anchored by Aaron Donald, also faced challenges. While they remained a top defensive unit in some categories, the lack of consistent pressure from Donald, due to injuries and double-teams, impacted the overall defense.
- Jalen Ramsey, though still one of the top cornerbacks in the league, didn’t have as dominant a season as he had in previous years, and the defense was less effective at containing high-powered offenses.
- The Rams finished the season 17th in total defense, which was a significant drop from their elite level in 2021.
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Special Teams:
- Matt Gay, the Rams’ kicker, had a solid year and was reliable in the kicking game. The special teams, overall, didn’t have many issues but couldn’t provide enough of a boost to compensate for the team’s struggles on offense and defense.
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Coaching:
- Sean McVay faced significant challenges as a head coach in 2022. After winning the Super Bowl, McVay was expected to continue his success, but the Rams’ inability to stay healthy and the lack of production from key players led to an underwhelming season.
- McVay faced questions about his future, and there were reports that he considered stepping away from coaching, but he ultimately stayed with the Rams for the 2023 season.
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Notable Players:
- Matthew Stafford (QB) – Injuries impacted his play, and the offense as a whole struggled.
- Cooper Kupp (WR) – An injury to Kupp derailed the Rams’ passing game, leaving them without their most reliable offensive weapon.
- Aaron Donald (DT) – Was still impactful at times but didn’t have the dominant presence of previous years due to injury and defensive struggles.
- Cam Akers (RB) – Showed signs of life after a tough 2021, but his performance couldn’t carry the offense.
- Jalen Ramsey (CB) – Played solidly, but he couldn’t cover up the deficiencies in the defense.
- Allen Robinson II (WR) – Failed to live up to expectations, struggling to mesh with the offense and Stafford.
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Playoff Picture:
- The Rams were officially eliminated from playoff contention by Week 15, and their season ended with an unceremonious 5-12 record, which was the worst they’d had since 2016. Their defense was not enough to make up for the deficiencies on offense, and the injuries were simply too much to overcome.
The 2022 Los Angeles Rams were a far cry from the Super Bowl champions they were the year before. Injuries to key players like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, along with inconsistent play on offense and defense, caused them to underperform and miss the playoffs. The Rams’ decision to go “all-in” in 2021, particularly through acquiring high-priced talent, caught up with them in 2022 as they faced a lack of depth and roster issues. Moving forward, the Rams will need to focus on rebuilding their roster, addressing depth concerns, and managing the aging core of players like Donald and Stafford to remain competitive in the NFC.
