The 2024 Los Angeles Rams entered the season with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. After a couple of down years following their Super Bowl victory in 2021, the Rams were hoping to return to playoff contention, though their roster still had some rebuilding to do. With key veterans aging, younger players emerging, and a few significant changes, the 2024 season presented both challenges and opportunities for the Rams. Here’s a look at how the season unfolded:
Key Highlights:
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Regular Season Record:
- The Rams finished the regular season with a 9-8 record, improving from their previous two seasons of struggle (5-12 in both 2022 and 2023). While they didn’t make the playoffs, the team showed signs of progress, particularly in certain areas of the roster.
- They finished third in the NFC West, with both the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks ahead of them in the division.
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Quarterback Play:
- Matthew Stafford (QB) remained the Rams’ starting quarterback in 2024. After an injury-riddled 2022 and inconsistent 2023 season, Stafford showed signs of his former Pro Bowl self, playing much of the season at a high level.
- Stafford threw for over 4,000 yards with 30+ touchdowns and 12-15 interceptions, showing he could still lead the offense despite the Rams’ challenges.
- The Rams kept a more conservative approach, focusing on the running game and quick passes to complement Stafford’s arm and experience.
- Backup quarterbacks Brett Rypien and Stetson Bennett were occasionally called into action, though Stafford stayed healthy enough to start the majority of games.
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Emerging Young Talent:
- Puka Nacua (WR) continued to build on his strong rookie season from 2023. The rookie receiver quickly became one of Stafford’s favorite targets, finishing the year with over 1,200 receiving yards and 7-10 touchdowns, solidifying himself as a future star.
- Tutu Atwell (WR) also had a breakout season, contributing as a deep threat and finishing with over 900 receiving yards. His speed and ability to stretch the field gave the Rams’ offense an added dimension.
- Kyren Williams (RB), the Rams’ lead back, emerged as a versatile weapon. After splitting time in previous years, he took over as the featured running back and rushed for 1,100+ yards and 8 touchdowns, while also contributing in the passing game.
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Injuries:
- Injuries continued to be a concern for the Rams, particularly with Cooper Kupp (WR), who was sidelined again for a portion of the season with minor injuries. However, Kupp was still productive when healthy and finished the season with over 900 yards and 6 touchdowns.
- Aaron Donald (DT) missed a few games but remained a force when on the field, finishing the year with 10 sacks and a number of pressures.
- Matt Gay (K) and Johnny Hekker (P), both veteran specialists, continued to perform at a high level, with Gay hitting clutch kicks and Hekker handling punting duties with consistency.
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Defense:
- The Rams’ defense showed improvement in 2024, particularly in pass defense, led by Jalen Ramsey’s replacement Derion Kendrick (CB), who stepped up as a reliable cornerback opposite David Long Jr. The secondary, though young, became more reliable as the season progressed.
- Aaron Donald remained the anchor of the defensive line, despite his occasional absences. The Rams also saw growth from Bobby Wagner (ILB), who continued to lead the linebacking corps and contributed with timely tackles and leadership.
- The Rams finished in the top 10 in overall defense, with improvements against both the pass and run. However, inconsistency in stopping the run and giving up big plays occasionally kept them from being elite.
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Coaching:
- Sean McVay remained at the helm, but in 2024, he had to make adjustments as the team moved through a rebuilding phase. McVay showed a willingness to adapt, focusing on a balanced offense, improving the running game, and giving more opportunities to younger players.
- McVay’s offensive scheme also looked to be less reliant on the deep pass and more on quick, short-yardage throws and ball control, helping mitigate the inconsistent offensive line play.
- The Rams seemed to be in a “bridge” year, with McVay focusing on development and building a foundation for future success.
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Special Teams:
- Matt Gay remained a standout in the kicking game, hitting several long-range field goals and providing stability. He continued to be one of the most reliable kickers in the league.
- Johnny Hekker, a longtime Rams punter, had another solid season, helping to keep the defense in favorable positions with his precision punts.
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Playoff Picture:
- Despite the improvement in their record, the Rams fell short of the playoffs. The NFC was highly competitive, especially in the NFC West and the wild-card race. They were in contention for a playoff spot until the final weeks, but ultimately, the lack of depth and offensive inconsistency prevented them from securing a spot.
- The Rams showed they could compete, but still lacked the overall talent and depth to be considered Super Bowl contenders in 2024.
Notable Players:
- Matthew Stafford (QB) – Showed his veteran leadership and returned to form, throwing for over 4,000 yards.
- Puka Nacua (WR) – Had a breakout sophomore season, becoming a top receiving threat.
- Kyren Williams (RB) – Took over as the lead back and contributed significantly in both the run and pass game.
- Aaron Donald (DT) – Remained the dominant force on the defensive line.
- Derion Kendrick (CB) – Stepped up as a reliable cornerback in the secondary.
- Bobby Wagner (ILB) – Continued to be a leader in the middle of the defense.
The 2024 Los Angeles Rams were a team in transition. While they didn’t make the playoffs, they showed promising growth, particularly from younger players like Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and Derion Kendrick. The team’s offensive play became more balanced, and Matthew Stafford remained capable of leading the offense despite injuries. The defense, led by Aaron Donald and Bobby Wagner, was solid but not elite. The Rams still had a long way to go in their rebuilding process, but the foundation for future success was beginning to take shape, and McVay had reason to be optimistic for the future. With more cap flexibility and the development of young talent, the 2025 season could see the Rams push for a playoff spot once again.
