When the Los Angeles Rams surged to an 9-2 start and climbed to No. 1 on Tom Brady’s NFL power rankings, it felt like everything was clicking. The offense was humming, the defense was stifling, and the Rams looked every bit the juggernaut fans hoped they'd be.
Fast forward a few weeks, and at 11-4, that early-season dominance feels a little more distant. The Rams are still a playoff team, no question-but they’re no longer invincible.
And the cracks are starting to show.
Let’s start with the defense, which was once the backbone of this team. Earlier in the season, they were flying around the field, locking down receivers and getting off the field on third downs.
But lately? That same unit has looked vulnerable.
The loss of defensive back Quentin Lake has been felt more than fans might have expected. Without his presence in the secondary, communication has slipped, and opposing quarterbacks are finding more room to operate.
It’s not that the Rams have become a bad defense overnight-but they’ve gone from elite to average, and in the NFL, that’s a big drop.
Injuries have also started to pile up on the offensive side of the ball. The loss of starting right guard Kevin Dotson is a big blow, especially when you pair it with the absence of right tackle Rob Havenstein.
That’s two key pieces of the offensive line, and their absence was noticeable in recent games. The run game hasn’t had the same push, and quarterback protection has been spotty.
Add in the fact that Davante Adams missed a critical game with a hamstring issue and tight end Tyler Higbee is on injured reserve, and you’re looking at a unit that’s suddenly short on firepower.
This is where the Rams find themselves: still dangerous, still talented, but clearly worn down. And now the question becomes whether they peaked too early.
It’s a fair concern. The Rams were playing their best football in November, but December has been a different story.
That doesn’t mean the season is lost-not even close-but it does mean the team needs to shift gears. Rest, recovery, and recalibration are the priorities right now.
With two games left in the regular season, the Rams are expected to take a cautious approach. The Week 18 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals looks like a prime opportunity to rest starters, and that’s been a trend for this team in recent years.
If history holds, expect head coach Sean McVay to prioritize health over seeding. And honestly, that’s the right call.
This team isn’t chasing a No. 1 seed-they’re chasing playoff readiness.
The Rams are hoping to get Dotson, Adams, and Lake back in time for the postseason. And if they do?
This team becomes a different animal. Dotson brings stability and toughness to the offensive line.
Adams is still one of the best receivers in football when healthy. And Lake’s return would help shore up a secondary that’s looked shaky in his absence.
As for the coaching staff, the Rams have already made a few tweaks. Special teams have been handed over to Ben Kotwica, while Chris Shula continues to lead the defense. No major shakeups, just subtle adjustments aimed at keeping things steady heading into the playoffs.
Let’s be clear: the Rams aren’t out of the hunt. Far from it.
This team has been here before. Remember, they weren’t the No. 1 seed when they won Super Bowl LVI.
They know how to navigate the postseason grind. The key now is to get healthy, get focused, and get back to playing the kind of football that had them atop the league just a few weeks ago.
The Rams may have stumbled, but they haven’t fallen. And if they can regroup in time, they’ll be a team nobody wants to face in January.