(Los Angeles, December 26, 2023) —
The Los Angeles Rams, despite securing a playoff berth, will play their starters in Week 18 against Arizona after a lackluster performance against the Atlanta Falcons, signaling a need for improvement before the postseason begins.
- The Rams (11-5) will enter the playoffs as a 5th or 6th seed in the National Conference.
- Head coach Sean McVay has announced starters will play in the final regular season game against Arizona.
- Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense struggled against the Falcons, with Stafford throwing three interceptions.
- The Rams’ special teams unit provided a rare bright spot, with Jared Verse returning a blocked kick for a touchdown – the first such score by a franchise player in 640 games.
The Rams will need to elevate their play after a disappointing showing against the Falcons on Monday, according to head coach Sean McVay. “We need to play. We need to play better American football,” McVay said, emphasizing the need for improvement before the start of the playoffs. “We have to play better.”
Stafford and the Offense Struggle
Los Angeles, currently 11-5, will enter the wild card round as either the 5th or 6th seed in the National Conference, with their opponent yet to be determined. However, the team’s performance against Atlanta raised concerns. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was intercepted three times, including a pick-six, during the game, according to reports. Stafford acknowledged his own shortcomings, stating, “Obviously I didn’t execute well enough. There was nothing special they (the Falcons) did, to be honest… We just didn’t execute well.”
Defensive Challenges and a Special Teams Highlight
The Rams’ struggles weren’t limited to the offense. The defense allowed 195 rushing yards to Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Despite a second-half rally, the Rams were unable to fully overcome their earlier mistakes.
Ironically, the most positive aspect of the Rams’ game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was their special teams play. Jared Verse blocked a kick and returned it for a touchdown, a feat no Rams player had accomplished since LeRoy Irvin in 1986 – a span of 640 games.
Why It Matters
The Rams’ decision to play their starters in Week 18, despite already clinching a playoff spot, underscores the urgency to address the issues exposed during the loss to Atlanta. While some teams opt to rest key players to avoid injury, McVay clearly believes that game-time reps and a focused effort are crucial to regaining momentum and sharpening execution before facing a playoff opponent. The Rams’ performance in the coming weeks will determine whether their regular-season success translates into a deep postseason run.
