A winning start for the LA Rams
Through the opening weeks of the 2021-22 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams are off to a dominant start after facing major lineup changes over the offseason. This new lineup has what it takes to win it all.
After two disappointing seasons along with the steady decline of the Rams’ offense, Rams head coach Sean McVay decided it was time to move on from quarterback Jared Goff. McVay targeted quarterback Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions and a deal was made in exchange for him, trading Goff, two first-round picks, a third-round pick and additional compensation to the Lions.
This blockbuster trade received mixed reactions from the internet as many saw the potential of Stafford under McVay’s direction, while others viewed the trade to be harmful for the Rams, who will go eight years without a first-round pick.
So far, Stafford has lived up to the hype, exceeding expectations as he led the Rams to an undefeated record through the first three games. The former first overall pick is arguably the best quarterback of this NFL season and is tied with Cardinals’ Kyler Murray as favorites for the MVP award. In the three games Stafford played, he has thrown for 942 yards with 9 touchdowns, holding a 70.2 percent completion rate and a quarterback rating of 82.6 —the highest QB rating in the league.
Starring alongside Stafford in the Rams’ offense is wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has made his mark as an elite pass-catcher. The synergy between the two has been deadly as they connected on 25 passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns in three games. This dynamic duo is one of the best in the league and will only get better as time goes on.
Other offensive threats in the lineup include wide receiver DeSean Jackson, tight-end Tyler Higbee, and running back Sony Michel —all of which have contributed to the Rams being third in scoring.
Not only do the Rams have one of the best offenses in the league, they also have an elite defensive squad, led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This defense has wreaked havoc on opposing teams’ offenses and will continue to do so, as long as injuries don’t become an issue.
Ranked number one in the Week 3 NFL Power Rankings, the Rams have separated themselves from the competition as a Super Bowl contender. It won’t be a shock to see them competing in their home stadium when Super Bowl Sunday comes around.
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