The Los Angeles Rams are facing a crucial moment in their season, sitting at 1-3 and struggling to find their footing. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner remains optimistic, drawing on last year’s experience when the team turned their season around after a slow start.
“I think I’m lucky and blessed that going through what we did go through last year to the point where, I don’t know how far we were down, but it never mattered,” Turner said. “So each week we’re going to come out and put ourselves in the best position to go and pick up wins. And I think once it starts rolling, it’ll start rolling.”
However, history is not on their side. Since the NFL introduced a 17-game schedule in 2021, only three teams have made the playoffs after starting 1-3. Coach Sean McVay acknowledges that every team is different and that last year’s success doesn’t guarantee this year’s.
The Rams face a tough test in Week 5 when they host the 2-2 Green Bay Packers, who welcome back quarterback Jordan Love from injury. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who played a key role in last year’s turnaround, has struggled this season without his top receivers and a rotating offensive line due to injuries.
The offense is missing wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, as well as starting offensive linemen Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson. The defense, led by new coordinator Chris Shula, ranks 31st in defensive DVOA.
McVay lamented the team’s inability to execute in the red zone, particularly through the air. The Rams rank 30th in completion percentage in the red zone and 31st in yards per dropback and QBR.
Despite the struggles, McVay remains focused on taking it one week at a time and not getting caught up in the emotional highs and lows of the season. “Disappointed for our group, but excited about testing our resolve like this season has already done in a handful of instances,” McVay said.
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