The Rams received a boost this week as the Cardinals ruled out running back Jeremiyah Love, who had struggled with an ankle injury and managed only 22 yards on 12 carries in his last game. Coach Mike LaFleur confirmed Love's absence for Sunday’s matchup in Los Angeles, which could help the Rams address their ongoing issues against the run. However, the Rams face their own challenges, particularly with cornerback Trent McDuffie, who is dealing with a groin injury that puts his availability in jeopardy.
Despite a relatively clean injury report, the Rams continue to rely heavily on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has thrown over 50 passes in each of the last three games, resulting in a 1-2 record during that stretch. Stafford is on pace to throw 734 passes this season, raising concerns about the sustainability of such a heavy workload. The Rams have the capability to run the ball effectively, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, but have often leaned too much on Stafford, leading to a one-dimensional offense.
While Love's absence may provide the Rams with a favorable matchup against the Cardinals' run game, it does not alleviate the pressure on Stafford or the potential vulnerabilities in their secondary if McDuffie cannot play. The Rams must find a balance between their passing and running game to improve their chances of success moving forward.