The Los Angeles Rams were the clear-cut favorite to win the Super Bowl this season. They had the reigning NFL MVP at quarterback with Matthew Stafford, a dynamic duo at wideout in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and a revamped defense that included trading for Myles Garrett, and persuading Aaron Donald out of retirement. This looked like it could be a super team, but through six weeks, the Rams are 2-4.
The supposed super team is currently dead last in the NFC West, and Sunday's 18-16 loss to the lowly Arizona Cardinals has the NFL world wondering whether the Rams will ever bounce back this year. This was the largest upset loss (13.5-point favorite) by an NFL team in about three years, and now the Rams have some ground to make up in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. Why are the Rams playing poorly and what does history say about their chances of bouncing back?
CBS Sports researcher Doug Clawson dove into the numbers to provide us with some insight. Stafford won MVP last year after leading the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46). He hasn't looked the same this season.
The stats back up the eye test. This Rams offense just hasn't been explosive like it was in 2025, and Stafford isn't going deep as often. Stafford ranks 14th in percentage of completions gaining 20+ yards (13%).
Last year, he ranked third in that category (19%). Percentage of passing attempts over 20+ air yards Another factor in Stafford's struggles is his downfield connection with Puka Nacua -- or lack thereof. Stafford is 8 of 20 with zero touchdowns and two interceptions when targeting Nacua 10+ yards downfield this season, and has the same number of completions as interceptions (2) targeting him 20+ yards downfield.
It's not fair to say that the Rams offense is "bad." They rank top three in yards per game (401.3), joining the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers as the three clubs that average over 400 yards of total offense, but L.A. ranks 20th in scoring offense (22.5). The New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are scoring more points! There's certainly time for Sean McVay to adjust, but the explosive plays just haven't been there.
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