Los Angeles Rams
Since the season started, injuries have kept the Rams from reaching their full potential. While it’s disappointing they haven’t put everything together yet, a 2-2 start is encouraging, especially given their inconsistent play.
Still without Myles Garrett, who is recovering from knee surgery, the Rams’ defense stitched together a complete second half against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. They even made a critical fourth-and-goal stop on their own two-yard line with seven and a half minutes left. Despite several injuries, the Rams secured their second win of the season with a 24- 20 victory in the final minute.
“It [shows] that they’re mentally tough, and I think that’ll really serve us well. Tough times don’t last, tough people do. I’ve said that over and over again, but I think you asked it with the question. I’m really proud to be part of this group, what they represent, and how they found a way. I thought it was really cool to see. That’s the first time I’ve been part of a game like that,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said.
the los angeles rams myles garrett
Sep 10, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at Marvel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A Look at the Los Angeles Rams After Week 4
Defensive Success
The Rams’ defense is currently second in pass defense, and if they can stay healthy, they can be dangerous. The Rams’ secondary has been consistent, with cornerback Jaylen Watson being out with a shoulder injury. McVay said he isn’t being placed on the IR and could return in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.
The defense has performed well, especially given the number of injuries they’ve dealt with so far.
“I would be willing to bet if you looked at injury reports for any defense in the league, you’re going to have probably two or three guys out. That’s really what you do as the season goes (is move guys around), and what it does is it builds depth. You get some guys to get some bigger roles that can embrace that role, and we plan on doing that,” Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula said.
Offensive Success
The Rams have also been functioning without a consistent pass game. Puka Nacua missed Weeks 2 and 3 with a hip injury after the opener against the San Francisco 49ers. After a mediocre Week 1, Nacua notched his first 100-yard receiving game of the season. The Rams leaned on Davante Adams and Konata Mumpfield, both of whom stepped up. Adams became the team’s best receiver with over 100 yards in both Week 3 and 4.
With Adams and Nacua back on the field together, the Rams beat the Eagles. The offense has gotten back on track since the 27-7 beatdown and is starting to look like a true force.
“The cool thing about our group is we were steady the whole game. Things weren’t going our way; either I threw a bad pass, we didn’t catch one, or we went backward on a penalty after we got field position for the first time all day. Any way you can shoot yourself in the foot, we were doing it on offense. But we just kept the belief, and our defense kept us in it, gave us opportunities to stay in that game, and just proud of the resilience of our group,” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said after beating the Eagles.
The Last Word
The Rams were built to win the Super Bowl, but after Week 4 they don’t look like a contender. Mostly due to injuries, the Rams haven’t played at full capacity. Garrett’s return is greatly needed,d as the Rams are tied for 22nd in the NFL with seven sacks.
The team is still good, but now in a loaded division, the Rams look like the third-best team in the NFC West. While there is cause for optimism, the schedule still has many obstacles, including seven games against teams with winning records.
The Rams should be confident, especially heading into their next game against the Buffalo Bills, but wary of what’s ahead—the Rams’ Bowl chances: once they get healthy, they can compete with any team in the NFL.
More Los Angeles Rams News:
Week 4 Preview: Los Angeles Rams vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Los Angeles Rams Ran Out of Answers in the Mile High City
The Los Angeles Rams Bounce Back and Put Week 1 Behind Them
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images