2023 NFL Power Rankings: Los Angeles Rams

Biggest issue on offense: Consistency

After two strong weeks to start the season behind quarterback Matthew Stafford, rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua and second-year running back Kyren Williams, the Rams' offense stalled against the Bengals on Monday night, failing to score a touchdown until fewer than two minutes were left in the game. After allowing just one sack through two weeks, Stafford was hit 10 times and sacked six times. The Rams' passing game had kept up without an injured Cooper Kupp through two weeks but showed they missed their star wide receiver in Week 3. -- Sarah Barshop

The Rams had to deal with a lot of offensive chaos up front against the Bengals, as both Alaric Jackson and Joe Noteboom were injured, and the patchwork line just couldn't handle Cincinnati's pass rush. Sean McVay dialed up some quality plays, and Matthew Stafford made some big throws, but the pressure was just too much. Not capitalizing on those early drives with touchdowns really came back to bite them. But even with Los Angeles' blocking issues, I couldn't knock this team down from last week. The Rams were competitive in a game the Bengals had to have, and the reality is that there's not much separating teams in the NFL's middle class so far this season.

They are 1-2, but they've played a rough schedule and they've competed in every game. They will be a tough out every week.

Contain WR Puka Nacua (5 catches for 72 yards in Monday night's loss), and you contain the Rams — NFL experts have been saying as much for months. But, in all seriousness, this crew has hung tough against some of the league's toughest customers.

QB confidence rating: 6

In the first two weeks, Matthew Stafford was sacked once, and the Rams averaged 26.5 points. On Monday night against Cincinnati, Stafford was sacked six times and the Rams needed a late touchdown just to get to 16 points. In his 15th season, Stafford needs more help than that. He has two touchdowns and four interceptions this season.

The last 20 minutes of this game showed us a troubling reminder of what the Rams can look like if the offensive line can't hold up. They had to deal with a couple of injuries up front, and Matthew Stafford paid the price. How we view them moving forward just might hinge on how healthy those guys can stay.

Puka Nacua has gotten the attention, but Tutu Atwell is having a nice breakthrough too. Assuming Cooper Kupp returns soon, the Rams have a pretty fun receiving group for Matthew Stafford.

When you punt with six minutes left on fourth and 5 while down by 10 points, you don't deserve to win.

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