The Los Angeles Rams are set to kick off their 2024 NFL season with a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions on September 8th at Ford Field. As the Rams prepare for this primetime showdown, they’ve finalized their initial 53-man roster, revealing several intriguing storylines and strategic decisions. This opening game marks the beginning of a new season. It features a compelling narrative as former Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford faces his old team for the first time in the regular season since being traded to Los Angeles.
The Rams, coming off a late-season playoff run that ended with a wild-card round loss to these same Lions, have made notable changes to their roster. The retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald has left a significant void on the defensive line, which the team has attempted to address through the draft and strategic roster decisions. As we delve into the five key takeaways from the Rams’ 53-man roster, it’s clear that head coach Sean McVay and his staff have made some bold choices that could shape the team’s performance not just in the season opener but throughout the 2024 campaign.
Five Fast Takeaways
From the quarterback situation behind Matthew Stafford to the composition of the running back corps and the intriguing additions of undrafted rookies, these roster decisions offer insight into the Rams’ strategy and potential strengths and weaknesses as they prepare to face a formidable Lions team led by Jared Goff. With both teams harboring playoff aspirations, this Sunday Night Football matchup sets the stage for an exciting and revealing start to the NFL season for the Los Angeles Rams. Here are our five fast takeaways:
1. Stetson Bennett’s Future Beyond Week 2
Stetson Bennett will start the season as the QB2 after a busy preseason that saw him get lots of playing time, including two full NFL games. Bennett impressed the coaches enough to survive roster cuts, get the backup job early in the season, and convince the Rams to keep just two quarterbacks for their opening games. However, Bennett will likely be pushed to QB3 once Jimmy Garoppolo returns from suspension in Week 3. The question then becomes whether the Rams will keep Bennett as their QB3, release him, or potentially try to trade him, mainly if an injury occurs early in the season from another team.
2. Running Back Moves
It’s no secret that the Rams’ backfield will heavily feature Kyren Williams as the projected starter and Blake Corum as the backup. However, the decision to cut Boston Scott and Zach Evans caught some by surprise as they were expected to add depth to the roster. Instead, the Rams kept Ronnie Rivers and recently added Cody Schrader, who was cut by the 49ers. However, Rivers and Schrader are not expected to see much, if any, action during the season, barring an injury. Thus, it’s a clear sign it’s a 1-2 punch in Los Angeles with little interference.
3. LB Questions Without Ernest Jones
The recent trade of Ernest Jones to the Titans has raised significant concerns about the Rams’ linebacker corps. Jones was a pivotal player last season, providing stability to a group that sometimes struggled. His departure opens up questions regarding who will step up in his absence. Omar Speights, who impressed during the preseason, is a player to watch, while Christian Rozeboom is expected to take on a primary starting role. Additionally, undrafted rookie Elias Neal has made the roster, adding depth and uncertainty as the season begins.
4. Five Undrafted Rookies Joined the Team
The Rams are taking a bold approach this season by retaining five undrafted rookies on their 53-man roster, all of whom are on the defensive side of the ball: Omar Speights, Elias Neal, Josh Wallace, Charles Woods, and Jaylen McCollough. They also recently added undrafted rookie running back Cody Shrader, who was cut by the 49ers. While most may see limited action, potentially even only on special teams, Speights stands out as a promising contributor given the team’s need for defensive depth following Ernest Jones’ trade. Head coach Sean McVay saw potential in these players during the preseason, indicating that their inclusion reflects a strategic bet on emerging talent to bolster the team’s future.
5. Secondary Is Deep
The Rams have made a strong statement about their secondary this season, retaining a solid group of five cornerbacks and six safeties, totaling eleven defensive backs. This marks an improvement from last year, highlighting defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s confidence in the talent they’ve cultivated. Notably, Quentin Lake and Russ Yeast’s versatility offers strategic advantages. They can effectively function as slot defenders or dime linebackers, further enhancing the Rams’ defensive schemes.
The Bottom Line
The Rams have assembled a well-rounded, strategic 53-man roster that balances depth and versatility in key positions. As the season progresses, seeing how these takeaways play out on the field and impact the team’s success will be interesting. The over-under NFL bets on the Rams’ win total are sure to fluctuate as these key storylines develop, making this season exciting for Rams fans and NFL enthusiasts alike.
