Rams must start fast for chance at upsetting the Vikings

LA’s consistently inconsistent offense must score early and often against Minnesota

The Los Angeles Rams’ last three games have rightfully raised concerns about the offense’s performance. In those three matchups versus less-than-stellar defenses of the 49ers, Jets and Cardinals, LA averaged 14.7 points per game. Most concerning about the Rams’ consistently inconsistent offense is getting off to slow starts, which could ruin any chances of an upset on Monday.

ESPN Rams reporter Sarah Barshop shared a nugget regarding LA’s struggles in the first quarter:

“After scoring 44 points against the Bills in Week 14, the Rams’ offense scored that combined total in Weeks 15 through 17. Los Angeles has especially struggled in the first quarter this season, failing to score a touchdown in 13 of its 16 games in which quarterback Matthew Stafford and the starting offense played.”

The Rams are 2-1 when scoring a touchdown in the first quarter this season, with the only loss coming against the Eagles in Week 12. In the last matchup with the Vikings, LA scored a touchdown in the first frame en route to a 14-point half that contributed to the 30-20 win.

Excluding the finale, Sean McVay’s offense has been outscored 85-27 in the first quarter and has also been shut out in 11 of 16 games in that span with Matthew Stafford under center.

The Rams were one of the NFL’s worst offenses in the first quarter as they ranked 31st in that department, ahead of only the woeful Bears. Here are the remaining bottom five teams and keep in mind that the stats are slightly skewed because of LA’s starters sitting out Week 18:

28. Browns (3-14) – 2.9 points

29. Steelers (10-7) – 2.8 points

30. Giants (3-14) – 2.1 points

31. Rams (10-7) – 1.8 points

32. Bears (5-12) – 1.6 points

Welp, that is some pretty crappy company. While it’s not always how you start but rather how you finish, Los Angeles must figure out their offensive woes quickly. Saying rest is the cure-all to these woes is insanity because the Rams have slogged through the opening quarter all season.

McVay must scheme up ways to get his offense on the board early or else his team will suffer another early playoff exit.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images