The Los Angeles Rams fell short against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, losing the game 24-17. The Rams produced only 100 yards of offense in the second half and scored eight points, which has been a glaring issue for Sean McVay’s squad in the first seven weeks of the season.
Starting fast hasn’t been a concern for the Rams thus far. In the first two quarters of games, the Rams are fourth in dropback EPA per play (0.256) and 13th in rushing EPA per play (-0.015), according to rbsdm.com.
On the other hand, the offense has continuously sputtered in the second half of contests. In the second half of games (including overtime), the Rams are 23rd in dropback EPA per play (-0.077) and fourth in rush EPA per play (0.010).
The success of the running game in the second half of games shouldn’t be surprising as the Rams have understandably been able to run the ball more in games where they secured a lead in the first half. Also, the numbers are largely skewed after the Rams ran the ball with little to no resistance in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, with Kyren Williams gaining 154 yards in the second half alone.
While the rushing numbers are what they are, the stark difference between the first- and second-half outputs for the aerial attack is alarming. Matthew Stafford has been playing better than his numbers indicate, making some impressive tight-window throws that only a few quarterbacks could make.
At the same time, Stafford and the passing game go from being an elite unit in the first half of games to being a below-average group in the second half. It certainly doesn’t help that five of Stafford’s six interceptions this season have come in the second half of games.
Stafford is averaging a healthy 8.5 intended air yards per attempt (eighth-highest in the NFL), which is the same average he had in 2021 with the Rams. On the other hand, Stafford’s CPOE (completion percentage over expectation) is at -2.3% in the first seven weeks.
Only Jordan Love, Anthony Richardson, and Deshaun Watson have worse CPOE marks than Stafford among quarterbacks who have made at least four starts.
Being able to attack down the field is valuable and the Rams now have a receiver trio with Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Tutu Atwell that can win in a variety of ways. Maybe incorporating more rhythm plays to hit intermediate and short passes can help Stafford and the passing attack stay on track in the second half of games.
Regardless of how it gets done, McVay and Stafford need to iron things out in the second half of games if the Rams want to remain in playoff contention.
