Three reasons to be optimistic about the Los Angeles Rams

The Rams followed their Super Bowl championship by losing 12 games and missing the playoffs. They were sacked with injuries in 2022 and nearly lost their head coach, who mulled retirement. But Sean McVay said he’s excited to come back for 2023, and he’s just one reason why Rams fans should be optimistic about next season.

1. Head coach Sean McVay

The Rams went 5-12 last season, but that doesn’t mean McVay forgot how to coach. With the possible exception of former Cowboys HC Barry Switzer, bad coaches don’t win Super Bowls, and there’s no reason to think McVay can’t rebound in 2023.

McVay has 14 years of NFL coaching experience, learning under coaches Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden in Washington. In seven years as Rams head coach, McVay has one losing season. 

The Rams have the division's best quarterback in Matthew Stafford. If the offensive line can stay healthy, something it couldn’t do last season, McVay will get the team back on track.

2. WR Cooper Kupp

Kupp went down with a high ankle sprain in Week 10, but he didn’t forget how to catch a football. He had 100 yards or more receiving in five of eight games before the injury and scored six touchdowns. 

His injury wasn’t so severe that it required surgery, but the former triple crown winner opted for the procedure once the team’s playoff hopes were put to rest.

Kupp should be ready to go for 2023 and could even be available for OTAs. As long as Stafford is healthy, he and Kupp should pick up right where they left off.

3. Cam Akers

Akers would like to forget the early part of his 2022 season, but he finished with 188 carries, 786 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns, all career highs. Those aren’t bad numbers, but the stat sheet doesn’t explain his midseason hiatus from the team.

For unknown reasons, the Rams kept Akers away from the team’s facility for nearly three weeks last season. They sat him for two games while unsuccessfully trying to trade him before the deadline. The team ultimately released running back Darrell Henderson Jr. instead.

Akers responded by rushing for over 100 yards in his final three games, including a 118-yard, three-touchdown performance against Denver on Christmas Day. Akers is in the final year of his rookie deal and should be highly motivated in 2023.