Rams 2-4 Start Puts Pressure on Sean McVay in NFC West Race

The Los Angeles Rams fell to 2-4 after an upset loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 25. They trail the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West race.

According to FOX Sports, the disappointing start has raised questions about whether Sean McVay can guide a rebound. FOX Sports writers Eric Williams and Ralph Vacchiano asked executives and a scout around the league about Los Angeles and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

FOX Sports reported Los Angeles entered the season as the overwhelming Super Bowl favorite. FOX Sports reported the latest defeat came against Arizona in what its writers described as the biggest upset of the NFL season.

Key Takeaways

• FOX Sports reported three of Los Angeles’ four losses came in the final moments, including an overtime defeat to Buffalo in which Harrison Mevis had a game-winning kick blocked before his release.
• FOX Sports reported Myles Garrett, Davante Adams and Kobie Turner have landed on injured reserve for a roster that ranks as the fourth-oldest in the league.
• FOX Sports reported three defeats came against 2025 playoff teams, while the next four opponents have a combined 6-17-1 record.

Rams Close Losses and Injuries Shaped 2-4 Start

FOX Sports reported three of the four defeats for Los Angeles were decided in the final moments. That sequence has left the Rams close to a winning record despite sitting two games under.500.

FOX Sports reported the overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills turned on a blocked game-winning field-goal attempt by Harrison Mevis. FOX Sports reported Mevis was released after the miss.

FOX Sports reported Los Angeles has the fourth-oldest roster in the NFL. FOX Sports reported foundational players Myles Garrett, Davante Adams and Kobie Turner have landed on injured reserve.

FOX Sports reported Turner’s injury added to a depth problem that executives had already flagged before the season. The age of the roster made injuries and performance decline a preseason concern, according to FOX Sports.

What NFL Executives See in Sean McVay and Roster Depth

FOX Sports reported one NFL front-office executive praised the offseason roster construction. “Everyone loved their roster construction this summer!” the executive told FOX Sports.

FOX Sports reported the same executive cited age, luck and depth as central issues.

“They have never had depth and that is the reason for the poor special teams play. I still think they will be OK. They have an elite coaching staff,” the executive told FOX Sports.

FOX Sports reported another league source who has seen Los Angeles in person described the record as a mix of misfortune and roster age. “They should be 3-3 or 4-2, but they’re 2-4,” the source told FOX Sports.

FOX Sports reported that source pointed to missed kicks and a disputed call in Denver. FOX Sports reported the source said the most surprising result was the low scoring output against Arizona, while adding that the margins have been small against mostly strong opponents.

FOX Sports reported a longtime scout expressed concern about the pressure surrounding McVay. The scout cited the prior all-in Super Bowl approach, the Myles Garrett trade and injury, Puka Nacua’s offseason antics and Aaron Donald’s return from retirement, according to FOX Sports.

FOX Sports reported the scout also cited poor field-goal protection and a pass-heavy approach without a clear offensive identity. “Just a perfect storm for a coach to fight his way out of it,” the scout told FOX Sports, while questioning who McVay leans on for guidance.

NFC West Race and Softer Schedule Ahead for Los Angeles

FOX Sports reported three of Los Angeles’ four losses came against 2025 playoff teams in San Francisco, Denver and Buffalo. That stretch helps explain why league observers do not view the record as proof the roster is poor.

FOX Sports reported the Arizona loss was different because the Cardinals pulled the biggest upset of the season. FOX Sports reported Los Angeles struggled to score in that game after staying competitive in the previous two defeats.

FOX Sports reported the schedule softens over the next four games. FOX Sports reported those four upcoming opponents have a combined 6-17-1 record.

What League Voices Said About Jalen Hurts Health Decision

FOX Sports reported Hurts was diagnosed with a blood clot in his calf two weeks ago and played the next day. FOX Sports reported additional blood clots were later discovered in his lungs.

FOX Sports reported the Eagles announced Hurts was headed to injured reserve. FOX Sports reported the announcement came in a joint statement from the team and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn.

FOX Sports reported NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said he has great confidence in the handling of the case. “I have great confidence … and believe that everyone acted with an abundance of caution,” Sills said, according to FOX Sports.

FOX Sports reported one NFL executive said he did not believe Philadelphia would endanger its quarterback. “I find it impossible to believe that if doctors told the Eagles it was too risky for Hurts to play, that they would’ve let him play,” the executive told FOX Sports.

FOX Sports reported another executive pointed to Lynn’s alignment with the team as a significant signal. FOX Sports reported that executive said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and the doctors retained the trust of Hurts’ camp.

FOX Sports reported the NFL Players Association is calling for a full investigation into Philadelphia’s handling of Hurts. FOX Sports reported some outside doctors not involved in Hurts’ care have questioned the decision to let him play after the first clot.