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Rams’ decision not to draft a linebacker could cost them

The Los Angeles Rams endured a rough start to their 2026 campaign after entering the year as Super Bowl favorites, tumbling down national power rankings following a 27-7 Week 1 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Sean McVay's squad was the sole NFL roster unable to reach double-digit scoring in the opening slate, generating a meager 168 yards through the air and prompting the head coach to target the aerial attack as a primary area for refinement.

Beyond offensive stagnation, questions surfaced regarding defensive coordinator Chris Shula's deployment of newly acquired cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, drawing external criticism from Richard Sherman, alongside lingering concerns involving Myles Garrett.

On the injury front, the Rams did collect encouraging news regarding inside linebacker Omar Speights as he recovers from hip swelling and a hip pointer suffered during the opener. Sean McVay confirmed that the third-year contributor is making positive strides ahead of a Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Giants.

Los Angeles also provided updates concerning fellow linebacker Nate Landman as they work to stabilize a defense facing heightened pressure.