The Los Angeles Rams had a rocky start to the 2024 season, losing four out of their first five games. However, they finished the regular season strong, winning five of their last six matchups. Their performance late in the season signals they are peaking at the right time. Entering the playoffs as the NFC West champions for the second time since their Super Bowl LVI appearance in 2021, the Rams look poised to make another playoff run.

While the Rams have relied on an increasingly effective running game led by Kyren Williams, they haven’t strayed far from their vertical offensive identity. Head coach Sean McVay continues to push the ball downfield, with Matthew Stafford at the helm. Stafford has been airing it out to standout receivers Cooper Kupp and rookie Puka Nacua, creating a dynamic passing attack that complements their ground game. On defense, the Rams are also seeing the emergence of young talent like rookies Braden Fiske and Jared Verse, alongside veterans Kobie Turner and Byron Young.

Despite these strengths, the Rams’ defense carries a significant vulnerability that could ultimately prove costly in the playoffs. Specifically, their cornerback unit has been a liability, one that may prove disastrous in high-stakes games. The cornerbacks have struggled to perform at a high level compared to the rest of the defense, and their weaknesses were exposed throughout the season. The Rams even parted ways with former Pro Bowl cornerback Tre’Davious White after a rough stretch, replacing him with Ahkello Witherspoon, who was a late addition to the team. Witherspoon, along with Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, finished the regular season with just one interception apiece.

Los Angeles finished 20th in pass defense, allowing the ninth-most passing yards and the tenth-most touchdown passes in the league. This cornerback group also struggled early on, allowing a 100-yard receiver in three of their first four games. Heading into the playoffs, this unit will face a major test against the Minnesota Vikings, whose passing attack is led by the resurgent Sam Darnold and weapons like All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson and speedy rookie Jordan Addison. Jefferson, in particular, has already torched the Rams once this season, totaling eight catches for 115 yards in a Week 7 matchup.

Despite their defensive flaws in the secondary, the Rams’ pass rush has been a major bright spot. Under defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the Rams have generated consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, with three defenders surpassing seven sacks. Fiske, who replaced Aaron Donald as the team’s centerpiece defensive tackle, led the charge with 8.5 sacks, while Turner has already recorded 17 sacks in his first two seasons. The defensive line’s pressure often masks the deficiencies in the cornerback room, but against potent offenses like the Vikings, the cornerbacks will need to step up.

For the Rams to succeed in the playoffs, their cornerbacks must improve drastically. They can’t afford to let Jefferson and Addison get loose in coverage. If the secondary can hold up and create turnovers, particularly by intercepting passes, the Rams’ chances of advancing will increase significantly. However, unless their cornerback play becomes more consistent and effective, this flaw will likely be the Rams’ undoing as they chase another Super Bowl run.