Offense Sputters, Defense Wears Down for Los Angeles Rams in Loss to Green Bay Packers

The Los Angeles Rams offense was a shell of itself without Matthew Stafford on Sunday vs. the Green Bay Packers

Whatever playoff hopes the Los Angeles Rams might have had, have now gone down the drain.

Entering their Sunday matchup with the Green Bay Packers, the Rams were already facing an uphill battle without their starting quarterback Matthew Stafford in the lineup. 

And after four hard-fought quarters with backup Brett Rypien under center, the loss of Stafford proved to be too much, with the Rams falling to the Packers 20-3.

However, despite being without the Super Bowl-winning signal caller, the Rams still found themselves in a position to compete for the game well into the second half - thanks in large part to a stellar defensive effort. 

Rams backup QB Brett Rypien struggled to find a rhythm on offense Sunday :: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis-USA TODAY NETWORK

That effort, which was led by two Bryon Young sacks, and multiple potentially game-changing plays from Aaron Donald, forced the Packers into two turnovers and held them to just 10 points through three-quarters of game time. 

Donald in particular was a force, finishing with four tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss.

In fact, as a team, the Rams had four sacks, five QB hits, three tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and held Green Bay to just over 200 yards passing. 

Typically, that would be enough for even a struggling Rams team to make it to the finish line. 

Unfortunately for the defense, the Stafford-less offense could not hold serve, managing just three points, 68 yards rushing, and a mere 130 yards through the air from interim starter Brett Rypien. 

Even the star receiving tandem of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp was held to a combined five catches for 80 yards as a duo. 

Following the loss, the Rams will now head into a much-needed bye week, where they hope Stafford's UCL sprain in his thumb will heal quickly. 

After that, L.A. returns home to SoFi stadium, where an NFC West Divison matchup against the Seattle Seahawks will await them.