Rob Gronkowski didn’t need long to explain why Davante Adams keeps giving defenses problems. For the former NFL star, it starts before the route even really begins.
Speaking on the “Up & Adams Show,” Gronkowski pointed to Adams’ release as the trait that separates him from most receivers in the league, especially after the Rams wideout shredded the New York Giants for eight catches, 195 yards and two touchdowns in Los Angeles’ 28-6 win.
“All right, Davante Adams has an unbelievable release,” Gronkowski said. “When you’re that quick off the line of scrimmage, that’s what gets him open.”
That burst off the line, Gronkowski said, is what lets Adams take control early in the rep. Before the defender can settle in, Adams has already forced an advantage.
“He’s a complete wide receiver and he knows how to get open down the field and throughout the whole entire route,” Gronkowski said. “But what really makes Davante Adams special is that release. And when you have that release, you can get open right away.
“It’s kind of like myself, you know, that was one of my specialties down in the red zone… just having that explosiveness off the line of scrimmage.”
Against New York, Adams was Matthew Stafford’s main option with Puka Nacua sidelined, and he handled that role with ease. Gronkowski zeroed in on both touchdowns, starting with the first one, where Adams had to adjust to a tough Stafford throw.
“The first touchdown catch was amazing how he jumped up in the air,” Gronkowski said. “He had body control and balance when he landed.”
The second score drew even more praise. Adams sold an outside run before snapping back toward the end zone, using the kind of quick change that makes him such a problem near the goal line.
“That’s his specialty, is using his quickness to get around the defensive back in the red zone,” Gronkowski said.
Adams’ night gave the Rams something they needed with Nacua out: a receiver who can win fast and make life easier for Stafford. It also fits cleanly into Sean McVay’s offense, where Adams’ ability to create separation without a lot of moving parts gives the passing game another layer.
“He’s one of the best wide receivers of all time, definitely going to be a Hall of Famer,” Gronkowski said.
If Adams keeps producing like this, and Nacua comes back healthy, the Rams could end up with a passing game that is a lot more than just tough to slow down.
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