The Rams may not need to keep shopping for another big-name receiver to solve their passing-game questions. The better answer might already be in the building, and the early signs from camp point straight to Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams.
That connection is starting to look like the engine behind a sharper, more coordinated offense. Adams, who had an oddly low catch rate last season, would give this group a major lift simply by turning more of his targets into completions.
The same goes for rookies Konata Mumpfield and Terrance Ferguson, who ran into the same issue. From training camp and the Rams’ two joint practices, all three have been working in excellent rhythm.
Even without Puka Nacua available because of injury during the preseason, the offense has settled in and looked better than expected. The chemistry is showing up in the throws, the timing, and the confidence around the group.
Stafford and Adams are the center of it. Adams was highly reliable in the red zone last year, but it took him until midseason to get above a 50 percent catch rate on Stafford’s passes. That was a surprising development for a veteran receiver paired with a quarterback known for delivering one of the NFL’s most catchable balls.
There was a reason the early connection took time to develop. When Adams first arrived in Los Angeles, Stafford was dealing with a back injury and couldn’t work with the new receivers during training camp. Stafford didn’t get back on the field for practice until just days before the first kickoff, and that limited the chance to build timing early.
This offseason has gone differently. Stafford has stayed healthy, and Adams, Mumpfield and Ferguson have all built strong rapport with him.
The Cowboys got a look at it in last week’s joint practice. The Saints saw it too.
And once the regular season begins, Rams fans should see it as well, along with the camp flashes already on display.
In Other News...
Rams Backup QB Battle Just Got More Real For Stetson Bennett
Stetson Bennett got the first crack in the Rams preseason opener, starting ahead of rookie Ty Simpson and completing 4 of 6 passes for 38 yards. A recent joint practice made it clear that the competition is still live, though, as Bennett and Simpson split second-team reps while Los Angeles worked through a limited practice slate and tried to make the most of every look it could get.
Sean McVay said the split was about evaluation, not a finished decision, and he was careful not to hand Bennett the backup job just yet. For a Rams team trying to sort out quarterback depth before the regular season, the battle behind Matthew Stafford still has some runway left, and Bennett will have to keep answering every chance he gets. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Backup QB Battle Suddenly Feels Far Less Settled
What looked like a straightforward backup quarterback job in Rams camp has turned into something a little more interesting. Stetson Bennett entered training camp and the preseason as the clear No. 2 behind Matthew Stafford, but rookie Ty Simpson has kept making enough noise to force a longer look, especially after his strong showing against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sean McVay has said the recent split in practice reps is tied to there simply being fewer snaps available, but the timing still matters. A competition that once seemed settled now feels more open, and for a team that values order at quarterback, even a modest change in the rotation can say plenty about where the conversation is headed. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Offense May Lean On One Risky Bet Early
Training camp is wrapped, and the Rams head into the regular season with plenty to feel good about on offense. Davante Adams gives them another proven target, Kyren Williams remains a central part of the attack and the group still has the look of a unit built to stress defenses in a hurry.
Puka Nacuas situation is the part that could complicate the early weeks. He is dealing with groin soreness and is also facing possible NFL discipline, even though no suspension has been finalized, which puts extra attention on the Rams receiver and running back depth. If Nacua is slowed or unavailable, the team may have to lean on less tested options to keep the explosive plays coming. [Read more 🡒]