NFL
By: George Lopez
Under coach Sean McVay, the Los Angeles Rams have had a vaunted passing attack. Led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams offense is expected once again to create havoc to opposing defenses. The Rams will look to multiple wide receivers, each will bring something different to McVay’s offensive attack.
Second-year receiver Puca Nacua looks to build on a record-setting rookie season where he hauled in 105 receptions for 1486 yards and 6 touchdowns. The former 5th-round pick exceeded expectations and proved to be the trusted go-to receiver for Stafford as the 2023 season progressed. This off-season, Nacua worked with teammate Cooper Kupp to prepare for the upcoming season. Look for Nacua to be Stafford’s favorite target this season.
Backing up Nacua is rookie receiver Jordan Whittington. The 6th-round draft pick out of Texas has impressed the Rams coaching staff during training camp. Coach McVay expects Whittington to have a big part in the receiver rotation. Whittington has shown exceptional hands and breakaway speed in the preseason. Look for Whittington to be used mostly as a slot receiver in McVay’s multiple-receiver offense.
Cooper Kupp entered camp free of injuries that have hampered him the past two seasons. Due to injuries, Kupp was limited to 59 receptions for 737 yards and 5 touchdowns. When healthy, Kupp is one of the elite receivers in the league. Though he does not have blazing speed, it is Kupp’s ability to disguise his routes that allow him to get separation from defenders. From his first season with the Rams, Stafford has shown complete trust in Kupp and look for that to continue this season.
Demarcus Robinson enters camp expected to be the #3 receiver for the Rams. Last season, Robinson accounted for 26 receptions for 371 yards and 4 touchdowns. With Kupp missing time due to injuries, Robinson was able to be integrated more into the Rams passing attack. Robinson does have the ability to stretch the defense but will also be used in McVay’s underneath and DIG routes.
Tutu Atwell presents an interesting situation for Coach McVay. Last season, Atwell had 39 receptions for 483 yards and 3 touchdowns. Like Demarcus Robinson, Atwell has the ability to stretch the defense. With his speed, McVay can also use Atwell as a runner in his jet sweep schemes. With Jordan Whittington on the roster, will Atwell see his playing time as a receiver diminish? Look for Atwell to see more playing time on special teams.
TE Tyler Higbee entered camp listed on the PUP list as he recovers from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in the wild card game against Detroit last season. With Higbee out, TE Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Hunter Long will compete for playing time. Parkinson is listed right behind Higbee on the depth chart when Higbee is healthy and is expected to get a bulk of the snaps at the TE position this season while Higbee is out. Last season, Parkinson had 25 receptions for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns. At 6’7” and 265lbs, Parkinson presents an intriguing option for Stafford on short yardage and goal line plays.
The Los Angeles Rams have provided Matthew Stafford with multiple options in the passing attack. With a healthy Cooper Kupp, defenses will not be able to overload one side of the field to take away Puka Nacua as much as they would like. Having Kupp and Nacua on the field at the same time will force opposing defenses to play honest. The addition of Jordan Whittington to go along with Kupp, Nacua, Robinson, and Atwell will give the Rams multiple levels each play to attack a defense.
