NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
How dangerous of an offense will a healthy Los Angeles Rams have in 2024? Think about the injuries they have suffered this season and where they would be if they could remain on the field. Yes, I know, that could be said about any team but not every team has a core of weapons like the Rams have at their disposal.
Let’s start with the obvious. Who is Puka Nacua? Prior to his breakout game in Week 1, not too many people knew who the rookie receiver was. But look him up. For the year, he has caught 73 balls for 924 yards and 3 TDs in 11 games. Pretty impressive numbers considering the next point.
What was missing early on for the Rams was Cooper Kupp who can make his own argument as the best receiver in the NFL. But Kupp has only played in 7 games and has 27 receptions for 393 yards and 1 TD. Now that they’re paired together, that’s a matchup nightmare for any defensive coordinator.
While Kupp was out, Nacua took on the load and it was like watching a mirror image of the All-Pro Kupp running routes. He took the double teams and still performed. He was Kupp when Kupp couldn’t be Kupp.
While Nacua has been a surprise, Kyren Williams deserves recognition as well. The 2nd-year RB has settled in nicely as the Los Angeles Rams starting back. In just 7 games this season, Williams has rushed for 599 yards on just 113 carries with an average of 5.3 yards per carry. The Rams are not known for having one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, so that goes to show the level of talent that Williams has.
Can The Los Angeles Rams Get Back On Track
Now, none of this works without the veteran play of their QB Matthew Stafford. Over the years, Stafford has taken his lumps but then he’s right back slinging it down the field. While his numbers have taken a slight hit this season, it’s understandable why. He has not had his full host of weapons at his disposal.
Stafford has passed for 2489 yards and 13 TDs with a completion percentage of 60.8. Average numbers when looking across the board but this is a player who didn’t have his top offensive threat, was throwing passes to a 5th-round rookie, and then handing the ball off to another 5th-rounder in Williams. Just imagine what happens next season when everyone is settled into their roles.
The Los Angeles Rams are not that far removed from their Super Bowl win. While that was in large part due to the defensive side of the team, the offense did their part. This season was a setback but it was also a welcomed surprise. The Los Angeles Rams know they have the pieces to become one of the top offenses in the NFL in 2024.
