NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2025 season with the goal of playing for another Superbowl championship. After a slow start to their 2024 season, the Rams play improved as the season progressed and saw the team come within a couple of plays of playing for the NFC championship. The Rams added pieces to their roster in the offseason via free agency and through the draft that the team believes will get them over the hump.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford returns to lead the Rams offense. Stafford had a very productive 2024 season, passing for 3762 yards and 20 touchdowns with only 8 interceptions. There has been concern among Ram fans as Stafford was held out for most of training camp as he dealt with a lower back injury. Head coach Sean McVay stated throughout camp that if it was the regular season, Stafford would be playing. Towards the end of camp, Stafford began to practice and didn’t show any limitations and the passes he attempted. Stafford’s back will be something that will be watched closely not only by the Rams coaching staff and trainers, but by the fan base as well.
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, the Rams made the decision to part ways with fan favorite Cooper Kupp. When healthy, Kupp was one of the most dynamic receives in the NFL. To replace Kupp, the Rams made a splash in free agency when they signed Davante Adams to a 2 year deal. Playing for the Jets and Raiders in 2024, Adams had 85 receptions for 1064 yards. The Rams get a highly motivated Adams and his goal is to do whatever is asked of him to help the team win. As soon as he joined the team, Adams was asked by Puka Nacua to take a leadership role among the receivers. Adams brings a wealth of experience that will help the Rams receiver corp take their games to the next level.
Puka Nacua enters his third season with the Rams and has fans excited with the thoughts of Nacua and Davante Adams on the field together. Nacua’s versatility gives Coach McVay the option of lining him and Adams up on the same side of the ball or have him on the opposite side of the ball. The Rams also resigned Tutu Atwell during the offseason. Atwell gives the Rams a legitimate deep threat with his speed. Also look for the McVay to use Atwell running the jet sweep. Look for 2nd year player Jordan Whittington and rookie Konata Mumpfield see considerable playing time in the Rams multiple receiver attack.
In the initial 53 man roster, the Rams made the decisions to carry three running back. Kyren Williams returns as the starting running back. Williams rushed for 1299 yards with 14 touchdowns in 2024. Williams did have issues taking care of the football and worked during the offseason to find a way to hold the ball and limit his fumbles. Blake Corum returns for his second season with the Rams. In 2024, Corum was not used as much as expected in the beginning of the season. As the season progressed, Corum became more of a factor in the Rams offense. Look for Corum to see plenty of playing time from the beginning of the season. Rookie Jarquez Hunter is the third running back and is expected to see playing time spelling both Williams and Corum.
A group that will be watched closely this season will the Rams offensive line. With Stafford dealing with a back injury, pass protection will be key for the Rams success. A question the Rams have is who will play left tackle and protect Stafford’s blind side. Starter LT Alaric Jackson is a question mark for the beginning of the season as he is dealing with blood clots in his legs. If Jackson can’t play, the Rams will look to either D.J. Humphries or David Quessenberry to take his spot until Jackson returns. Coleman Shelton returns to the Rams and is expected to be the starting center. Backing up Shelton will be second year player Beaux Limmer, who saw considerable playing time as a rookie. Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson and Rob Havenstein return to anchor the Rams offensive line.
The play of the defense will determine how far the team goes in 2025. Second year edge rusher Jared Verse is expected to have a monster season. Verse has a strong grasp on the concepts defensive coordinator Chris Shula will run. Look for Verse to be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. Byron Young weak side edge rusher position and is a good compliment to what Verse brings on the strong side of the Rams defense. The Rams added depth to the edge rushing position selecting Josaiah Stewart in the 2024 draft. Stewart is expected to see playing time early on in the season.
A question mark in 2024 was the play of their inside linebackers. Omar Speights became a pleasant surprise with his play at inside linebacker. Nate Landman comes to the fold after spending the past three years in Atlanta. Landman has been so impressive in his first training camp with Rams that Coach McVay has announced Landman will wear the green dot on his helmet and be the defensive play caller. Speights and Landman give the Rams a solid tandem at inside linebacker.
A big move the team made in free agency was signing Poona Ford to a three-year deal. Ford will help close up inside running lanes and will be looked upon as being an inside run stopper. Ford is expected to start alongside Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske. Ford, Turner and Fiske will be looked upon to not only stop the inside runs, but to also provide inside pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback.
The Rams have lofty goals this season, with the main goal of playing in the Superbowl. Their quest for their ultimate goal begins with a week one matchup against Houston. As with any team, health will be a key factor on how the Rams do this season. With a tough schedule in 2025, look for the Rams finish the regular season with a 12-5 record and win the NFC West.
