CBS Sports grades LA Rams offense 4th best in preseason ranking

The LA Rams haven’t hiked a single football yet, but the good vibes are already upon us. At least, that is what you might conclude after reading CBS Sports Grading 2021 NFL offenses by Jared Dubin. Not surprisingly, the Rams made a move to bolster the team’s offense in the offseason, and the powers that be are signifying their approval.

It’s not that surprising, to be honest. The LA Rams had taken a huge gamble at the end of the 2020 NFL season. So the choices for anyone looking at the LA Rams for 2021 will fail into one of two categories. Either they will conclude that the Matthew Stafford version of the Rams offense won’t amount to much, and will give them bad marks for the 2021 season.

On the other hand, prognosticators may appreciate the move, aligning a very competitive and talented veteran quarterback with a very talented and veteran offensively-minded head coach.  It seems to be a safe bet to conclude that CBS Sports writer Jared Dubin falls into the second category.

He comes right out with his reasoning why he is optimistic for the LA Rams offense:

"“We’re extremely bullish on Matthew Stafford in the most talent-laden offense he’s probably ever played in, accounting for Sean McVay as his play-caller. The Rams should remain extremely dangerous.” – per CBS Sports Jared Dubin"

And that’s pretty much all that needs to be said. Of course, we don’t do pictures only here, so what changes are in store for this offense? For starters,. the LA Rams will not have the option to hand off to veteran Malcolm Brown, throw a quick outlet to tight end Gerald Everett, nor to hurl a deep pass to wide receiver Josh Reynolds.

Rather, the Rams offense will have the option to hit deep or quick slants to WR DeSean Jackson/Tutu Atwell, to work the entire field with Robert Wood, Cooper Kupp, and Van Jefferson, and to attack the perimeter with Darell Henderson/Raymond Calais.  As for the ground game, that should fall upon Cam Akers, with some support by Xavier Jones and or Jake Funk.

Of course, we didn’t touch base on Trishton Jackson, J.J. Koski, Jacob Harris, or Ben Skowronek.  Is there even room on this offense to employ their skillsets as well? One thing is certain. On paper, this LA Rams offense is overflowing with talent. Now, it’s just a matter of stitching together all of the various players into a rich tapestry of offensive dominance.