What have LA Rams done to offense to suit Matthew Stafford?

Tight end usage

The LA Rams nave never failed to have more than one competent tight end in the offensive rotation.  Now, with the exodus of tight end Gerald Everett to the Seattle Seahawks, the ‘other guy’ role is completely up in the air. Surprisingly, the offense had two competent tight ends, yet never seemed to have the ability to uncork both in the offense at the same time. In fact, it seemed a struggle to get even one tight end on track.

That should change in 2021.

Stafford loves to target his tight ends. He loves to put the ball high and let the tight end snatch the ball out of the air in stride. But tight ends oftentimes are the receiver covered by the lesser defensive back, and that mismatch oftentimes stands out in progression reads. Stafford is one of the best in the NFL at surveying the field and locating the open man.

The Rams frequently had an open tight end in the past, but the progression reads never made it past the primary or secondary receiver. Even if all things remain the same, the offense should find a spike in tight end targeting this year.  That will be a new twist to the same old routine.

Much like the receiving group, the tight ends are wide open this year, with rookie wonder Jacob Harris rapidly progressing and likely closing the gap on second-year tight end Brycen Hopkins. In either case, the Rams will have multiple players to incorporate into their offense this year.  Hopkins will need to have a great showing this year after spending all of 2020 on the bench.