3 reasons why Matthew Stafford can go without a strong rushing attack

II: This offense will be wide-open

The LA Rams did add running backs Jake Funk and Otis Anderson Jr. in the off-season. Numerically, the roster now holds as many rushers that were on the team last season. Is the quality the same? If you said no, don’t be so hasty.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams 2021 offense was never going to be run center, run left, run right, punt. Not only was that point emphasized by Coach McVay all offseason, but the front office punctuated the assertion with an exclamation point by loading up the roster with speedy athletic rookies.

If the offense is going to be wide open, that takes a bit of pressure off the need to dominate defenses by running it down their throats, doesn’t it? Even as the LA Rams offense demonstrated to run the ball, and difficulty passing the ball, in 2020 the go-to plays called by HC Sean McVay were passing plays.

Now, with the loss of RB Cam Akers for the season, the alternative to field a wide-open passing offense that will test defenses vertically and horizontally makes even more sense. The Rams have a strong-armed veteran quarterback in Matthew Stafford. Why wouldn’t the offense factor in his ability to elevate the team’s passing game in much the same way as Jalen Ramsey makes the secondary sign and Aaron Donald dominates in the front seven’s pass rush?

We already expect that Matthew Stafford’s effect to take hold in this offense in 2021. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not have a 1000 yard rusher, nor even 200 rushes out of the same running back, yet quarterback Tom Brady won the Super Bowl. Instead, the Buccaneers put up 16 touchdowns on the ground, and then put up 42 touchdowns through the air. That is the path that this LA Rams offense must plan to take in 2021.