Why Matthew Stafford’s best is yet to come for LA Rams offense

Reason II: Younger receivers who will come online later in the season

The Rams have a host of offensive weapons that have, as of yet, not been involved in the snap count when Stafford is on the football field. That includes tight end Jacob Harris and Brycen Hopkins, wide receivers Tutu Atwell and Ben Skowronek, and truth be told, even veteran DeSean Jackson has been used very lightly early in the season.

Is it all part of head coach Sean McVay’s master plan? While that’s probably exaggerating the story, it’s what the Rams do on offense. The team used a significant portion of their draft capital to stockpile talent on the roster that is not sitting on the shelf.

Rookie excitement

There was no shortage of excitement over the rookie additions to the Rams offense. The only part lacking so far for the guys is opportunity. That may be changing soon.  The Rams just learned that tight end Johnny Mundt may have seriously injured his knee.

That means that the Rams have the option to use tight end Brycen Hopkins or Jacob Harris in Week 7, or roll the dice and activate tight end Kendall Blanton for the game against the Detroit Lions. Matthew Stafford’s ability to throw to receivers will help them impact the offense in a positive way.

Wide receivers to watch

While filling in for Mundt is primarily a blocking role, the Rams could modify the assignments and give more blocking duties to Higbee if the other tight end has demonstrated the ability to catch passes.  Of course, this is just one scenario. Other young receivers await their turn.

The Rams have both Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell waiting in the wings for their shot at the wide receiver position. I’m particularly intrigued by Skowronek, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs a hefty 224-pounds. He is particularly adept at catching contested balls, and that will be a nice skill set to have when the weather turns colder and the competition heats up.