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4 Rams who can play their way into larger roles for HC Sean McVay after Week 12

One solid game could make a huge difference for these Rams players.

By Bret Stuter

Nov 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches game action against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches game action against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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TE Colby Parkinson

When the front office signed veteran tight end Colby Parkinson to a multi-year contract, the team expected Parkinson to step into a starting tight end role until veteran TE Tyler Higbee returned from injury. But the team was also trying to upgrade the offense's Red Zone proficiency. While the plan appeared to be sound on paper, the application of Parkinson in this offense has been rather inconsistent.

After 10 games, Parkinson has hauled in 24 of 37 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown. While that has resulted in a mere 64.9 percent completion rate, Parkinson has one thing trending in a positive direction. His only target in the past three games went for a 19-yard touchdown.

When the LA Rams faced the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season, veteran TE Tyler Higbee caught all five passes thrown his way. Three of those passes resulted in a touchdown. Could a tight end be just as effective in 2024? Perhaps, and here's why?

Any NFL defensive coordinator facing the LA Rams has to prioritize the offense in terms of scoring ability as follows:

  1. RB Kyren Williams
  2. WR Cooper Kupp
  3. WR Puka Nacua
  4. WR Demarcus Robinson
  5. TE Colby Parkinson

As such, the defense will dedicate their game plan to stop the Rams key contributors in a similar order. But after the top three weapons, the level of planning to neutralize the remaining weapons is dependent upon the offensive formation, and the down/distance scenario. Knowing this, the Rams would throw a wrench into the gears if they featured Parkinson in the game plan for Week 12. After three games of almost no use, it would be a stroke of genius to do so

Parkinson can catch the football. In Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers, he was targeted 13 times. While I don't expect him to be targeted that frequently in Week 12, I could see the Rams throwing six or more passes his way. If he catches at least one touchdown pass, he could be back to the featured tight end.

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