Aaron Donald and Davante Adams are the leaders Rams need with other stars injured

If an off-the-street fan of the Los Angeles Rams had to name future NFL Hall of Famers, they might cite quarterback Matthew Stafford, edge rusher Myles Garrett, or even receiver Puka Nacua. But when NFL analyst Danny Parkins had the chance to pick his future Rams HOFers, he named Davante Adams and Aaron Donald.

And he's not wrong.

Fantasy football has skewed the general perception of what a positive performance looks like. Donald recorded three tackles, no sacks, and one tackle for loss. To the casual fan, that doesn't warrant much attention. But the film tells another story. Donald constantly fought off double teams, rerouted offensive linemen, and led a stingy run defense that did not allow a touchdown.

Meanwhile, fantasy football managers will have no difficulty detecting Adams' outstanding performance. Despite underperforming in his first season in LA, the wily veteran showed up big in a must-win Week 2 game against the New York Giants. He put up 195 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Just another day at the Adams office.

Rams can lean on Donald and Adams for now

The Rams are playing without Garrett and likely again without Nacua in Week 3. The special-teams unit continues to struggle.

But fans have reason to feel optimistic. Donald is not just back, he hasn't lost a step. His influence on offensive game plans and blocking schemes place teammates in a perfect position to make plays.

Skeptical? Just ask defensive end Braden Fiske and nose tackle Poona Ford.

Just as they did in 2023 and 2024, the Rams are learning to win without their stars. When elite veterans are healthy enough to return, they can rejoin a team that has forged success through adversity and trial and error. As such, they won't return to expectations of instant production.

They can ease into their roles, confident that teammates can hold the course until they get back in the groove.

No one is saying the Rams don't need Garret or Nacua. But until they are healthy enough to suit up, they can count on Donald and Adams to keep the team on track.

As always, thanks for reading.

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