Go deep will take on an entirely different look for Rams offense in 2025

Long odds for 2025

The Rams' offense has been most effective when there is a receiver who can haul in the long pass. In 2018, the Rams were able to find veteran speedster Brandin Cooks streaking for long distances. In 2021, the team was able to launch several receivers deep, including DeSean Jackson, Van Jefferson, and even Cooper Kupp. Now, the team must commit to speedy wide receiver Tutu Atwell.

Can he handle the workload of a larger role?

That's a question that can reasonably be asked of any player aiming for a larger role. The thing is, few players have four years of NFL experience before being given that opportunity. And yet, Rams Head Coach Sean McVay is not mincing words this year. McVay admitted publicly that Atwell's spot performance have warrented a larger and more consistent role in this offense.

So why not simply invest a draft pick in a rookie wide receiver and spend far fewer dollars? Veteran WR Steve Smith Sr. was not impressed with this year's receiver class. And the Rams football team is shrewd in comparing what a rookie may bring to the team versus what a veteran brings. More often than not, the front office disappoints fans by commiting to the veteran, a known fit, rather than gambling on an unknown player.

Okay, so the Rams have a speedster wide receiver who can stretch the field and can even enhance the 12-personnel offense. It won't matter if the quarterback can't get the ball far enough or fast enough to the receiver. Sometimes, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford throws the ball behind Atwell. But with more practice reps and better familiarity with Atwell, that timing should improve. And yes, Stafford can still sling the football a country mile:

Getting Atwell more involved in the offense forces the defense to cover more of the football field. Since defenses are limited to 11 players, offenses can win the play by forcing the secondary to cover all of the football field, both horizontally and vertically. With fewer defenders playing deep, the Rams can send Atwell down the football field for a huge gain.

If defenses keep defenders deep, the rushing offense has fewer defenders crowding the box and an easier time creating rushing lanes for running backs.