One Rams duo is about to make defensive coordinators lose sleep all season

The Los Angeles Rams have gotten off to slow starts over the past two seasons. But a quick look back at the past two seasons quickly identifies the common element. In both 2023 and 2024, the offense had to compete without WR Cooper Kupp in four of the first six games. Kupp’s absence was not the sole contributing factor, but it was certainly a significant one.

The team side-stepped a similar scenario developing this season when they released Kupp and signed free agent WR Davante Adams. He has been more than a lone offensive weapon. He has been generous with his experience and wisdom, making it a point to work with any young player who asks him for help. Best of all, he has rediscovered his love of football.

One of the young players who has sought his assistance is already-elite wide receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua arrives at the offense having already been established as one of the NFL’s elite. Now, with the mentoring of Adams, he has added double moves, head fakes, and a host of other separation-creating moves to his arsenal.

Rams' dominating duo creates impossible tasks for defenses in 2025

While the WR pair is arguably as good, if not better, than any other duo, they amplify the offensive playbook in many ways. The offense has typically operated at its best when using play-action and pre-snap motions to reveal defensive coverages. And the team has used 11-personnel packages to exploit those revelations.

Adams creates separation without the benefit of motion. Now, Nacua has learned that skill from the 12-year veteran. That opens the door to more 12-personnel packages — a tremendously effective option for this offense in 2024. And that is just the start of it. As the offense moves away from motion-dependent separation, 21- and 22-personnel packages become possible.

The Rams have not had the right personnel to consider these subpackages in the past. But they are certainly on the menu this year. Before there is any pushback, the team will continue to field 4-WR and empty backfield sets as well. With the reports out of training camp and preseason joint scrimmages, the offense is looking at two receivers this season, starting at 1,200 receiving yards, respectively.

No secondary can shut down everyone. Davante Adams brings elusive sophistication. Puka Nacua brings physicality and determination. All fans need to do is sit back and watch the fireworks.

As always, thanks for reading.

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