Subtle NFL rumor may explain one of the Rams greatest mysteries of 2025

45 points is the most points scored by a Los Angeles Rams offense since the offense exploded for 51 points against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day in 2022. While points scored in one game are not a true measure of a high-quality offense, the way the team scored in Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals is pretty impressive.

And there lies the mystery.

Who was the mastermind behind one of the most prolific LA offensive outbursts in several years? This was not the normal arsenal of passes with the occasional run. The running backs were featured in such a way that both the offense and defense dominated. The offense had playmakers everywhere.

But we all knew that head coach Sean McVay was ill and travelled separately from the team. It was the type of scenario that created opportunities for the team to flourish under a new play caller, or invite doom upon the recent success with a sudden change in strategy. After the game, team reporter J.B. Long hinted at a Rams rumor that offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was running the show.

It was later confirmed that LaFleur was indeed the source of Week 14 play calling.

Mike LaFleur calling plays in Week 14 was exactly what team needed

Let's be brutally honest here. The Los Angeles offense in Week 14 dominated across the board. Despite punting three times, the game was over well before punter Ethan Evans was called to duty. The offensive line blocked like never before. Rams running backs put up over 200 yards on fewer than two dozen carries. It was a game that the Arizona Cardinals defense was not prepared to face.

What does offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur do week to week? While that may not be something fans truly know, one thing is certain. He understands the talent and potential of this LA offense as well as head coach Sean McVay. The truth is that the offense exploded for 45 points on the road was sensational.

Okay, so why make such a big deal about it?

The proof is in the pudding. The same LA Rams offense that had struggled in previous seasons is bursting with productive power in 2025. It's an offense that is scoring 29.2 points per game, and doing so in a wide variety of ways.

After establishing wide receivers as threats, the team turned the spotlight to the tight ends. Now, the spotlight is on the move once more, this time shining brightly on running backs that have patiently awaited their turn to contribute.

That time is now.

The Rams have not relied on a rushing offense this season. Will that change? Let's hope so. The team has found wide open holes in the ground attack recently, perhaps due to the presence of right tackle Warren McClendon Jr. Whatever the cause, the offense is grinding out some huge gains on the ground.

In the past two games, running backs have rushed 53 times for 406 yards and five touchdowns. So LaFleur didn't invent the trend; he just trusted it to deliver a win. And one of the best ways to ensure Matthew Stafford is healthy for the playoffs is to hand the football off to Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, or Ronnie Rivers.

Even defensive coordinator Chris Shula agrees. As always, thanks for reading.