Versatile Rams offense gives OC Nate Scheelhaase plenty of toys to play with

The Los Angeles Rams' offense looks nearly the same on the surface. But behind the curtain is an entirely new array of coaching masterminds, led by wunderkind offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.

Promoted from his 2025 position as a pass game coordinator, Scheelhaase gave fans a sneak preview of his style by calling plays against the Kansas City Chiefs this preseason (head coach Sean McVay handles such duties in the regular season). While it's impossible to take much from a vanilla preseason playsheet, Scheelhaase, did drop some clues about his strategy.

For starters, he loves to mix a strong rushing attack with the pass. In a seesaw battle, he stuck with that formula throughout the game. Through the air, the Rams distributed 11 passes to wide receivers, 10 to tight ends, and four to running backs.

What tentative takeaways can Rams fans from that preseason performance?

Rams offense gives Nate Scheelhaase plenty of weapons at his disposal

Look for the long ball again

Reuniting with speedster Tutu Atwell makes sense if the Rams are looking to reinvest in the long ball.

No, Atwell does not block exceptionally well. He is not the best route runner. But he can create separation with his undeniable speed and put up explosive plays.

LA's multiple tight-end sets will force defenses to counter with more linebackers and crowd the box. Atwell's speed can instantly make them pay for that strategy.

Rams will grind it out on the ground to protect leads

Kyren Williams and Blake Corum have the potential to grind out more than 1000 rushing yards apiece. Last season they combined for 404 carries, 1,998 yards, and 16 touchdowns. It was the first season of significant contributions from Corum.

Many expect even more from him in 2026.

In the preseason against the Chiefs, Scheelhaase made exceptional use of burly practice-squad backs Jordan Waters and Dean Connors. With Williams and Corum, he and McVay obviously have much better weapons to lean on in the regular-season running game.

Rams still have a five-eligibles option

The craziest feature of the Rams' initial roster is the fact that they are carrying seven wide receivers and five tight ends. That's 12 eligible receivers. So it's not outlandish to expect the Rams to dabble in five-eligible offensive formations. That could be devastatingly effective if they're seeking to alter how defenses counter their heavy-personnel sets.

Three tight ends and two receivers are seldom seen on an NFL field together. It all but eliminates the run option and gives pass rushers the green light to pin their ears back and chase the quarterback.

But it also facilitates ready-made screen plays and jet sweeps, and forces the defense to choose between covering wideouts with defensive backs or tight ends with linebackers.

Scheelhaase may be only 35, but he is astutely creative. And he is backed up on the Rams staff by McVay, Kliff Kingsbury, and even quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone. Best of all, the offense is bursting with playmakers.

As always, thanks for reading.

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