After a convincing Week 2 win, the Los Angeles Rams take a step up in class for tonight’s matchup with the Denver Broncos. After rolling up 481 yards last Monday night’s 28-6 win over the New York Giants, L.A. faces a tougher task, particularly throwing the football against Denver’s high-tier tandem of cornerbacks,Patrick Surtainand Riley Moss.
The question on most Rams fans mind will be, “If Puka Nacua can’t play(very likely), which player will step into his stead?”
After Davante Adams, reviewing
the Rams roster doesn’t really provide a definitive answer, but does offer possibilities for pre-game debate. Who do you think should fill the Puka Nacua void?
In the receiver room
Davante Adams
His showing in the Week 2 win over the New York Giants was a receiving master class, arguably his best overall performance as a Ram. But, at this stage of his career, can Adams stack a run of dominating outings. Expect the ball to be fed to him early and often.
Konata Mumpfield
He must be an outstanding practice player. Mumpfield has been active in every regular-season game of his young career, 19 games and 434 snaps at wide receiver. He’s been targeted 26 times and brought in 11 of those for a 42.3 catch percentage. It is almost impossible to make a case for Mumpfield to suddenly become a featured part of the Rams offense.
Jordan Whittington
Missed the Giants game and wasn’t able to practice until two days ago, but is expected to play. In the only two games of his career where he received five or more targets, back in 2024, Whittington was able to convert 13 of 18 targets. Since then, in 35 active games, he’s been targeted 30 times. I’ve come to the conclusion that the scope of his special teams work keeps Whittington too banged up to be a strong candidate as a go-to receiver.
Tutu Atwell
Hot topic. It makes the most sense for Atwell to step in as WR#2, he’s got the speed to make defenses account for his whereabouts, has shown good hands, and appears a polished route runner. Admittedly, his stature limits him at the catch point in contested situations and reeling in off-target throws. I thought Sean McVay preferred the experienced players over youngsters?
Xavier Smith
Although he’s been a fine value for the Rams, Smith over time, has lost his shine with me. He has speed, but needs a runway to get going, the burst just doesn’t match. While his hands have been serviceable in the past, not reeling in that red zone pass last week, even though it was a tad off, seems par for his course. A contract value-based backup.
CJ Daniels
Not active in the first two weeks. If Whittington can go, it’s likely Daniels is the odd man out.
Baker’s dozen as special of the day?
Terrance Ferguson
As I wrote in the Week 2 snap count reviewafter the win over the Giants, Ferguson appears on the cusp of a breakout as the Rams TE #1. His combination of size and athleticism makes him the odds-on favorite to be Matthew Stafford’s go-to guy tonight. Warts and all, his performance vs the the New York Giants gives a strong indication that he’s comfortable as a primary weapon and is ready to live up to his draft pedigree.
Colby Parkinson
Didn’t practice all week with a knee problem. Even expecting him to play is a bit of a stretch, let alone offer an alternative to Nacua’s likely absence.
Davis Allen
There’s some potential here, maybe not as an integral weapon in the offense, but rather, 5-7 targets in the shorter areas or near the goal line.
Tyler Higbee
Has the old-timer got anything left in the tank? It’s hard to make a case that Higbee will be a viable target replacement in the L.A. passing offense
Max Klare
Parkinson’s possible (likely?) absence should insure Klare is active. He could see some offensive reps and his play in preseason showed that he can certainly catch the football. He also showed, that at this early juncture in his career, his biggest value will be as a route runner, because he wasn’t much of a blocker.
Back, back, back, back, back
For all the creativity in generating space/separation and exploitable match up’s in the Rams passing offense, it doesn’t carry over to the running backs. Yes, they often have to chip a pass rusher on their way out of the backfield, but the unit is mostly relegated to check down work. Occasionally, they run a little circle pattern, but McVay likes to keep that in his pocket for reps near the goal line. The days of wheel routes, 20 yards down the field, seem to left with Darrell Henderson a few years back. Be nice to see L.A. dream up some creative screen plays to involve this unit.
Kyren Williams
Efficient is the descriptor that fits Williams receiving prowess. While he does lack speed and is a better runner in traffic than open space, it is surprising the Rams don’t target him more often.
Blake Corum
Built quite similar to Williams, rocked up body with a low center of gravity and relatively short arms. Corralling any off-target throws are not going to be either’s forte. That said, with Corum’s burst and vision, he could be a weapon in open space.
Dean Conners
Up from the practice squad, Conners has the college profile of being a well-rounded back. Good hands and willing blocker with enough speed to press outside. Kick returns in his background hint that he can move in open space. Fans will want him to get touches, but McVay will likely just let him get his feet wet on his maiden voyage.
Who you gonna call?
I think that Terrance Ferguson has the gameto step in as a big part of the Rams passing offense, but realistically, it doesn’t have to be one player in particular. Think something akin to Rams “running back by committee” approach. Spreading out the targets, unless one player is showing a hot hand or has an exploitable match up. Make it less about the individual candidates.
Let the game plan and quarterback Matthew Stafford dictate where the ball goes on passing downs.
