The Los Angeles Rams head into the 2025 season surrounded by as much curiosity as any team in the NFC. Following an eventful offseason that included the acquisition of Davante Adams, expectations quickly escalated from hopeful to legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
However, as always, it’s not just about who’s on the roster — the real focus is on how head coach Sean McVay can maximize the talent at his disposal.
On *The Athletic Football Show*, analyst Derrik Klassen explained why Adams’ arrival could drastically alter the Rams’ outlook this season.
Offense Could Mirror 2021’s Super Bowl Formula
Last season, despite instability at quarterback with the Raiders and later the Jets, Adams was still able to carry the offense through his elite route-running and physical play against man coverage. Now in L.A., he provides a dependable top receiving option for Matthew Stafford — or Jimmy Garoppolo if needed — on every down.
Klassen suggested the Rams could revisit the offensive identity that led them to a Super Bowl in 2021, when they utilized spread formations and leaned heavily on Stafford’s arm. McVay excelled with that pass-first approach, creating mismatches across the field. With Adams in the lineup, there’s potential to return to that blueprint.
“The last time this team had a true X receiver like this, they won the Super Bowl,” Klassen noted. He also expressed doubts about the run game, adding that a shift back toward more shotgun and empty sets — similar to 2021 — is an exciting possibility.
That Super Bowl-winning offense was dynamic and balanced, driven by Stafford’s arm, Cooper Kupp’s dominance as a WR1, and McVay’s aggressive play-calling. With Kupp no longer on the roster and Adams stepping in as the new top option, the Rams don’t necessarily need to change direction — they might just need to revisit a proven formula.
Stafford’s Health Is Key
Of course, this all hinges on Stafford’s health. He missed a chunk of training camp with a back issue, and while the Rams are optimistic about his status, some uncertainty remains. If he’s healthy, Adams becomes the centerpiece of a familiar offensive identity that McVay knows how to thrive in.
If not, the team may need to lean more heavily on the ground game — an area that still raises concerns despite Kyren Williams’ breakout and contract extension. Klassen’s doubts are understandable: if the offensive line struggles, Adams will need to carry even more weight.
In a conference stacked with strong defenses, the Rams will need every edge they can get. Adams’ ability to command coverage attention, create space for others, and lessen the burden on the running game could be the difference in close matchups.