It’s never been a secret that the offensive side of the ball has been Rams head coach Sean McVay’s baby. A vaunted offensive tactician, the Rams have typically spent more capital – whether in the draft, free agency or trade market – on that side of the ball.
So when looking at the Rams’ 2023 youthful roster, it isn’t much of a surprise that most of the veterans are on offense. But that doesn’t mean the unit is without questions entering Sunday’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
Here’s a look at where the offense stands, and what remains to be answered before the Rams kick off the season.
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett IV
Stafford returns for his 15th NFL season after a year plagued by injuries from the onset of training camp. But he described this past offseason as his best in terms of health in years, and he looked sharp in practices with precise passes and tight spirals that impressed his teammates.
Behind him is a fellow Georgia Bulldog. Bennett, a fourth-round pick in April’s draft, had an up-and-down preseason, shaking off early mistakes to look sharp in the first exhibition, only to see his results slip over the next two weeks.
Running back: Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans, Ronnie Rivers
Akers gets his wish from a year ago, entering 2023 as the undisputed starting running back and expected to get a supermajority of snaps. Should an injury occur to Akers, Rivers appears to have separated himself as the secondary rusher behind him.
But watch for Williams to carve out a nice role in the passing game, in which he has received most of the snaps during 11-on-11 drills and joint practices with the Raiders and Broncos. He should serve as the Rams’ primary third-down back this season.
Wide receiver: Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Ben Skowronek
If Kupp is healthy and dressed, this unit complements each other well. But with the former Super Bowl MVP dealing with a…
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