Key Highlights
- The absence of wide receiver Puka Nacua forces quarterback Matthew Stafford to rely more on veteran wide receiver Davante Adams.
- Stafford and Adams have struggled with their connection so far in 2025, with Adams’ completion rate dropping significantly when targeted by Stafford.
- The Los Angeles Rams face the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, a team known for its turnover-inducing defense, making the connection between Stafford and Adams critical.
- Options to improve the connection include role reversal or strategic positioning of Adams to find soft coverage spots.
The Strained Connection: Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams
The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in an unusual situation as wide receiver Puka Nacua is ruled out for Week 7, forcing quarterback Matthew Stafford to rely more heavily on veteran wideout Davante Adams. Despite both players being seasoned veterans, their relationship on the field has been tested since joining the Rams this season.
Typically, pre-snap training and practice sessions allow quarterbacks and receivers to develop a strong rapport. However, Stafford’s back injury prevented him from establishing that necessary chemistry with Adams early in the season. Now, this void is becoming increasingly apparent as Adams’ completion rate has plummeted to 47.3% when targeted by Stafford.
The Rams Face an Urgent Challenge
With Puka Nacua out for the upcoming Week 7 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Rams face a critical challenge. The Jaguars specialize in creating turnovers and will likely target Adams, given his proven scoring ability and production per catch.
Adams has been one of the Rams’ most prolific scorers this season, boasting an impressive 15.2 yards-per-catch average, second only to Tutu Atwell’s 41.0 YPC. Traditionally, Adams serves as a decoy to clear out zones for Nacua, allowing him to slip into open areas for catches. Without Puka Nacua, the Rams need to explore alternative strategies.
Strategic Adjustments and Role Reversals
The key may lie in strategic adjustments or role reversals within the offense. One option is to allow Adams to find soft coverage spots, potentially drawing the most talented cornerback on defense. However, this approach comes with limitations due to Adams’ reputation alone.
Los Angeles has multiple weapons at its disposal, and the veteran duo of Stafford and Adams has undoubtedly put in significant time working out their connection.
While it is unreasonable to expect immediate improvement, any increase in Adams’ catch rate would be beneficial for the Rams.
The pressure is on both players to step up and ensure a successful game plan against Jacksonville. The outcome of this Week 7 clash could have far-reaching implications for the Rams’ season as they aim to maintain their position in the NFC West standings.