Rams Rank: Can McVay Offense Avoid Deep Decline?
The offseason reviews have not been kind to the Los Angeles Rams as they enjoy their final weeks of "summer break" before the start of training camp at the end of July. The only seemingly positive review the Rams have gotten this offseason came from their former Super Bowl-winning coach, now-turned-analyst Mike Martz predicting them to have a top-five most improved offense in 2023.
That viewpoint from Martz contradicts ESPN's Bill Barnwell, who recently ranked the Rams' offensive weapons No. 23 overall. This means the weapons surrounding quarterback Matthew Stafford may not be good enough to have much improvement from last season.
"As is the case for the vast majority of their roster in a reset season, the Rams haven't added much to what they had a year ago," Barnwell writes. "Wideout Demarcus Robinson, signed earlier this month after a season in Baltimore, might be their most significant free-agent addition at any position on the roster. Barring a breakthrough from Tutu Atwell, Lance McCutcheon, or rookie fifth-rounder Puka Nacua, L.A. will be almost entirely reliant on Kupp, who just turned 30 two weeks ago."
Outside of Kupp, the Rams don't have a big name at their other skill positions. The next closest thing to an "elite" player is tight end Tyler Higbee, who isn't a top-10 tight end in the NFL according to recent rankings from Sports Illustrated.
As for Kupp, Barnwell states that 2022 was a step back from 2021 before his injury, as he totaled 812 yards and six touchdowns in nine games. So, getting Kupp back to his best will be key to any success for the Rams in the coming fall.
Yet, Kupp won't be able to do it alone. That is where the Rams hope players like running back Cam Akers and receiver Van Jefferson can find their form. As Barnwell notes, Akers is coming off the best stretch of his career at the end of last season, rushing for over 100 yards in his final three games. On the other hand, Jefferson never recorded more than three receptions in a game while essentially being the Rams' top receiver with Kupp out due to injury.
The Rams' fall from being Super Bowl champions to one of the worst teams in the league can partially be blamed on their declining supporting cast that used to be one of the best. … and needs to surprise in 2023 if the Rams are to succeed.
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