'Excited' New Rams WR Tyler Johnson Gushes Over Potential of Receiving Corps
Even as they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, it was apparent that the Los Angeles Rams were undermanned as the receiver position, with Odell Beckham Jr. having torn his left ACL in the second quarter of the game.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford and Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp connected enough times for Los Angeles to pull out a 23-20 win, but even at the height of the Rams' powers, it was clear they needed to add more depth at receiver.
It's no surprise then that with Stafford and Kupp both struggling through injury-riddled seasons, the 2022 Rams were limited in their ability to move the ball, even with coach Sean McVay calling plays.
However, there's optimism emerging in Los Angeles that the Rams pass catchers will be a much better unit in 2023. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers' receiver Tyler Johnson -- who signed a one-year, $1.01 million deal to join the Rams this offseason -- is among those internally who are excited about the potential of the group.
“[There are] a lot of guys who have played a lot of football. I feel like this group is definitely going to be one of the good groups,” Johnson told Heavy Sports. “I’m excited to go out there and work with them plus compete with them as well.”
In addition to Johnson, Van Jefferson is a veteran who seems primed for a bounce-back season. While Jefferson was limited to just 11 games due to a left knee injury last season, he had 50 catches for 802 yards in 2021. Rookie Puka Nacua doesn't fall into the experienced group that Johnson mentioned, but the fifth-round pick has turned some heads this summer as well.
Ultimately, the success of the Rams' passing attack is going to come down to the health of Stafford and Kupp, first and foremost. But for Los Angeles to return to the playoffs after a 5-12 season a year ago, it will need multiple receivers outside of Kupp to step up.
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