'He's a Swaggy Dude!' McVay, Stafford React to Demarcus Robinson's Hot Streak After Rams Win

The Los Angeles Rams trio of Pro Bowl-caliber weapons will grab the spotlight, but the ascension of Demarcus Robinson has been an exciting development in the home stretch.

Los Angeles Rams receiver Tutu Atwell made his return to the field on Thursday after missing Week 15’s action with a concussion. He entered the game with the third-most snaps in the receiving corps but managed to see the field just four times in Week 16.

His spot could very well be Demarcus Robinson’s for the rest of the season.

Robinson stood out on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, catching two passes for 44 yards and a score while also gaining 23 yards on a handoff. That momentum parlayed itself into Thursday’s action, where he played 93 percent of Los Angeles’ offensive snaps and was the team’s second-most productive receiver.

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Head coach Sean McVay gushed about his growth and performance after the 30-22 win over the New Orleans Saints.

“I’ll tell you what, he’s just capitalized on all of his opportunities and he's a guy that's just continued to work,” McVay said. “He's a guy that's had production in this league. I thought he was huge in the beginning of the game, made some big-time contested catches. You could see him stepping back to the football. I think he and Matthew [Stafford] have really established a really good rapport.”

In all, Robinson caught all six of his targets for 82 yards and a score. He outproduced star receiver Cooper Kupp and showed to be more reliable, too, even if just for a game.

It’s clear the trust Stafford has in him has evolved, and the proof is in the pudding. Robinson has scored in each of the Rams’ past four games, putting up at least 40 yards in each of those contests.

“Demarcus had a good feel for the timing and rhythm and ended up having great back-end-line awareness,” McVay said. “He’s a swaggy dude. You know, we got a lot of guys that are bringing some really good stuff to our team. I just love the way that he’s worked … Demarcus deserves a ton of credit and I’m really happy to see him shining.”

Despite not earning a target until Week 9 – a week before the bye and two before Stafford’s return – only Kupp and Puka Nacua have caught more touchdowns for Los Angeles. His emergence and ability to make plays at each level of the field, and even on the ground, has been a boost to a fully operational Rams offense.

It’s safe to say his quarterback took notice.

“He’s doing a great job of getting open,” Stafford said. “I’m trying to put the ball in good spots and he’s making plays. That’s what it boils down to and he’s done a heck of a job. He’s a fun guy to be around, brings great energy to our team.

“All the guys on the outside are making plays right now, which makes it easy for me.”

Rams' Late-Season Transformation Continues With Clutch Win Over Saints

It’s possible his snap share declines as Atwell shakes off some additional post-concussion rust, but the production isn’t lying. 

Robinson has been playing some great football in recent weeks, and if the third receiver job in Los Angeles’ 11 personnel offense belongs to him, so be it. Thursday’s win was just another example of him taking advantage of the opportunity presented to him and earning a starting job.

He’ll have the chance to continue proving himself against the New York Giants in Week 16.