The Los Angeles Rams proved in 2024 that they could compete despite a lack of explosive playmaking.
L.A. finished with the 10th-worst explosive play differential, per Warren Sharp, this past season, meaning they allowed more plays of at least 15 yards than they produced themselves. Forever, the first-ranked Philadelphia Eagles had a plus-37 differential, the Rams had a minus-7 and the last-place Jacksonville Jaguars had a minus-38.
This is not a winning formula in the NFL. And it’s a miracle the Rams made it to the Divisional Round — and only lost by six points — with this type of performance.
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Much of that stems from the way the team was constructed. A lot of emphasis was placed on the Rams’ defensive line, which meant that all an offense needed to do was get past the front four to have a big play. On the other side of the ball, the Rams didn’t produce many big plays, but they were able to move the ball down the field.
The hope is that the Rams can at least fix one side of that equation. Davante Adams and Puka Nacua have the potential to break loose, but the addition of running back Jarquez Hunter and the return of receiver Tutu Atwell should aid the Rams’ move towards more explosive plays in 2025. Hunter was one of the most explosive running backs in college and Atwell has always been a speed threat.
Defensively, the Rams didn’t do much in the secondary to try and stop offenses. The hope is that another year of development for the likes of Jared Verse, Byron Young and Kobie Turner can help as well as the addition of Poona Ford up front.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams were one of the least explosive teams in 2024