Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has figured out how to create one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
The Rams average 6.1 yards per play this season, which ranks third in the NFL behind only the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks, who’re both tied at first at 6.3 yards per play. But more than that, L.A. is hitting on plays of more than 10 yards at one of the highest rates in the NFL.
Per Sharp Football Analytics, the Rams have gained at least 10 yards on 22.9% of their offensive plays. That’s the second-highest rate in the league. L.A. is also great at limiting its opponents’ explosiveness: The Rams’ plus-17 differential on plays of at least 20 yards leads the NFL.
Davante Adams and Puka Nacua are huge parts of these offensive numbers. Adams’ 15.2 yards per reception and Nacua’s 11.4 yards per reception rank 14th and 53rd in the NFL among pass-catchers through Week 6. Nacua’s 33 first-down catches and Adams’ 18 rank first and 15th, respectively.
Tutu Atwell, although limited to just four receptions this year, has also averaged an insane 41.0 yards per catch this year. He’s the Rams’ home-run hitter and has made a couple of huge plays, including an 88-yard game-winning touchdown over the Colts.
The Rams aren’t seeing much explosiveness from their ground game, though. Kyren Williams’ 4.4 yards per carry is league average and Blake Corum’s 5.4 yards per carry isn’t much better when he’s only averaging 3.4 rushes per game. L.A. drafted Jarquez Hunter to be the team’s breakaway running back, but the fourth-round rookie hasn’t seen the field on offense yet.
While the Rams have their issues on offense, this is a good makeup for a team looking to contend with the best of the best. Being explosive and limiting it on the defensive side can keep games close when other elements aren’t going right.