Strong Yardage, Fewer Explosive Plays: Rams Midweek Report on Concerning Offense Trend, Matthew Stafford’s Elbow and Trade Buzz

Strong numbers, uneven results

The offense has looked like a top-five unit at times, but has not sustained that level. Injuries to Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and Terrance Ferguson have affected the group, while the passing game has also struggled to push the ball downfield. Ferguson has been out since Week 3.

Explosive plays have dried up

The Rams’ passing-game explosive-play rate is 4.1% through eight weeks. At the same point last season, it was 17.5%, and the rate finished that season at 18.2%. The current passing game is producing fewer than one-quarter as many explosive plays by that measure.

Since Adams was injured, the Rams have had one passing play longer than 20 yards: a 40-yard completion to Tutu Atwell last week. The team’s overall explosive-play rate is 5.8%, ranking 27th. Los Angeles ranks sixth in red-zone touchdown rate, but 16th in points per play and has the seventh-most plays per drive.

Stafford’s throws staying short

The Rams have found success using 13 personnel, but the report argues they need a more dependable passing game against strong opponents. It says the returns of Adams and Ferguson could help, and that adding a third wide receiver is important for the second half of the season.

Elbow injury and Stafford’s response

Stafford was seen leaving the locker room Sunday with ice around his arm. After not appearing on the injury report earlier this season, he was listed this week with a right elbow injury. He said Wednesday that he feels good and has not missed a practice or game rep.

Stafford described some soreness as not unusual at this point in the season and said he was not too worried. The report says multiple sources confirmed to its writer that Stafford injured his elbow against Denver while trying to tackle Talanoa Hufanga on a pick-six. It also says surgery was considered, but Stafford opted to play through the issue.