Although the Los Angeles Rams lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, the offense looked solid for most of the afternoon.
The largest reason for that is the resurgence of Matthew Stafford, who looks much healthier and mobile on the field. Stafford has managed to throw for over 300 yards through two weeks of the 2023 season as he racked up 307 yards against the 49ers.
The quarterback has been able to make do without Cooper Kupp as he’s established rapport with Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua. He’s even started to look more comfortable throwing the ball Kyren Williams, who was hailed as a great pass catcher in college.
Williams did allow one pass to get picked off as it came off his fingertips, but Stafford said he still trusts the running back in those situations.
“There was a lot of time left. We have more opportunities in that game. There’s no more conscientious guy on our team, nobody that wants to do right more than that guy, so I got no problem with it. Obviously, he knows he can catch that ball but it’s part of it. There’s going to be those things that are unfortunate that don’t go your way in this game. All the trust in the world in him and his process and his ability to get it done.”
Williams was named the starter just hours before kickoff as the Rams made Cam Akers a surprise inactive. Without Akers, Williams was the workhorse for the offense as he played 76 of the 80 total snaps available.
Stafford clearly trusted Williams to handle the increased workload as the running back was targeted 10 times and reeled in six receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown. His dual-threat ability makes him a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s offense and a reliable dump off option for Stafford if he ever feels pressure in the pocket.
With the backfield looking clearer now, Stafford will continue to lean on Williams who will have every opportunity to prove he’s worthy of handling more offensive responsibility. Williams have a chance to prove himself further when the Rams take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week 3.
Rams trade Cam Akers to Vikings
With Akers being made inactive, it was only a matter of time before his tenure with Los Angeles came to an end. Only a few days after, the Rams announced that they traded Akers to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for 2026 draft pick swaps.
