The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their preseason with a 19-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game that on paper looked like another August throwaway.
Starters stayed in sweats, backups got their reps, and fans filed out wondering if preseason even matters.
But zoom out a bit, and the picture is much more interesting.
Pro Football Focus handed Sean McVay’s offense the No. 1 overall grade for the preseason — best in pass blocking, best in rushing and best in receiving. In other words, the Rams offense isn’t just about Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams in the 2025-26 campaign.
Rams Depth Pieces Made Noise
What stands out isn’t just the usual stars performing — everyone knew Stafford and the receiving corps would deliver.
It’s the supporting cast that has turned heads. Rookie running back Jarquez Hunter has forced his way into the mix, logging 33 carries across two games for 110 yards. He hits the line low, absorbs contact, and thrives in short-yardage situations.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur didn’t mince words after his second preseason performance last week.
“The more opportunities he gets, the better it’s going to be.” For a rookie buried behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, that’s a strong vote of confidence.
Hunter’s style could make him the Rams’ go-to option in the red zone, a glaring weakness last year. If he keeps producing, this backfield is shaping up to be a three-man battle — and one that could pay dividends once the season begins in earnest.
Why This Year’s Offense Is Different
Meanwhile, rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson showed flashes in his debut, snagging a 33-yard reception, while undrafted wideout Brennan Presley is forcing consideration for the practice squad with his versatility. Depth is becoming a tangible advantage.
Often overlooked in preseason analysis, but having a formidable overall roster is a critical component for survival in the NFC West. Injuries are inevitable, defenses are tough, and the schedule will test even the best units. The Rams have star power with Stafford, Adams, Nacua and Williams, but now they have balance. They aren’t just top-heavy like they were in 2024; they have layers of competency from top-to-bottom.
Adams has been candid about his goals — he believes 2,000 yards is possible — but his bigger focus is winning. That mindset fits perfectly in a deep, multi-layered offense where success doesn’t rely solely on one or two stars. It’s a far cry from the thinly stacked offenses of recent years and exactly what McVay thrives on when building championship contenders.
The offensive line deserves mention as well. Pass-blocking grades were elite this preseason, thanks not only to veterans like Rob Havenstein and Steve Avila but also to lesser-known backups who handled their reps cleanly. That stability in the trenches makes the Rams’ multifaceted skill players even more dangerous.
McVay’s offense is no longer dependent on a few key pieces. There are capable hands everywhere — backs who can grind, receivers who can stretch the field, and linemen who can hold the point. That’s the kind of roster that can weather a 17-game slate and still win in the playoffs.
It may not have shown up in the 19-17 loss to Cleveland, but the underlying reality is clear: the Rams’ offense is deeper, more versatile, and quietly more dangerous than anyone expected. McVay has paired his offensive brilliance with genuine roster balance, and if this trend continues into the regular season, the Rams could be in for one of their most complete seasons in recent memory.
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