The Los Angeles Rams passing offense *looks* productive on paper, sitting third in the NFL for passing yards and attempts, and second in completions. But don’t let those numbers fool you, because quarterback Matthew Stafford has looked straight-up *flustered* these last two games, struggling to connect with anyone not named Puka Nacua.
The Numbers Lie, Stafford’s Flustered
It’s an absolute joke when you look past the surface. This passing offense has been uninspiring, churning out under 200 yards against three consecutive lower-tier teams. What’s going on? Stafford’s discomfort is glaring, especially since Davante Adams went to the Injured Reserve List. They’re running a heavy dose of multiple tight end formations, a 45% rate, but the need for more production from L.A.’s secondary wide receivers is screaming.
Rookie CJ Daniels’ place on the active roster in the past two games was supposedly in response to Adams’ absence. So, where’s the kid been? He’s only received *five* offensive snaps, all in mop-up duty with the Rams running out the clock. Instead of giving the new blood a real shot, they’ve been trotting out holdovers Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, and Jordan Whittington, who combined for a paltry three catches on nine targets for 65 yards. Seriously? That’s not getting it done, and everyone knows it.
What Daniels Brings to the Party
The L.A. scouting department apparently loves finding players who can step up from lower competition schools and succeed at bigger programs, and Daniels is exactly that guy. He played four seasons at Liberty, a Conference USA program, improving his numbers every single year. Then he jumped to LSU for a solid SEC season in 2024, cut short by injury after nine games. Given a sixth year, he rolled into the ACC with Miami in 2025 and capped it off in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The Rams even traded up 10 draft positions to snatch him at #197 in Round 6 of the 2026 Draft.
Daniels checks off so many boxes for what the Rams look for in a receiver, from his intangibles to his physical makeup. We’re talking toughness, high football IQ, and absolute reliability. He’s 6’2″, 202 lbs, with almost 32-inch arms. This dude has stellar hands, not a single drop in his senior year at Miami. His outstanding body control let him convert contested catches at a phenomenal 75.6 percent clip over his last three college seasons. He might not be particularly fast with a 4.58 forty and a 1.61 10-yard split, and his change of direction and short-area agility are average at 7.03 for the 3-cone, as is his flexibility and balance at 4.27 for the shuttle. But Daniels creates separation with feints, fakes, changes of speed, and sharp cuts out of his breaks. He tracks the ball well, and his hand/eye coordination is solid. He can really extend to get after the ball.
It’s time. The offense needs a spark, and it’s clear the current lineup isn’t cutting it. Daniels has been patiently waiting, getting only five offensive snaps in mop-up duty since Adams hit IR. But with those impressive college credentials and the glaring need for more production, you gotta wonder how long they can keep him on the sideline. Is this the game we finally see what he can do? L.A. needs him.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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