Sean McVay kicked off an introductory meeting highlighting what his newest playmaker will bring to the table. After losing Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams need an immediate replacement at receiver. With a veteran quarterback under center, the team does not have time to bring a rookie along and hope that he will immediately become the top option.
Instead, Davante Adams will arguably represent an upgrade, and the Rams could actually be in a far better spot. McVay, with the Super Bowl monkey off his back early in his career, can let the veterans lead this team in what many consider a winnable NFC West.
McVay Extols Adams’ Virtues During His First Film Study as a Ram
Adams truly needed the Rams to rehabilitate his career. First, he demanded to leave Las Vegas, whether it became public knowledge or not. Next, his reunion with Aaron Rodgers in New York turned out to be mostly disappointing, as the mercurial legend looked like he lost the locker room on his way to the team severing ties in the offseason.
Without a doubt, Adams is a Hall of Fame wide receiver. When his career ends, he will see his bust in Canton. Right now, the Fresno State product sits 33rd in career receiving yards (11,844), 20th in career receptions (957), and 10th in career touchdowns (103). Yet, his last two stops have been rather turbulent and underwhelming, as Las Vegas and New York both struggled as a whole with Adams on their respective rosters.
Once upon a time, he was a dominant wideout with the ability to take over a game. At 32, you’d wonder how many more productive seasons Adams have remaining. With nine consecutive seasons of at least 70 catches, when does Father Time catch up with him?
Now, Los Angeles and McVay look like Adams’ last chance at ending his career on the right note. When McVay welcomed Adams to the team this week, you could sense legitimate relief on his face. Applause and praise filled the meeting room as the film rolled.
Coach McVay breaking down @tae15adams tape… 👀 pic.twitter.com/BAWaTxYBhn
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 8, 2025
Despite six seasons with 10or more wins, the head coach still grinds and wants more. The Rams mortgaged their immediate future to win Super Bowl LVI. In the process, many of the veterans moved on, leading to a rebuild. While the team still made the playoffs, no one considered the Rams a serious threat to enjoy a deep playoff run.
Instead, they provided the foil for the San Francisco 49ers, who saw them as their last divisional stop before conquering the conference. Now, the metaphorical worm has turned. Deebo Samuel plays in Washington. Brandon Aiyuk is now the 49ers’ top target, and Christian McCaffrey’s availability seems increasingly in question as the injuries seem to mount on a yearly basis.
In the tweet, McVay talks up Adams, but none of it falls into the realm of hyperbole. He used film to highlight Adams’ strengths.
For example, the six-time Pro Bowler exhibits excellent body control along the sideline while giving his quarterback a big window to throw into. Next, the head coach discusses the veteran’s ability to use angles to win on the red-zone fade, walling off the corner.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the clip is watching Matthew Stafford’s reactions. Granted, he played alongside Calvin Johnson for seven seasons, so he comprehends what special wideouts can do for a team.
Such players change the flow of the game and force defenses to change their plans during those four quarters. Adams’ fellow receiver Puka Nacua will benefit almost as much as Stafford when Adams is on the field, as teams will not have the luxury of rolling coverage to his side.
McVay and the Rams know that the balance of power in the NFC West shifted.
Seattle traded away a franchise wideout in DK Metcalf. The 49ers also lost Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave in the middle, Dre Greenlaw at linebacker, and Charvarious Ward and Talanoa Hufanga in the secondary.
As a result, Adams and Nacua will be set up to spearhead a Rams squad that could prove to be the class of its division. One player does not make a championship team. However, he can make the team appreciably better than much of the NFC.