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znModeratorHistory indicates Rams won't spend big in free agency https://t.co/uHxqTwww7K pic.twitter.com/0hLw9XRqbU
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) February 22, 2026
znModeratorBoston Ball IQ@BostonBallIQ
honestly Maye got robbed….46 TDs? But no one points out how 18 came within the 5 yard line…
Also…btw…Stafford’s 1-yard TD pass to Adams in the 4th quarter against JAX traveled 25.3 yards in the air.
People are just extraordinarily good at bias assimilation.
Plus there’s the fact, which I think was already mentioned, that Stafford had 30 passes inside the 5 w/ 63.3% completions, 19 TDs, O INTs. No one else has numbers like that inside the 5. Incidentally, Maye had 25 passes inside the 5 w/ 44% completions, 10 TDs, and 2 INTs.
Added to that is the also-already-posted-somewhere fact that Stafford led the league in TDs on 20+ yard passes, so it wasn’t all inside the 5.
***
stafford big time throws vs the field.
from the same reddit link
Big-Time Throw: Passes with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window. A grading scale is used from -2.0 to +2.0, where only passes earning a high positive score of +1.0 or better qualify. The primary metric used to compare players is the Big-Time Throw Rate, which measures these elite passes as a percentage of a quarterback’s total attempts. This system specifically rewards “optimum” ball placement and timing over simple completions, effectively isolating a quarterback’s individual talent from the rest of the offense
znModeratorfrom 2025 PFF All-Playoff Team: The best players at every position in the postseason — https://www.pff.com/news/2025-pff-all-playoff-team-the-best-players-at-every-position-in-the-postseason
Let’s take a look at PFF’s 2025 All-Playoff Team, looking at the highest-graded players from the postseason.
WR: Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams – 86.0
Puka Nacua was the highest-graded receiver in the regular season, earning a 96.3 PFF grade while catching a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. That dominance continued into the postseason. Nacua was essentially the triple crown winner in the playoffs, leading all receivers in catches (24), receiving yards (332) and receiving touchdowns in three games, and his 86.0 PFF grade was third among wideouts.
Nacua garnered at least 10 targets in all three postseason games and compiled a 91.5 PFF grade against the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, hauling in nine of 14 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. The former BYU receiver has made the jump from a very good receiver to one of the NFL’s elite in 2025.
S: Kamren Kinchens, Los Angeles Rams – 84.3
Tied with Woodson with an 84.3 PFF grade, the Rams’ Kamren Kinchens had a strong postseason and has a growing reputation on one of the NFL’s top defenses. Kinchens accumulated 11 tackles across three postseason games, adding five stops, and his 88.8 PFF tackling grade was second at the position.
Kinchens really shone in coverage, though. The former third-round pick was targeted five times, allowing three receptions for 17 yards while notching a pass breakup. His 78.6 PFF coverage grade led all safeties in the postseason.
K: Harrison Mevis, Los Angeles Rams – 82.0
Harrison Mevis has fast become a reliable source of points after winning the job as the Rams’ kicker back in Week 11. Mevis made all 39 extra point attempts in the regular season and finished 12-of-13 on field goal attempts, with the lone miss coming against the Seahawks in Week 16.
Mevis was money in the playoffs, converting on 9-of-9 extra points and 6-of-6 field goals. Four of Mevis’ field goal conversions came between 40-49 yards, the most of any kicker in the postseason, and the former Missouri Tiger made his lone field goal of over 50 yards. His 82.0 PFF field goal grade led the postseason.
znModeratorAnd they got it right. (unless the whistle blew, and i didnt hear a whistle)
There was a whistle. This is acknowledged. And that’s the issue. The issue isn’t the call, it’s the rule. According to the rule, in this situation “immediate continuing action” is in force even if there is a whistle. But the problem is, a defense will stop playing at a whistle and not everyone is in a position to know that was a backward pass. A defender risks a flag if they continue to play and make contact after a whistle.
No one is disputing the call. They’re disputing the rule.
znModeratorDoug Farrar@NFL_DougFarrar
There are parts of Ty Simpson’s game I like as a developmental quarterback. Arm is more than sufficient, and he’s got the kind of functional mobility you can work with.But he’s a late thrower, and that always gives me pause. I don’t see NFL-level anticipation, and he waits his way into pressure too often. I don’t see how that doesn’t double down on him at the NFL level.
That extra hitch is a problem.
…
We know where the first QB will get taken in the #NFLDraft… what about the 2nd? Where does Ty Simpson shake out come April? #NFL #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/WSGBeoJnNQ
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 20, 2026
znModeratorfrom https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rams-propose-nfl-rule-change-seahawks-2-point-conversion/
One can speculate as to what changes the Rams are seeking. Perhaps they wish to apply the fumble rules on a two-point try to a lateral that has been touched by the defender and goes forward. Or they want to have a time limit for a review to be initiated. The change could be related to the ball being possessed after the whistle blew. It may seek a clearer definition of what “immediate continuing action” is. Or it could be none of these.
znModerator10 Rams make PFF’s top 101 players of 2025
LAFB Network@LAFBNetwork
Most PFF Top 101 players in the NFL?10- Los Angeles Rams
9-
8- Seattle Seahawks
7-
6-
5- Lions, Broncos, Texans, Colts, 49ers
4- Falcons, Ravens, Jaguars, EaglesznModeratorUpdated top-100 broken down by position:
17 – WR
16 – Edge
13 – CB
9 – DT, LB, OT
7 – OG, SAF
5 – TE
3 – QB, RB
2 – Chttps://t.co/KFbA2xQxCZ— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 12, 2026
znModeratorMaybe it will, but if someone needs to step up on the receiver depth chart, it’s Whittington. The former sixth-round draft pick took a step back as a sophomore, coming up with just 18 catches for 171 yards.
I don’t know what will happen obviously, but this reminds me of McClendon. The new Rams ROT had a very mediocre 2nd year in the league, but then took a leap forward in 2025, his 3rd year.
Another example is Byron Young. Young was of course a starter all along, but he really took a huge step up in 2025/his 3rd year. Here are Young’s career numbers (see among other things the seasonal grade, which is the last number on the far right under “AV”):
znModeratorAt cornerback and receiver in particular, names from further down the depth chart may face pressure to fill the roles vacated by departing free agents. Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary will hit the open market from the secondary. Tutu Atwell is a pending free agent as well.
Emmanuel Forbes – Cornerback
Let’s start with the obvious one: cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. Every Horns fan knows the secondary needs help, and now depth could be an issue with Durant and McCreary hitting free agency. Relying on Forbes again will be a disaster if he doesn’t step up his game.
The third-year corner put up solid numbers on the surface. He tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Per Pro Football Focus, Forbes was second in the NFL with 13 pass breakups. By passer rating allowed, he finished 37th among 114 graded cornerbacks.
His physical play and interceptions supplied excitement, but that’s only part of the equation. Although Forbes rebounded somewhat from a disastrous start, Rams fans watched get gouged in coverage all too often. Despite logging over 800 snaps (35th), he ranked just 72nd in stops, tackles defined as preventing a successful gain by the offense. He made nine all year.
Worse, among graded corners, his 16 missed tackles per PFF were the NFL’s third-most. For a secondary that just needs to hold down the fort, those basic mistakes are a massive problem. It all adds up to a paltry 53.8 overall PFF grade, in the bottom 19 percent at the position. Badly exposed as a starter, Forbes will have to be considerably better to keep a regular role at all, let alone entice the Rams to pick up his $11.7 million club option in 2027.
Jordan Whittington – Wide Receiver
Matthew Stafford would probably like one of his receivers to emerge as a dependable third option. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will do the heavy lifting, but what happens when they get banged up like they did last season? Will the offense be able to make a living force-feeding tight ends?
Maybe it will, but if someone needs to step up on the receiver depth chart, it’s Whittington. The former sixth-round draft pick took a step back as a sophomore, coming up with just 18 catches for 171 yards. Nearly two-thirds of his regular-season production came in the first six weeks.
Whittington’s lack of involvement afterward is a concern entering his third season. If he doesn’t provide more, he may find his reps going to Xavier Smith and Konata Mumphfield, in addition to any receiver the Rams take in the upcoming draft. As a late-round selection who hasn’t progressed as hoped, Whittington shouldn’t take his job security for granted.
znModeratorIt is not lost on NFL-watchers that Nate Scheelhaase is black,
and that the owners lean toward hiring white whiz-kid Offensive Coordinators and
that McV has had a bunch of white OCs in the past
and this is his first black OC…w
vThe issue includes the relative lack of black qb coaches and black coordinators.
McVay may very well be aware of the issue since the Rams actively pursued Scheelhaase in 24. As I understand it, they recruited him in 24, he didn’t apply per se. When they went after him, he was Iowa State’s OC. The minute the Rams hired him he was being set up to become the next Rams OC.
from the wiki:
Iowa State
On January 25, 2018, it was announced Scheelhaase was hired as the running backs coach under Matt Campbell at Iowa State. In 2019, he became the wide receivers coach for Iowa State. In 2021, in addition to coaching the wide receivers, Scheelhaase was given the additional titles of running game coordinator and running backs coach. Prior to the 2023 season, he was promoted to offensive coordinator, replacing Tom Manning.Los Angeles Rams
On February 19, 2024, Scheelhaase was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as their pass game specialist under head coach Sean McVay. Upon his departure, Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell stated: “Nate is going and will do a great job. Honestly, an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Love him and will miss him, but truly a great opportunity for him!” On February 20, 2026, Scheelhaase was promoted to offensive coordinator, replacing Mike LaFleur.znModeratorJohn Frascella (Football)@NFLFrascella
Ouch…Kliff Kingsbury isn’t even CO-Offensive Coordinator for the Rams, yeesh
Alaric Jackson@Bigaj77
Everyone and they mama know Sean calling them plays, you think one of the best offensive minds in football(Kliff Kingsbury) isn’t gonna have a hand in what goes on? Cmon now***
Rams Overhaul Offensive Leadership: What Comes Next For LA Under Scheelhaase and Ragone?
= https://www.lafbnetwork.com/nfl/la-rams/la-rams-news/rams-nate-scheelhaase-dave-ragone-oc/
The Los Angeles Rams are doubling down on continuity — and evolution — within Sean McVay’s offensive ecosystem.
Los Angeles has promoted Nathan Scheelhaase from pass game coordinator to offensive coordinator, replacing Mike LaFleur after his departure to become the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach. Quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone adds the title of co-offensive coordinator, while veteran play-caller Kliff Kingsbury joins the staff as an offensive assistant.
The result is less a reset and more a layering of ideas — something McVay has long valued as part of the Rams’ coaching pipeline.
A Promotion Years in the Making
Scheelhaase’s rise has been deliberate. McVay originally recruited him out of Iowa State Cyclones in 2023, offering what amounted to a step back in title to gain NFL experience. He began as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist, helping script plays and build weekly game plans.
Now, he steps into a role that has historically served as a springboard to head coaching jobs across the league.
At just 35, Scheelhaase is already viewed as one of the NFL’s ascending offensive minds, having interviewed for multiple head-coaching opportunities this past cycle.
McVay has been vocal about why.
“We’ve been really fortunate to have Nate,” McVay said. “He’s a great coach, a rare communicator, and incredibly sharp. His perspective is big-picture. He makes everyone around him better.”
What Scheelhaase Brings: Structure, Space, and Schematic Marriage
On the latest Rams LAFB Show, it was highlighted how internally anticipated this move has been:
“Retaining Nate Scheelhaase — I don’t know how familiar everyone is with him, but he comes out of Iowa State and has been on this staff the last couple of years. It feels like he’s trending toward stepping into the official offensive coordinator role, which is probably something that’s been in the works internally. What should Rams fans know about him?”
Analyst Cody Alexander pointed to the evolution of the modern college game as a key influence on Scheelhaase’s approach:
“I don’t think people fully understand what that Iowa State system is, or what the Big 12 has become. A lot of fans are still anchored to the 2010s version of that league — the wide-open, pure spread era. But it’s evolved into more of a hybrid style. You’re seeing 12 personnel, tighter structures, and concepts that actually marry really well with what Kliff Kingsbury has done offensively. That’s probably why this pairing makes sense.”
“Scheelhaase comes from a gun-centric system that uses 12 personnel, and when you turn on tape of what that offense looks like in the NFL, you can see the overlap. The marriage is there schematically.”
Alexander emphasized that Scheelhaase’s reputation inside coaching circles is built on detail and adaptability:
“Everyone you talk to also mentions how cerebral he is. He’s one of those classic ‘card-drawer’ coaches — the detailed strategist who’s worked his way up and understands the system inside and out.”
And perhaps most importantly, his background injects spacing concepts often emphasized more heavily in the college game:
“One thing college offenses do really well is search for space. The NFL can get condensed — formations get tight, windows get tight — and sometimes you forget that if you spread people out, you can create isolation and manufacture easier throws.”
That philosophy is particularly appealing with a veteran quarterback still playing at an elite level.
“And when you have a quarterback like Matthew Stafford — the kind of guy other quarterbacks love to watch — giving him those answers can be huge.”
Production Already Speaks to His Influence
Even before this promotion, Scheelhaase’s fingerprints were all over the Rams’ 2025 offensive explosion.
Nacua credited Scheelhaase’s organizational command for helping align the entire offense week to week:
“His ability to communicate what our job is on Wednesday through Sunday is something that I’d say has been a blessing in our room. His ability to understand how we operate, but then also to be on the same page as the quarterbacks, be on the same page when the groupings have changed from 13 personnel to 11.”
“He’s done a great job every step of the way of making sure everybody is on the same page.”
Enter Dave Ragone: A Run-Game Counterbalance
While Scheelhaase’s background leans into spacing, structure, and pass-game architecture, Ragone’s history adds a complementary dimension rooted in physicality and efficiency.
During his time coordinating the Atlanta Falcons offense (2021–2023), Ragone operated a West Coast-based system built on:
Quick, rhythm passing is designed to stretch defenses horizontally and create yards after the catch.
Heavy outside-zone run principles, forcing defenses to flow laterally and opening decisive cutback lanes.
Multipositional personnel usage, moving skill players across alignments to create matchup stress.
Tight end versatility, deploying them in-line, in the slot, and as backfield movers to manipulate fronts.
The results reflected a clear identity. Atlanta finished near the top of the league in rushing production in 2022, validating the zone-based philosophy, even while quarterback instability limited the vertical passing output.
Ragone also experimented with structural tweaks — including shifting to the press box for a broader defensive view — to improve in-game adjustments and spacing.
In Los Angeles, that background could help balance a pass-heavy McVay system with more sequencing in the run game and personnel multiplicity.
A Three-Layered Brain Trust
The addition of Kingsbury adds yet another lens — Air Raid spacing, tempo variation, and quarterback-friendly answers — to an already diverse staff.
Alexander summed up how difficult that combination could be for opposing defenses:
“So the combination of Nate Scheelhaase, Kingsbury, and Sean McVay is really intriguing. From a defensive perspective, that’s a staff I’d love to sit in on, because you know there are going to be a lot of ideas being layered together.”
Continuity Without Complacency
The Rams are attempting a rare coaching balance: maintaining the language and infrastructure of McVay’s system while introducing new answers for an offense transitioning into its next phase.
Scheelhaase now helps lead offensive meetings and will expand into run-game planning, signaling trust not just in his concepts, but in his ability to connect every layer of the operation.
McVay has made clear he views that trait as the separator.
“The great ones redefine what that is because they do a little bit more and they’re just a little more intrinsically motivated,” McVay said. “I think this guy’s a special coach… He is a rising star, without a doubt.”
For a Rams team returning its offensive core and armed with significant draft capital, this isn’t merely a promotion — it’s an intentional recalibration of how the offense will evolve around Stafford and the next generation of playmakers.
In typical McVay fashion, the Rams aren’t changing the system.
They’re expanding it.
znModeratorPrior to the 2026 NFL Combine, NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah spoke with the media about his expectations and outlook on the 2026 NFL Combine and Draft. He outlined which position groups he believed were the strongest….
“It’s another exciting class, with some of the strengths of this draft really being along the
defensive line, particularly the edge rushers,” Jeremiah said Thursday. “Another great group of wide receivers, a linebacker group that runs deep and a corner group that runs really deep. So it’s a good draft.”When asked about the depth of specifically defensive tackle, cornerback and wide receiver for teams without a first-round pick, Jeremiah said this:
“I would rank that wide receiver, corner, D-tackle in terms of depth,” he said. “But it’s not it’s not in bad shape at defensive tackle, it’s just much, much deeper at the other two. Wide receivers is really, really good. It’s comparable to the last several years…I think I had 19 guys with grades that would put them in the top three-round range, so that’s a really good group of wide receivers. Corners, we got a nice mix of outside guys and one of the really, really good group of slot corners that I’ve seen in the last few years. So good, not quite as deep as we’ve been in some other years, but really solid there with, again, a really nice mix of slot corners. And then the defensive tackles, it’s not as deep as the edge rusher group in this draft, but there’s some real intriguing guys…second round to fourth round I think is a nice little sweet spot there, you got some real big guys in there.”
znModeratorGuys, let’s pool our resources and buy the Seahawks. We can then trade the entire Seattle secondary to the Rams for a 7th round pick.
I found 7 dollars in my glove compartment. So that’s a start.
Who’s with me?
znModeratorfrom NFL Pro deep dive: Players you didn’t know were THIS efficient in 2025: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-pro-deep-dive-players-you-didn-t-know-were-this-efficient-in-2025
Blake Corum
Los Angeles Rams · RBWhile Kyren Williams is the guy in the Los Angeles backfield, the Rams utilized their 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum significantly more in his second season, and he was extremely efficient when his name was called. He more than tripled his production in 2025 (746 yards) compared to 2024 (207 yards) and went from zero touchdowns in his first year, to six in his second. Corum was so efficient in fact, that he led all running backs with 13.3 expected points added (EPA) on rushes and 0.09 EPA per carry. Among all running backs with at least 50 carries, he boasted 5.1 yards per carry (T-4th), a 15.9% explosive run rate (4th) and a 49.7% success rate (5th), per NFL Pro. As Corum’s efficiency skyrocketed, he helped boost the Rams from the 24th-ranked rushing offense in 2024 to 7th in 2025.
***
BobCarl
The difference that I saw between 2024 and 2025 is that Corum learned how to run with his pads low, the transformation was successful.
znModeratorSources: the Los Angeles Rams are promoting pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator, and making QB coach Dave Ragone the co-offensive coordinator/QB coach.
from the wiki
Ragone was selected in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft by the Houston Texans and started in two games behind David Carr. In 2005, Ragone was named NFL Europe’s Offensive MVP, leading the Berlin Thunder to World Bowl XIII. Ragone was waived by the Texans and claimed by the Cincinnati Bengals in May 2006. In June 2006, the Bengals traded Ragone to the St. Louis Rams.
Ragone was released by the Rams during training camp prior to the 2006 season.
Hartford Colonials
On March 19, 2010, Ragone was named the wide receiver/quarterback coach for the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League. Under his coaching, quarterback Josh McCown was named Offensive Player of the Week on September 20, 2010. He would also lead the league in passer rating & touchdown passes.
Tennessee Titans
On February 22, 2011, Ragone was hired by the Tennessee Titans as their wide receivers coach, following his head coach Chris Palmer who was named offensive coordinator on the 15th. During the 2011 season, the Titans went 9–7 and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Under his coaching, wide receiver Nate Washington eclipsed 1,000 yards and recorded seven touchdowns.
During the 2012 NFL draft, the Titans selected wide receiver Kendall Wright with the 20th pick.[10] Wright would go on to lead all NFL rookies with 64 receptions. The Titans went 6–10 in 2012, and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
On January 18, 2013, Ragone was reassigned from wide receiver to quarterbacks coach, replacing Dowell Loggains who was promoted to offensive coordinator after the Titans fired Chris Palmer on November 26, 2012. The Titans went 7-9 and missed the playoffs for the fifth straight year. At the end of the season, head coach Mike Munchak was fired, leaving Ragone without a job.
Washington Redskins
On February 27, 2015, Ragone was hired as the offensive quality control coach for the Washington Redskins.
Chicago Bears
On January 22, 2016, Ragone was named quarterbacks coach of the Chicago Bears under head coach John Fox. The Bears went 3–13 and missed the playoffs, the worst record for the franchise since the NFL moved to 16-game seasons in 1978. Although Ragone was tasked with coaching quarterback Jay Cutler, Cutler and the team struggled with injuries, forcing backups Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley into action. The Bears also went 0–8 on the road for the first time in franchise history.
During the 2017 NFL Draft, the Bears selected quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with the 2nd overall pick. They also signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Mike Glennon in free agency. The Bears went 5–11 and missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
When Fox was fired after the 2017 season, Ragone was retained by new coach Matt Nagy; he was the lone offensive assistant from the Fox regime to stay with the Bears. The Bears went 12–4 in 2018, earning a winning season for the first time since 2012, making the playoffs and winning the NFC North for the first time since 2010. They would go on to lose to the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round 16–15 with Trubisky setting numerous franchise passing records. Under his coaching, Trubisky would be selected to the Pro Bowl.
The Bears went 8–8 in 2019 and missed the playoffs. On January 16, 2020, Nagy hired John DeFilippo as quarterbacks coach and Ragone was promoted to passing game coordinator.
Atlanta Falcons
On January 21, 2021, Ragone was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as their offensive coordinator under head coach Arthur Smith. Following Smith’s firing after the 2023 season, Ragone was not retained under new head coach Raheem Morris.
Los Angeles Rams
On February 19, 2024, Ragone was named quarterbacks coach of the Los Angeles Rams under head coach Sean McVay.On February 20, 2026, it was reported that he was promoted to Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
znModeratorNFL defenses have gotten more complex. @KirkCousins8 breaks down what makes facing teams like #seattle so difficult. @KyleSchonewill @granthpaulsen #seahawks #podcast #nfl #football pic.twitter.com/ErhSEUtijy
— Friends From Work (@TheFFWPodcast) February 20, 2026
znModeratorAaron Donalds feet 😳 pic.twitter.com/Vvo54jisvL
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) February 19, 2026
znModerator10 Rams make PFF’s top 101 players of 2025
Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua were both in the top 10 of PFF’s 2025 rankings of the top 101 playersCameron DaSilva
Even though they came up short in the NFC Championship Game, the Los Angeles Rams were unquestionably one of the two or three best teams in the league last season. Their special teams and defensive units let them down against the Seattle Seahawks but collectively, the Rams were as talented as anyone.
Pro Football Focus’ latest rankings from the 2025 season back up that notion. PFF ranked the top 101 players from this past season and the Rams were all over the list. They had 10 players selected, led by Matthew Stafford at No. 6 and Puka Nacua at No. 2.
None of the Rams’ representatives were terribly surprising, but it is good to see Poona Ford, Kobie Turner and Kevin Dotson all getting the recognition they deserve as top-60 players in the NFL.
Stafford and Nacua were the highest-ranked players at their respective positions, with only Myles Garrett (No. 1) finishing ahead of Nacua on the overall list. Here’s where each Rams player ranked in the top 101.
89. WR Davante Adams
83. OLB Byron Young
82. RB Kyren Williams
71. OT Alaric Jackson
68. OLB Jared Verse
59. NT Poona Ford
58. DT Kobie Turner
46. RG Kevin Dotson
6. QB Matthew Stafford
2. WR Puka Nacua
PFF named Stafford its 2025 MVP after his 46-touchdown season, also leading the NFL with 4,707 passing yards.
The PFF MVP and NFL MVP is the highest-ranked quarterback in this year’s PFF 101. His 91.9 PFF passing grade and 7.7% big-time throw rate paced the position. It was the first time in Stafford’s career that he earned a PFF overall grade above 90.0, setting a career high at 38 years old.
Nacua went over 2,000 yards receiving when including the playoffs, only the second receiver ever to eclipse that mark. The other? Cooper Kupp in 2021, also with the Rams.
Nacua put up a 2,047-yard season when including the playoffs, one of the most impressive years ever for a wide receiver. He led all receivers with a 96.1 PFF receiving grade, and his 3.57 yards per route run average was more than a full yard better than any other receiver not named Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
It was a stellar season for several Rams players, as evidenced by PFF’s list. They made up nearly 10% of the rankings, which is jarring. The rival Seahawks had eight, for comparison.
znModeratorCada touchdown de nuestra temporada 👀🐏
Más momentos destacados en https://t.co/bDQjoDrRdV pic.twitter.com/XIoY1JgU4S
— Rams en Español (@VamosRams) February 20, 2026
znModeratorAdam Schefter@AdamSchefter
Sources: the Los Angeles Rams are promoting pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator, and making QB coach Dave Ragone the co-offensive coordinator/QB coach.Scheelhaase interviewed for five head coaching jobs during this hiring cycle.
But now, the NFL’s final OC opening has been filled in a uniquely LA way.
znModeratorRams’ Best Catches From The 2025 Season
znModeratorDaniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
Looking at my Omar Cooper Jr notes- He’s the Ramsiest WR in the draft.***
Though he doesn’t boast a rare combination of size, speed or athleticism, he’s exactly the type of receiver the Rams tend to look for.
Cooper is 6 feet tall and around 200 pounds, but he’s as physical as any wideout in the draft. He’s excellent at picking up yards after the catch, not only with his elusiveness in the open field, but by fighting for extra yardage through sheer effort.
What makes him particularly intriguing for the Rams is his willingness to block. That’s something Sean McVay always asks of his receivers, which allows Los Angeles to stay in 11 personnel as often as it does.
Todd McShay raved about Cooper on his podcast recently, describing him as the type of receiver the Rams tend look for in the draft.
“He’s the most consistent, reliable, toughest son of a (expletive) blocker in this class at wide receiver,” McShay said. “He’s 6-foot, maybe just shy, but his effort, his angles, his ability to sustain, the way he fights is unparalleled.”
February 19, 2026 at 12:11 pm in reply to: science! physics, astrophysics, abiogenesis, n other stuff #162242znModeratorznModeratorfrom NFL beat writer 2026 mock draft 1.0: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7055121/2026/02/19/nfl-writer-2026-mock-draft-wide-receivers-edge-rushers/?campaign=16965538&source=athletic_targeted_email&userId=603890
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Rams’ biggest need by far this offseason is outside cornerback, and it might be one they address in free agency or a trade. Rather than force the position right after the top two options went off the board, the Rams instead pivot to an underrated need at the third wide receiver spot. With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in high-volume roles, the Rams must find better insurance for those engines than they had last season. Unlike Tutu Atwell, Lemon can find his way onto the field because he’s extremely physical and a strong blocker, which matters so much to Sean McVay. Lemon took his game to another level last season with 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s a perfect future Adams replacement who can duplicate enough of Nacua to manage his snap share and volume load, too. — Nate Atkins29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Rams avoided the urge to fill their biggest need when the board didn’t line up at No. 13, but it falls into place here. Hood is a force in press-man and contested catch-and-run defense settings, bringing a different flavor to what the Rams tried out at this spot last season in Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Los Angeles has a nice track record with draft acquisitions from U of Tennessee, including linebacker Byron Young and safety Jaylen McCollough. If Hood can be a CB2 from the jump, it could set the Rams and, notably, their pass rush up to take a leap on this side of the ball. — Nate AtkinsznModeratorBut as I read that, I thought about Steven Jackson who had all that plus size, plus speed. Imagine Jackson on this team. What % of their drives would end in points?
K Wms is doing well and I think that AI guy is right about his strengths, which the Rams know how to use. But of course at the same time, Kyren is on a team with a very good OL and top OL coach, and an elite qb who has seen everything and can make any throw. As we know, Jackson was without the OL and often without a qb, let alone one that was at Stafford’s level (Bulger wasn’t Stafford though he was more than good enough, but as we also know he got bulgerized behind those problem OLs).
Anyway. A Jackson in his prime on the present Rams offense would make it one of the best offenses in all NFL history. I really believe that. That’s why I am working on time travel. It’s a tricky issue but I am making some progress I think.
While I’m at it I will time jump Tony Horne too, who was both a great returner and great special teams gunner.
znModeratorBetween 2018 and 2021 – Robert Woods had just under 500 yards rushing and 5 TDs on the ground.
After the departure of Tavon Austin in 2017, coach McVay implemented his role to Woods and he not only filled in, but excelled! He led the league in on the ground as a receiver pic.twitter.com/nf5RDLJyJ9
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) February 18, 2026
znModeratorLAFB Network@LAFBNetwork
Warren McClendon allowed the lowest pressure rate in 2025 at 2.94 percent. Still think they need to draft a first round tackle?znModeratorThe Truth About ICE’s Violent Tendencies
Recently released emails show that after Trump was elected, a dangerous trend arose—and DHS leadership didn’t think it was a problem.Avery fine scoop from Politico tells us that the upper echelons of ICE knew that the grunts were getting out of hand long before their wilding spree in Minneapolis.
Top Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials knew as early as March of last year that officers were using dramatically more force against civilians and the targets of their enforcement operations, months before ICE and Border Patrol officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Internal emails obtained as part of a Freedom of Information Act request from the liberal-leaning watchdog nonprofit American Oversight show that top officials knew the amount of force—be it lethal force or non-lethal efforts to physically restrain or subdue people or neutralize threats—used by ICE officers was rapidly rising after President Donald Trump took office and that incidents were occurring nationwide.
Well, I’m sure that was coincidental.Caleb Vitello, at the time the official tasked with overseeing field and enforcement operations at ICE, was informed on March 20 that ICE officers had reported 67 incidents where they had used force in the first two months of Trump’s term, according to the emails. In the same time frame in 2024, that number was 17 incidents, representing a nearly four-fold increase.
It must be considered axiomatic by now that the president’s only real gift in politics is recognizing and energizing the worst instincts of everyone he touches, and a MacGyver-esque talent for finding the worst possible use for every institution at his disposal through which the members of his cult can exercise those worst instincts. It is his superpower. Combine an administration filled with the president’s poison with an armed militia operating in the field and what did anyone expect?
Any optimism must be found in the knowledge that someone somewhere within the bureaucracy has retained enough of a conscience to release these emails. One can only hope they did so in the hope of reining in this disastrous and un-American venture beyond decency. In related news, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin is bailing out. She will not be the last.
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ICE officials knew use of force was rising well before Minneapolis shootings
Internal agency emails show a surge in reports of ICE officers using more force going back nearly a year, but DHS leadership did not see it as a concern to be addressed.https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/17/ice-officials-use-of-force-00782501
Top Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials knew as early as March of last year that officers were using dramatically more force against civilians and the targets of their enforcement operations, months before ICE and Border Patrol officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
Internal emails obtained as part of a Freedom of Information Act request from the liberal-leaning watchdog nonprofit American Oversight show that top officials knew the amount of force — be it lethal force or non-lethal efforts to physically restrain or subdue people or neutralize threats — used by ICE officers was rapidly rising after President Donald Trump took office and that incidents were occurring nationwide.
Caleb Vitello, at the time the official tasked with overseeing field and enforcement operations at ICE, was informed on March 20 that ICE officers had reported 67 incidents where they had used force in the first two months of Trump’s term, according to the emails. In the same time frame in 2024, that number was 17 incidents, representing a nearly four-fold increase.
Days before, Vitello was informed that the use of force in the first two weeks of March alone had quadrupled compared with the same timeframe the year before, per another email.
The Department of Homeland Security has insisted that officers are complying with the standards set forth in their training and that officers continue to practice “incredible restraint” in using force. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the documents, which were shared first with POLITICO.
The contents of the emails challenge the administration’s assertions and efforts from its backers in the wake of the Minneapolis shootings to downplay incidents involving ICE’s use of excessive force by arguing that such cases were infrequent.
“These are hard issues that we should spend time talking about, because they’re tragic and awful, but also, thankfully, rare,” Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said at a Thursday oversight hearing about the response to Minneapolis.
The FOIA request also turned up incident reports from operations across the country where officers used force during arrests and apprehensions. They include one March 10 incident where Border Patrol and ICE officers smashed a woman’s car windows as they sought to apprehend two unauthorized immigrants. One of the unauthorized immigrants was tased and then needed to receive medical attention due to vomiting and some scratches. At least one person in the reports from Trump’s first two months in office died as a result of an encounter with immigration officers.
The emails and incident reports show that cases of ICE and Border Patrol using force go beyond isolated instances circulating on social media and surges in major cities such as Minneapolis. They also show that agency leadership has been aware that nationwide, the agency’s officers are using more aggressive tactics as the Trump administration has sought to increase the number of deportations of unauthorized immigrants.
The emails and documents also do not reflect particular urgency on the part of ICE leadership to respond to that trend, either by directing more training or by establishing whether the increase tracks with a general increase in enforcement and deportation operations.
Instead, they show how ICE and DHS officials looked to publicly discuss a different trend — that assaults against officers are also at all-time highs. The March 20 email to Vitello highlights that assaults against ICE officers had more than quadrupled during the same time period that use of force had also increased.
The email indicated that ICE leadership was keen to prosecute those cases, with a unit chief writing to Vitello that a team in a regional office could “package up a summary of the needed elements of the crime, definitions of what constitutes assault, etc with the intent of broadcasting to the workforce in an effort to drive more presentations for prosecution.”
Officials, confronted with questions about ICE’s tactics, have insisted the officers receive adequate training and blamed officials in Democratic-led states and cities for stoking tensions.
As recently as January, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem rejected suggestions ICE officers were using excessive force.
“Our ICE agents are following the law and are running their operations according to training,” Noem told reporters on Jan. 15 when asked if there were cases ICE had crossed the line.
Chioma Chukwu, the executive director of American Oversight, said in a statement that the documents paint a “deeply troubling picture of the violent methods used by ICE.”
The documents’ release comes as Democrats and some Republicans are looking to secure major changes to ICE tactics and training as part of negotiations to fund DHS and end the partial government shutdown. Lawmakers on the House and Senate Homeland Security Committees last week questioned acting ICE chief Todd Lyons, who replaced Vitello as acting director, over concerns about ICE’s use of force and other tactics nationwide.
“It’s clearly evident that the public trust has been lost,” Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said at a hearing Thursday. To restore trust in ICE and Border Patrol, they must admit their mistakes, be honest, and forthright with their rules of engagement, and pledge to reform.”
The documents also revealed more details about how ICE agents were told how to navigate another controversial legal question: whether ICE agents need judicial warrants to enter homes. That question has been a sticking point in funding talks between Democrats and the administration.
A slidedeck from July included notes about the administration’s controversial move to allow ICE to enter homes with only an administrative warrant — ones issued by an agency, not a court — in order to apprehend and deport unauthorized immigrants with final orders of removal.
The slides contradicted the guidance of a May memo from Lyons, which said that agents could use I-205 forms — which apply to those with final orders of removal authorizing an immigrant’s deportation from the United States — to enter homes.
But instructor notes that accompanied the slidedeck, completed in July, indicate that instructors were advised to tell participants if specifically asked about I-205 forms that the policy is “under review.” That suggests that the policy was not as iron tight as previously believed.
The administration has said it has the legal basis to enter homes with only administrative warrants. Congressional Democrats have insisted ICE still needs a warrant signed by a judge to enter homes.
About the discrepancy, Chukwu said it “suggests ICE knows its practices are deeply problematic — and is deliberately hiding the ball to avoid public scrutiny.”
znModerator"I do not remember an NFL team going into the season with less hope. Coach: F, quarterback situation: D-/F, ownership: brutal."@colincowherd reacts to a report that Jets owner Woody Johnson is interfering with the defensive scheme pic.twitter.com/qu8EUZQ9Wu
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 18, 2026
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