A connection that's been loud, clear

Rams veterans Adams, Stafford have developed a nice rapport to spark offense

- BY GARY KLEIN

VETERAN receiver Davante Adams has 109 career touchdown catches, the most among active players, with six scoring catches in 2023.

(ROBERT GAUTHIER Los Angeles Times)

As a 12th-year pro, Davante Adams knows the value of rest during a bye week.

So before the Rams played the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Oct. 19, Adams looked forward to days off that awaited.

Then Adams, flashing his three-time All-Pro form, caught three touchdown passes.

Was there any part of him that did not want a break?

"Oh, hell yeah," Adams said this week, noting that he told coach Sean McVay, "I wish we could keep rolling at this point."

So did McVay.

"He's like, 'Man, I don't want to have a week off,'" McVay recalled. "I said, 'Hey, just enjoy it.'"

Adams, rested and ready after spending part of last week in Mexico with family, intends to pick up where he left off two weeks ago when the Rams play host to the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium.

The game will mark the return of fellow star receiver Puka Nacua, who sat out against the Jaguars because of an ankle injury suffered Oct. 12 against the Baltimore Ravens.

But the Rams will be without speedy receiver Tutu Atwell, who will be sidelined for at least four games on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury.

McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford showed against the Jaguars that the Rams' weapons go beyond Nacua and Adams. Four tight ends — Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and rookie Terrance Ferguson — were among the 10 players who caught passes in the 35-7 victory that improved the Rams' record to 5-2.