Hypothesis: McVay is recreating the 2021 Super Bowl Offense
By targeting a legit X receiver in Davante Adams, I think McVay is trying to bring back the prolific 3-by-1 offense from Stafford’s 1st year in LA.
Here’s a breakdown thanks to some help from ChatGPT:
Personnel Fit in 3-by-1
• Davante Adams: Elite route-runner, incredible against press, and wins consistently in isolation. He’d be your X receiver (the “1” on the backside), dominating 1-on-1 matchups.
• Puka Nacua: Physical, versatile, and reliable underneath and intermediate—he can fill the Cooper Kupp role as the #3 in trips, operating out of the slot and working the middle of the field.
• Tutu Atwell: Speedster who stretches the defense vertically. He could fill the Van Jefferson role as the field stretcher, likely at the #2 or #1 on the trips side, depending on the play design.
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How They’d Recreate the 2021 Magic
Trips Formation
• Puka as #3 in trips: He’d work option routes, crossers, and sit-down zones against linebackers/safeties—just like Kupp. Puka’s size and strength make him dangerous after the catch in these situations. • Tutu as #1 or #2: He’d clear out space with go routes, posts, and deep overs. His speed forces safeties to respect the deep ball, opening up underneath for Puka. • Tyler Higbee (or another TE) could line up tight or flex to #2 in heavier sets, but they could also run pure 10 personnel (no tight end) if they want to go wide.Backside Isolation with Davante Adams:
• Adams as the backside X: You’d get him isolated on one side of the formation, forcing defenses to pick their poison.
• If they bracket trips, Adams gets a 1-on-1, and Stafford can exploit it with slants, fades, comebacks, or quick outs.
• If they shift coverage his way, it opens up favorable numbers on the trips side for Puka and Tutu.
• Adams’ ability to release off the line cleanly means Stafford could hit him on quick game routes to punish soft coverage.Route Combinations:
• Flood/Levels Concepts: Puka runs the deep out or corner from #3; Tutu runs a go; Higbee runs the flat. Adams isolated backside on a comeback or slant.
• Dagger Concept: Tutu runs the clear-out go route at #1 trips; Puka runs the deep dig (dagger) from #3; Stafford can progress from Adams backside, then to Puka over the middle.
• Crossers/Yankee Concept: Play-action fake with Tutu on a deep post or over, Puka on an intermediate crosser, and Adams on a deep comeback or hitch if they need a checkdown.
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Motion and Mismatches
• Pre-snap motion with Puka or Adams could help diagnose coverage and create leverage.
• Bunch formations (tight trips) with Puka at the point could allow for pick plays and rub routes, freeing up Tutu deep or Puka underneath.
• Jet motion with Tutu could keep defenses honest and open up play-action shots.
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Play-Action Game
• With Puka and Adams both being strong blockers (and if they stick with their zone run game), the Rams could suck defenses into the box and hit deep play-action shots.
• Tutu becomes a home-run threat, especially if Adams draws the safety over or Puka occupies the linebackers.
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Red Zone
• Adams becomes the go-to guy in isolation (back shoulder fades, slants).
• Puka works the option routes and quick outs in trips.
• Tutu can run jet sweeps or be the decoy to pull defenders out of position.
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Summary:
• Puka Nacua = 2021 Cooper Kupp (slot/option route king).
• Davante Adams = upgraded OBJ/Van Jefferson X receiver, winning isolations backside.
• Tutu Atwell = vertical burner like Van Jefferson, but with more speed to truly stretch defenses.
McVay could basically run the 2021 offense on steroids, adding Adams’ elite isolation skills and Tutu’s game-breaking speed to what Puka already brings as a physical, smart, do-it-all receiver.
Edit: Looks like Jourdan is thinking the same. https://x.com/jourdanrodrigue/status/1898901498999828486?s=46&t=of5Oe9lUufKZ1dojI6G8Ig