Battle Red Blog
The 2025 season is finally upon us and we begin with a regular feature we do around here that we lovingly call five questions. It’s something we like to do exclusively at SBNation where we ask our brothers and sisters at the other team’s site five questions about their team, so we can learn more about our opponents. Since we are all one big happy family at SBNation, these are usually cordial in nature and we tend to get along pretty well even if the teams on the field don’t. This one is no different. Evan Craig from Turf Show Times was kind enough to join us this week for five question and you can see my answers on their site as well.
Battle Red Blog: Matthew Stafford has been banged up in the early going. How healthy is he going in and how will this impact the offensive game plan?
Evan Craig: Matthew Stafford is all set for the opener, but his nagging back injury will likely linger for a decent portion of the season. He’s clearly no spring chicken anymore, being the third-oldest starter in the league behind Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco. I’ve said this offseason that his back issues eerily remind me of his injury concerns ahead of that dreadful season, so I’m hoping we don’t endure a repeat. For the game plan, I’m expecting Sean McVay will lean more on the run in the early going to ease Stafford into the game before attempting to air it out.
BRB: Davante Adams was the big addition to the offense this offseason. What are the expectations for him this season and how will he impact the offense overall?
EC: Expectations for Davante Adams are sky-high in Hollywood this season. The Rams have whiffed on wide receiver free agent signings in recent years, with the Allen Robinson signing in 2022 being the lowest of the low. I’m confident in Adams producing as he posted solid enough numbers a year ago despite playing for two directionless franchises. He should give the offense a strong one-two punch alongside Puka Nacua and be an instant upgrade over Cooper Kupp. Unfortunately, Kupp wasn’t the same after his triple crown season, and Adams should make the Rams a more dangerous downfield passing team. Stafford should be salivating right now.
BRB: You mentioned the Rams connection on Nick Caley. Do you have any insights from his time in LA that would help Texans fans get to know him?
EC: Nick Caley played a key role in the Rams’ post-Super Bowl success, and it’s no wonder why he’s an offensive coordinator somewhere. The Rams shifted from a heavy outside zone running team to primarily gap scheme team, leading the team to rely on certain running backs like Kyren Williams, which has done wonders for the offense since he became RB1. That shift has helped get L.A. clinch back-to-back postseason trips, as they have a strong running game to complement Stafford’s arm.
**BRB: Since the Texans...
