Former All-Pro WR Steve Smith points out glaring flaw in Rams' offense

The Los Angeles Rams have sputtered out of the gate to begin their 2026 NFL season, going 2-4 through six games. There are many reasons behind their inability to secure wins, with media heads and analysts constantly throwing around ideas and theories.

Former NFL All-Pro receiver Steve Smith, who once predicted the success of Cooper Kupp despite massive pushback, issued his theory behind the team's struggles. On ESPN's "Get Up ," Smith claimed a lack of speed is hindering the offense.

"I use the word 'slow,'" stated Smith. "They are one mile per hour slower this year, and that has to do with they're sitting there in this 13 personnel, 13 personnel with three [tight ends]. They're going inside having Puka because he's another big body. That's four guys. None of these guys are beating anybody in the track meet, and so they're hiding the fact that they lack the speed and the vertical push to dictate to this offense, which makes them unexplosive on a consistent basis. You can't always use schemes to facilitate making big plays. Sometimes you got to allow some athletic guys to go up there and dictate to the defense."

While the Rams have kept their fastest receivers, Tutu Atwell and CJ Daniels, on the sideline, the offensive woes aren't coming from a lack of speed. Sure, the Rams would love to take the top off more, but it's their short-yardage attack that is dooming their offensive operation.

Matthew Stafford leads the NFL in passing yards. Perhaps having more speed would make teams more hesitant to blitz the Rams as much as they do. Regardless, Smith highlights a massive point.

The Rams often don't let their best playmakers dictate the defense, and ball distribution stifles the overall effort with a habitual bombardment of Nacua.