THOUSAND OAKS — Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford forced a few balls to newcomer wide receiver Allen Robinson that were intercepted in training camp. Top running backs Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson missed two weeks of practice. The offensive line had to adjust with two new starters.

It was a rocky acclimation period for the Rams’ offense in training camp, and that led to Rams coach Sean McVay calling players out after a sluggish performance against the defense last month. But Stafford and his offense got the message and sorted out their issues before beginning their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

Stafford and Robinson quickly got on the same page, and the offensive line was rarely noticed, which is often a positive sign for that unit. Akers and Henderson returned to practice and appeared ready to operate a possible backfield committee.

Mistakes were made in the summer, but the Rams’ offense is expected to be one of the best in the NFL, primarily because it features star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who had a historic 2021 season. Here’s a look at the Rams’ offense heading into the 2022 regular season, which opens Thursday at home against the Buffalo Bills:

Quarterbacks: Matthew Stafford, Bryce Perkins, John Wolford

Stafford’s “abnormal” elbow pain was the overblown story of the summer, despite McVay constantly saying that his starting quarterback was fine and Stafford’s practice performances confirming that.

The Rams played it safe with Stafford and he appears ready for his 14th NFL season. Stafford created chemistry with Robinson and continued to make dazzling throws to Kupp and starting tight end Tyler Higbee.

Stafford might have a new backup in Perkins, who had another stellar preseason. Wolford has held the No. 2 position the past few seasons.

Running backs: Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, Kyren Williams, Jake Funk

The Rams’ top two running backs, Akers and Henderson, were recently sidelined for two weeks because of what McVay called soft-tissue issues. But similar to Stafford’s case, it was more about precaution because of Akers’ and Henderson’s injury history.

McVay said Friday they’re ready to go for the start of the season. Akers, who tore his Achilles tendon last summer, appeared to be in top form before his two-week break and made the most impact plays among the running backs in training camp.

Expect Henderson and Williams, the team’s 2022 fifth-round pick, to also be heavily involved in the backfield rotation. There could be a compelling development if one running back stands out and McVay is forced to decide between a committee or a lead back.

Williams missed the start of training camp because of a foot injury, but he quickly impressed on the field during Akers’ and Henderson’s absence. Funk, a second-year player, is expected to be a top special teams contributor.

Wide receivers: Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, Brandon Powell, Tutu Atwell, Lance McCutcheon

The Rams could have the best receiving tandem in the NFL with Kupp and Robinson, who had a dominant first camp with the Rams.

Robinson was signed in free agency to be a big target for Stafford, but he proved to be plenty more as a wideout who can run the full route tree and serve as a willing blocker.

Jefferson, the third starting receiver, probably won’t be ready for the season opener after undergoing knee surgery last month. That could lead to opportunities for Atwell, the 2021 second-round pick who struggled as a rookie. The speedy Atwell showed improvement this summer and consistently made plays as a deep threat.

Powell is a return specialist and Skowronek will contribute on special teams, but both could be involved in the Rams’ receivers rotation, especially if Jefferson misses games. McCutcheon impressed in the preseason, but this will probably be somewhat of a redshirt season for the undrafted rookie.

Tight ends: Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins

Higbee missed the Super Bowl because of a knee injury that required surgery in the offseason, but he didn’t miss a step in the summer and quickly returned as Stafford’s security blanket.

Hopkins parlayed his surprising Super Bowl heroics into a No. 2 role this season after improving as a blocker and emerging as a reliable pass target. He went from rarely playing in his first two seasons to making the most of his opportunity versus the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

Related Articles

Offensive line: Joe Noteboom, David Edwards, Brian Allen, Coleman Shelton, Rob Havenstein, AJ Jackson, Tremayne Anchrum, Bobby Evans

Noteboom took over as the team’s starting left tackle after the retirement of Andrew Whitworth. He quickly settled in and received praise for his athleticism by Havenstein, the long-time starting right tackle.

Shelton will join left guard Edwards and center Allen as the new face on the Rams’ starting interior offensive line. He won the job opening in training camp over rookie Logan Bruss, who’s expected to be out for the season after tearing his ACL and MCL in the preseason.

The Rams’ new-look offensive line did well in training camp, but it will be quickly tested in the season opener against former teammate Von Miller and the Bills’ defense.

Coming Tuesday: analysis of the Rams’ defense.