Davante Adams' return brings 'new level of swagger' for LA Rams
- - Davante Adams' return brings 'new level of swagger' for LA Rams
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY January 7, 2026 at 3:17 AM
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LOS ANGELES — Catching touchdown passes is an art. Davante Adams knows a lot about the skillset.
Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions during the regular season despite missing three games. He also led the league in touchdown grabs in 2020 and 2022. The 12-year veteran is the first player in NFL history to lead the NFL in touchdown receptions with three different teams.
Adams explained the art of being perhaps the best red zone wide receiver in the NFL.
“I think one of the main things is obviously my ability to separate, so being able to be sudden down there, it's a tight area. If you're a receiver that's based on making contested catches a lot, there's a place for that. But there's also a place for somebody that can create separation quickly and find windows (and) understand the spacing. A lot of it is understanding how to communicate with the quarterback and knowing what he sees (and) being able to react,” Adams explained Tuesday. “It's a lot of little small nuances that help you to be able to get just that one more, a little bit of extra foot of separation.”
Adams has 117 receiving touchdowns in his career, which tops all active players. His career receiving touchdown mark ranks seventh in NFL history, sandwiched between Hall of Famers Larry Fitzgerald (121) and Antonio Gates (116).
“To lead the league in touchdowns and miss the last handful of games. What a tremendous tribute to him, and to do it with three different teams,” Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said of Adams. “You start doing things like that, that tells you he's in rarefied air, and that's who he is.”
Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
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Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
">Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
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Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
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Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
">Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0QgdaSE2_fLjuPrkyB2_lg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44e1f070fd7e76350ebdd3b6471f8e59 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
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Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
">Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
">Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f9j2QV8cyk1aJBp1a52E0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7058d95db5b07bb9d01a847ffcd0b494 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_KP.Wj6F25jqHM2qjBpeSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ef1ec8befbeb46b035dba90223acba3 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
">Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
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Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5AEQ.eJQWBYxmC7HGlv4uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbd6f73cd34d8a235b497120e1068de8 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
">Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5AEQ.eJQWBYxmC7HGlv4uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbd6f73cd34d8a235b497120e1068de8 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
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Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
">Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nVulejD3RYoro_cHkMA..A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7cfad24b8450f1dea645e14a4d4b2fe class=caas-img>
Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
">Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
">Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img>Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
">Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
">Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
">Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img>
1 / 48Super Bowl: One great image from each gameSuper Bowl I (Packers 35, Chiefs 10): Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor (31) follows the blocks of Jerry Kramer (64), Marv Fleming (81) and Forrest Gregg (75) against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Adams has been everything the Rams have hoped for since the team signed him during free agency in March. He missed the final three games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury. He’s slated to return for Saturday’s wild-card playoff matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Adams caught two touchdowns in the Rams’ Week 13 loss to Carolina. We’ll see if he scores any touchdowns this Saturday, and if it yields a different result. But the Rams are happy to have their veteran wideout back in the fold as they enter the postseason.
“He's definitely been a big part of our offense, and it was awesome signing him this offseason. He's a great guy. I feel like he brings a new level of swagger,” Rams guard Steve Avila told USA TODAY Sports. “When he's in it's fun playing with him. I feel like he opens up a lot more things for us. When you lead the league in touchdowns people are going to start respecting that, so it'll be good to have him back.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rams have 'new level of swagger' with Davante Adams return
Source: “AOL Sports”
