NFL: Super Bowl LIX-Fox Sports Media Day
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Rob Gronkowski during Fox Sports media day at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Rob Gronkowski thinks that Davante Adams’ elite release remains the biggest reason the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver is so difficult to defend.
Speaking on the “Up & Adams Show,” the NFL legend praised Adams after his dominant performance against the New York Giants. Adams caught eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’ 28-6 victory.
“All right, Davante Adams has an unbelievable release,” Gronkowski said. “When you’re that quick off the line of scrimmage, that’s what gets him open.”
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Gronkowski explained that Adams’ explosiveness creates advantages before the route develops. That quickness allows Adams to control the defensive back’s positioning.
“He’s a complete wide receiver and he knows how to get open down the field and throughout the whole entire route,” Gronkowski said. “But what really makes Davante Adams special is that release. And when you have that release, you can get open right away.
“It’s kind of like myself, you know, that was one of my specialties down in the red zone… just having that explosiveness off the line of scrimmage.”
Adams showed those qualities against New York while working as Matthew Stafford’s primary target with Puka Nacua sidelined.
Davante Adams’ release gives Rams offense another dimension
NFL: New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams
Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) scores a touchdown against the New York Giants during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Gronkowski also highlighted Adams’ two touchdown catches against the Giants. His first score showcased his body control after Stafford delivered a difficult throw.
“The first touchdown catch was amazing how he jumped up in the air,” Gronkowski said. “He had body control and balance when he landed.”
Gronkowski was especially impressed by Adams’ second touchdown. The receiver initially sold an outside run before quickly changing direction toward the end zone.
“That’s his specialty, is using his quickness to get around the defensive back in the red zone,” Gronkowski said.
Rob Gronkowski compares Davante Adams to…himself? 🤣@RobGronkowski | @tae15adams | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/H0dOgJjMfr
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 22, 2026
Adams’ performance was important for a Rams offense missing Nacua. He gave Stafford a reliable target who could win quickly against man coverage. That structure also benefits Sean McVay’s offense because Adams can create separation without requiring complicated route combinations. His release forces defenders to respect multiple possibilities immediately.
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“He’s one of the best wide receivers of all time, definitely going to be a Hall of Famer,” Gronkowski said.
Adams’ two-touchdown night showed why his presence remains important. If Nacua returns healthy, Los Angeles could have a more difficult receiving group to defend.
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