Davante Adams discusses Australia before Rams-49ers game

Davante Adams may not be an Australia expert, but he has compiled a useful list of nearly everything there capable of killing him.

Asked whether he researched the country before the Rams’ historic season opener against the 49ers, Adams bypassed Melbourne’s coffee, architecture and sports culture for its most dangerous residents.

“I think probably what’s typical for Americans to know — the spiders and how dangerous the waters are with all of the octopus,” Adams said. “The most venomous octopus in the world is found there. We got great whites on the south. I think it’s the saltwater crocs on the north. Koalas and stuff a little bit more inland.”

The octopus fact was not hyperbole. The tiny blue-ringed octopus carries tetrodotoxin, a potentially fatal neurotoxin with no known antidote. Koalas are slightly less deadly.

Adams mapped Australia’s threats. The Rams, however, are bringing a “killer” of their own.

After Matthew Stafford threw five touchdown passes — three to Adams — against Jacksonville in London last season, the receiver offered a direct assessment.

“He’s a killer,” Adams said. “That’s what killers do.”

Nick Bosa’s knowledge of Australia provided a contrast. The 49ers star had heard about Melbourne’s coffee and suggested he might visit a nature exhibit. Adams owns the wildlife-trivia advantage, although Bosa remains the most immediate threat to Stafford.

On football, Adams’ preparation goes well beyond National Geographic.

He said another year together has improved the Rams receiving corps’ understanding of routes, blocking responsibilities and body language. Adams called it the most locked-in receiver room of his career and credited Los Angeles’ upgraded secondary for increasing the competition in practice.

Sean McVay’s use of two- and three-tight-end formations has added another option. The heavier personnel can reduce receiver snaps, support Stafford’s protection and still create opportunities to attack downfield.

That versatility will matter against Bosa, who hopes to play in the opener. The 49ers edge rusher intends to hunt Stafford while the Rams try to give their quarterback enough time to strike.

If they succeed, Stafford will deliver the blow and Adams the venom. That, Adams would say, is what killers do.