INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Perhaps we shouldn’t underestimate Cooper Kupp and the Los Angeles Rams.
Winning can often bring clarity, and that seems to be the case for the Rams after their 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, marking their second consecutive win and bringing their record to 3-4 for the season.
“I have faith in this group, in our coaches, and in our players. I saw determination; there was no hesitation,” said Rams coach Sean McVay.
“We still have a long road ahead. While we’ve secured two wins in just five days, it’s important to remember they are just two wins. We’ve managed to get ourselves back on track, and I’m eager for what lies ahead. We’ve learned a lot about our team during these first seven weeks. We’ve had to adapt with new players stepping up unexpectedly, and it’s encouraging to see some of our key players returning. I believe we’ll start to see the benefits of that in the coming weeks, and we need to be ready to hit the ground running.”
The Rams are close to overcoming a tough start of 1-4, and they’re getting healthier just when they need it most. Both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returned from injuries on Thursday night. Additionally, they could soon welcome back offensive linemen Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson, along with defensive back John Johnson.
However, it’s Kupp and Nacua who have the potential to elevate the Rams into NFC contenders. In their recent win, the duo combined for 12 receptions, 157 yards, and a touchdown on 17 targets.
“Those players really energize our team and boost our confidence. It’s not just the offense; the defense feels that impact too when they’re making plays,” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford stated. “I’m proud of how they come out and compete. Just being there for our football team and giving it their all is huge.”
With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 5, Cooper Kupp has been at the center of trade speculation. However, Thursday’s victory should help settle those rumors. The Rams are better off keeping the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl 56 MVP.
The NFC West is currently wide open. The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers are grappling with several injuries, the Arizona Cardinals have been inconsistent, and the division-leading Seattle Seahawks are only one game ahead of the Rams in the loss column. The Rams will face the Seahawks next week in Seattle.
“I’m not really thinking about that,” Kupp said after the game when asked about trade rumors. “It’s just noise out there. With everything happening outside the facility, I’m focused on preparing, especially with a short week ahead.
“This situation has allowed me to concentrate on what matters and stay in the moment. I’m doing my best to prepare and just go out there and play. The rumors are just that—rumors.”
Two key plays on Thursday highlighted why Kupp should stay in Los Angeles.
The first came in the second quarter when Stafford, maneuvering under pressure, dodged two Vikings defenders and connected with Kupp in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.
The second significant play took place with less than four minutes left in the fourth quarter, when Kupp made a vital 27-yard reception on third-and-9, allowing the Rams to run down the clock.
Kupp ended the game with five receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. In his eighth season, he has accumulated 590 catches and 7,264 receiving yards, ranking fourth in Rams franchise history.
The 31-year-old wide receiver is just four catches shy of surpassing Henry Ellard for third place on the Rams’ all-time receptions list. If he remains healthy and stays with the Rams, he’s likely to achieve that milestone.
McVay expressed strong support for Kupp’s future with the team.
“A lot of what’s been said is just speculation,” McVay remarked. “We’re an inside-out organization, and I’m really happy to have Cooper Kupp back with us. I expect that to continue.”