This week was odd for Rams fans. With multiple outlets and talking heads spreading Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford trade rumors, the team seemed prepared to move on from a Super Bowl-winning duo. “Thursday Night Football” seemingly proved otherwise.
The Los Angeles Rams (3-4) shocked the Minnesota Vikings (5-2) at home 30-20 on Thursday. Wide receivers Puka Nacua and Kupp returned to full action for the first time since Week 1. The offense looked back in working order with both star receivers on the field. Nacua in particular had a stellar game, earning 109 yards on seven receptions. While Kupp saw slightly less volume with five catches, he made crucial plays throughout the game and caught LA’s second touchdown.
Rams Trade Rumors Silenced With Win vs. Vikings
Special Night
Facing trade rumors all week, with the most serious being to his Week 8 opponent, quarterback Matthew Stafford stepped up against the Vikings. Stafford threw for 279 yards and made crucial plays to extend key drives.
His touchdown pass to Kupp was one such moment. Stafford channeled his inner Harry Houdini, escaping the clutches of two Vikings rushers and dotting Kupp in the end zone.
Stafford’s play on Thursday marked a milestone in his career, surpassing Dan Marino on the NFL career completions list. Stafford has 4,991 completions and is ninth on the all-time list. The former Detroit Lion called the milestone a humbling experience.
“It’s humbling,” Stafford said. “(I) grew up loving this game, all the people that paved the way for us to play it now. Nothing but respect for all the guys that did it before me and being able to be in that same breath is a special thing for me.”
Stafford’s only red flag was a pick thrown on the first drive of the second half, marking his fourth straight game with an interception. Hopefully, with his top two targets returning, he can protect the football going forward.
Full Offense
With Kupp and Nacua back on the field, the Rams’ offense was a breath of fresh but familiar air.
While running back Kyren Williams had to carry the load with the receiving duo out, their return allowed the offense to actually spread the ball out and put drives together. This is evidenced by not only Kupp’s and Nacua’s performances but also by Demarcus Robinson’s.
Robinson caught a season-high two touchdowns on the same number of receptions. His 25-yard touchdown at the end of a go-route marked his best play in a Rams uniform. In a post-game interview, Stafford mentioned that the play was designed with Kupp as the primary option, but the quarterback told Robinson to stay ready.
Williams also played well, particularly in the receiving game. While inside zone runs or plays in between the tackles were inconsistent, Williams ran well outside, including his longest rush of the night, a 17-yard run off the left end with great downfield blocking from Nacua and the offensive line. Willaims also caught five passes for 19 and a touchdown.
LA’s offense also held up in pass protection. Head coach Sean McVay mentioned that his team heavily scouted Minnesota’s defense and prepared for various blitzing combinations. To his surprise, however, the Vikings did not send the blitz as much as he expected.
Even so, the Rams did not give up a sack to a team that ranks third in the statistic. A combination of Stafford getting the ball out quickly, good play design by McVay and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, and solid protection allowed Stafford to avoid significant contact.
Rumors to Rest
With two straight wins coming off the bye and a season-defining victory over Minnesota, the Rams look like they’re back. Offensively, the only big name left to return is guard Steve Avila, whose return is still unknown.
McVay, who also celebrated his son Jordan’s first birthday on Thursday, praised the team for bouncing back after a discouraging start to the campaign.
“I believe in this group, I believe in the coaches, I believe in the players,” McVay said. “We’ve done a good job of getting ourselves back to where we wanted to be. I’m excited about the journey ahead, it’s great to get some of the cavalry back and I think we’ll be able to see that over the next couple of weeks.”
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
