NFL just scheduled the reunion Rams fans hoped they’d never have to watch

When the Los Angeles Rams decided to part ways with veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the team was taking a bold step in the direction of the unknown. For as long as the Rams have played for Head Coach Sean McVay, one of his most dangerous offensive weapons has been Cooper Kupp. Did McVay design his offense to optimize the unique talents of Kupp? Or did Kupp simply fit McVay's offense like a glove?

Whatever you believe the history of the Los Angeles Rams to be, two things are quite certain. 2021 was a year that Cooper Kupp dominated the entire NFL, not only setting the single-season franchise receiving records, but in emerging as the MVP of Super Bowl LVI.

The other truth is that Cooper Kupp no longer plays for the Los Angeles Rams.

In an ironic twist of fate, the Seattle Seahawks parted ways with veteran QB Geno Smith and two veteran wide receivers in Ty Lockett and DK Metcalf. In their place, the Seahawks have added former Minnesota VIkings QB Sam Darnold, and paired him up with young veteran WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The other wide receiver in that offense?

Former Rams veterans wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

It's not as though Cooper Kupp was no longer effective. He has a career catch rate of 71.2 percent of the balls thrown his way. In 2024, he hauled in 67 percent of the passes thrown his way, still impressive. He has even averaged over eight touchdowns in the past four seasons.

It's just that he has been injury prone. He has only played in 33 games in the past three seasons That works out to 11 games per season, or six games injured.

Per year.

So the Rams front office made the tough decision to part ways with Kupp and let the chips fall where they may. Unfortunately, Cooper Kupp is still a dangerous offensive weapon. Worse yet, he is playing for the Rams' nemesis, the Seattle Seahawks.

It will pain Rams fans to see Kupp playing for the other team. It will devastate Rams fans if he helps his new team claim a victory.

The Rams host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11. That game will be played on Sunday, November 16, at 1:05 pm PT. I am a bit surprised that the game was not viewed as intriguing enough to be slated for a prime time slot, but the Rams are already projected for four prime time national games.

It will be a game that has plenty of playoff implications. Both the Rams and Seahawks finished with identical 10-7 records in 2024. The Rams were awarded the division by winning the more difficult strength-of-schedule tie-breaker. But that was too close for comfort last season. You can bet the Seahawks haven't forgotten. And you can bet that Cooper Kupp has that game circled already.

The Rams had better bring their A-Game. Week 11 holds a very motivated opponent that would love to derail the team's postseason plans.

As always, thanks for reading.

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