(9) - WR Cooper Kupp
It's quite obvious that there is a special level of chemistry between veteran QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp. And the anticipation of Kupp returning to the offense infused plenty of positive energy into the entire team in the days ahead of Thursday Night Football. It was that positive mojo that set the stage for the team's upset victory.
Curiously, this was not one of Kupp's best outings. Whether the tema game planned to go elsewhere with the football, of the Minnesota Vikings secondary coverage forced the team to look elsewhere, Kupp only hauled in five of eight passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Unapologetically, I expected more.
That is not to say that I am disappointed, nor should anyone believe there is cause to be disappointed in Kupp's outing. He came off an injury and delivered a score. What more could you ask for?
Well, besides a more coiffed look during his post-game interview:
"I'm going with the Undertaker thing."
β SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 25, 2024
Cooper Kupp had to explain to @notthefakeSVP his bangs postgame π pic.twitter.com/uVoapUNH2L
Kupp has accounted for nearly 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns in just three games this season. He remains a vital contributor in the offense.
(8) - ILB Omar Speights
Despite the outcry from Rams fans to give undrafted rookie inside linebacker Omar Speights a shot at competing in this defense, the coaching staff continued to dig in its heels and refuse to do so. At least until starting ILB Troy Reeder was injured and placed on injured reserve. Suddenly down a starter, coaches relented and allowed Speights to see action on nearly 50 percent of the defensive snaps.
While he seemed to hesitate on pass coverage, he was a wrecking ball when it came to his run defense. And best of all, his debut reinforced exactly what the fans had been saying all season: Just give the guy a chance.
He played very well in his debut.
Notable PFF grades from @RamsNFL TNF win:
β J.B. Long (@JB_Long) October 25, 2024
Jared Verse 83.8^
Matthew Stafford 82.9^
Puka Nacua 81.5 (1st full game of 2024)
Bobby Brown 74.2
Omar Speights 67.5 (defensive debut)
--
Kyren 83.6 pass block
Puka 79.6 run block
Rozeboom 80.4 tackling
Speights 78.3 tackling
^Season hi pic.twitter.com/FLngHKEJBt
The Rams defense has struggled post-Ernest Jones to get that fierce and physical style of play back onto the football field. While this was only one game, the evidence already suggests that Omar Speights elevates that sought-after toughness that spreads quickly to his teammates. As Speights grew comfortable, the defense became stingy.