Week 11
South Central’s own Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver, has become one of the most reliable players on the Greatest show on Surf.
Season to date
Through 10 games, Robert Woods has accumulated a career-high 832 yards and three touchdowns. Of the 79 targets in the season, he’s caught 55 with a catch percentage of 69.6%. Following up his second season back in Los Angeles, Robert Woods is the most consistent receiving threat the Rams have.
He’s often forgotten in an offense of full weapons, both in the passing and running game, much like his tenure at USC and in Buffalo.
Stepping from the Shadows
Woods managed to become one of the most consistent and reliable receivers amongst the Rams’ talent. His statistics step out of the shadow of the now-injured Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks. Robert Woods ranks fourth in receptions for first downs with 46 receptions.
First Down Receptions
Woods is ahead of Odell Beckham and only trails Julio Jones (yards leader), Adam Thielen & Michael Thomas. He joins elite WR company with Thomas and Thielen and is tied for the most catches in the NFL at 78. On first downs, they rank Adam Thielen, Michael Thomas, Julio Jones and Robert Woods (SOURCE).
Ole Reliable
This reliability will be tested starting this week against the 9-1 Kansas City Chiefs, followed by an NFC North road trip to face Detroit and the North-leading Chicago Bears (6-3).
That’s followed by a home rematch against the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles. This stretch will test the Rams pass offense. Robert Woods will be called on to fill the tight end-like role Coach McVay schemed for Cooper Kupp. The importance of Woods overall and on 3rd down was very understated to start this season. With what, on paper and on the field, looked like abundance, Woods became the 3rd WR again behind Cooks and Kupp.
Injuries have now pushed Kupp out of the lineup for the remainder of the season.
Over the initial three-game absence of Kupp, Woods accumulated 257 yards receiving on 17 receptions. In what looks like it’ll be a track meet reminiscent of the 2012 Pac-12 Classic USC Vs Oregon, Woods will be called to match the high-flying Tyreek Hill.
Look for Woods to be Matched up against Orlando Scandrick Monday night. This matchup certainly should favor The Rams, as The Chiefs have surrendered the 3rd most receptions to WR’s this season with 138 and the 8th most yards (1,674) through 10 games.
King Of The Coli
Dating back to his tenure at USC, Woods has risen to the occasion.
Before leaving the Trojans, he became the leading pass catcher in Southern Cal history with 252 receptions.
Looking back to his time at local Serra High School, he’s often been the leader of the big time players even when it was understated. He’s expected to see extensive work this week in the slot. Reported earlier this week (via the NFL Network) this will be abundantly important with the offense trying to work Josh Reynolds in full time in tandem with Pro Bowl returner Pharaoh Cooper.
Consistent First Downs
3rd down will be Robert Woods down. Expect Goff to look for Woods more now than over the first 10 weeks. Currently, Woods carries an 83.6 First down percentage.
Obviously, the numbers inflated over the season with the catches being split between the 3 WR’s alone. Woods has managed to be the most trusted. We’ll have to trust that for the long run.
One thing is for sure, No.17 will not shy away from the spotlight. Look for Woods to continue to be the unsung hero of this Rams team. He’ll need to play big and apply pressure to defenses alongside Brandin Cooks, reminiscent of the Isaac Bruce/Torry Holt glory days.