The Rams’ swept the Seahawks on Sunday. It was a day that saw some of the sloppiest football the Rams have played all year. Yet, despite all the penalties, god-awful run defense, and Aaron Donald was ready to fight Justin Britt in the parking lot, but the Rams prevailed. Dante Fowler pulled a Lloyd Christmas and completely redeemed himself, and still, the victory was short-lived. Rams receiver Cooper Kupp recorded his 100th career catch, but he also lost his season. Kupp had dodged a bullet Neo style after suffering an MCL sprain in Denver. Unlike Neo, however, the bullet would eventually hit. Kupp suffered a torn ACL and now the Rams’ offense is in a bit of trouble. Yes, Sean McVay’s offense is built to not rely on one player but Kupp is a seismic loss.
Cooper Kupp has compiled 102 catches, 11 TDs, and 1435 yards. The third round pick out of Eastern Washington is easily Jared Goff‘s favorite target. Kupp is the one Goff turns to when he needs to extend a drive. Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks can break open drives too but Kupp in the slot was all kinds of deadly. His masterstroke of the season came in week 4’s shootout against the Minnesota Vikings. The way he burnt passed a vaunted Vikings defense made him look like Barry Allen.
That game encapsulated everything he brought to the table and his absence is clearly going to be felt. Fortunately, Kupp’s injury isn’t a death knell. The Rams have enough pieces to fill his void in one way or another. Robert Woods can thrive in the slot role and Josh Reynolds has come along in year two. The two games Kupp missed were a great opportunity for the offense to live life without one of its key cogs. The offense handled his absence as well as they could, but come playoff time Goff will definitely miss having his security blanket in the slot.