Cooper Kupp plays significant role in Rams’ rise
Suddenly, the NFL is taking the Los Angeles Rams seriously, and Cooper Kupp is a big reason why.
Almost 5,000 miles from Cheney, the former Eastern Washington wide receiver put a capper on the Rams’ 33-0 win over Arizona in London by catching his third touchdown pass of the season.
That left Kupp atop the charts among rookie wide receivers and left experts scratching their heads at the surprising Rams.
Under rookie coach Sean McVay, the Rams are 5-2 going into their bye week. They could be 6-1 but for a near-miss at home against Seattle that ended with a potential winning touchdown catch eluding Kupp in the end zone.
In Kupp style, he took the blame for that one. On Sunday, he shared the credit for an 18-yard pass from quarterback Jared Goff.
Kupp took a short screen pass and juked his way through the defense with the help of some solid downfield blocking.
“We were able to make some plays down the stretch and obviously on that second-to-last drive guys were throwing some great blocks,” Kupp said. “You probably could have thrown anyone out there and they could have scored that touchdown.”
Playing at London’s Twickenham Stadium, normally a rugby field, Kupp had an uneven day. Targeted 10 times, he managed just four catches for 51 yards, but he’s still atop the charts in both categories among rookie receivers.
Through seven games, Kupp has 23 catches for 316 yards – well ahead of second-place Juju Smith-Schuster of Pittsburgh (17 catches for 231 yards and three TDs).
Among the Rams, Kupp ranks third in catches (behind Robert Woods and running back Todd Gurley) and second in yards (behind Woods’ 381).
More important, the Rams are in first place in the NFC West and they lead the league in points scored with 212.
“To be able to come out here and perform like we did is a testament to how we handled the week and, if we do have to (play in London) next year, I’ll be looking forward to it,” Kupp said.
“Hopefully, I’ll make a trip over there in the offseason and see it for myself,” Kupp said.