Los Angeles Rams: Three players that need to step up
The Los Angeles Rams lost one of the team’s biggest weapons in Cooper Kupp. With Kupp out, the Rams need three players to step up.
In a 36-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams took a hit with the loss of Cooper Kupp. In the win, Kupp tore his ACL, ending his season.
Kupp was a key factor to the Rams receiving corps; he was the glue to the Rams offense. Kupp caught 40 balls for 556 yards and six touchdowns. In his absence, individual players will have to step up.
Here are those three players that must help cushion the blow of losing Kupp.
Josh Reynolds
The Los Angeles Rams drafted Josh Reynolds in the fourth round of the 2017 draft. Reynolds is 6’3, a much taller receiver than Kupp; he should be able to add another dynamic to the Rams offense with his height.
Reynolds will be a nice red zone target, both his touchdowns came this season in the red zone when Kupp was out in Week 8.
Pharoh Cooper
Pharoh Cooper is eligible to come off injured reserve right in time for Kupp’s injury. While Cooper only caught 11 balls last year and is not a good route runner, he can play the slot and is dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Cooper will fit nice on those jet sweeps and wide receiver screens the Rams like to run. Cooper was first-team All-Pro as a kick returner last year averaging 27.4 yards per return and 12.5 on punt returns.
Gerald Everett
I think Gerald Everett‘s playing time and targets will go up with Kupp being out. Everett is not your typical tight end and he is pretty good when lining up in the slot.
He is more of a pass-catching tight end and not very good at blocking. Everett only has 15 catches on the season, but five in the last two weeks with a touchdown.
I like Everett, I think he will play well in an increased role. Everett is too quick for linebackers and too big for cornerbacks to cover him. It will be nice to see what he does with increased playing time.
Losing Kupp is a big deal, but I think the Los Angeles Rams have an excellent committee to fill some of the voids he leaves. Sean McVay is a very creative play designer and play caller, so he will be able to use the fill-in players to there strengths.
If by some reason Kupp’s replacements don’t do well, they still have Todd Gurley, Jared Goff and speedy Brandin Cooks to carry the load. We will see what the Rams will do on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs in a big showdown.