Rams come up short against Eagles
Kupp made a return to action for the first his game since November 2022. He was the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year. Kupp missed the final eight games of last season with an ankle injury before getting sidelined early in this year’s training camp with a hamstring injury.
By Earl Heath
Contributing Sports Writer
The Rams were hopeful the return of Cooper Kupp would give them a spark and increase the offense out-put. The veteran did all he could but LA still fell to Philadelphia 23-14 in front of what seemed to be a mixed crowd at So-Fi Stadium.
Kupp made a return to action for the first his game since November 2022. He was the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year. Kupp missed the final eight games of last season with an ankle injury before getting sidelined early in this year’s training camp with a hamstring injury.
He did have a solid game with 8 catches for 118 yards, and it appeared he and Derrick Stafford had a couple of route mishaps. That may take time to get back to their old form.
“There’s a few things that I’m sure I’m gonna look at tomorrow and just feel like, ‘Man, just didn’t happen a little bit faster,’” Kupp said. “But it did feel good to be out there playing football again.”
Stafford finished the day 21 of 37 for 222 yards. They converted only 6 of 14 third down conversions. Keary Williams did have 53 yards rushing to lead the team
Philadelphia was also clutch on third down converting 13 for 18 after struggling in that area last week. The RAMS defense stiffened on a few drives. Making the Eagles (5-0)- settle for short field goals by Jake Elliott after drives lasting 17 plays, 15 plays and 10 plays. They also controlled time of possession 35:55 to the RAMS 22:05.
Jalen Hurts completed 25 of 38 passes for 303 yards. He also was the games leading rusher with 72 yards on 15 carries.
He connected with TE Dallas Goedert eight times for 117 yards and AJ Brown six- time for 127 yards.
“We got them in a lot of third and long situations exactly where we wanted them to be,” said RAMS tackle Kobie Turner, “and he (Hurts) was able to extend plays and keep the chains moving.”
RAMS defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon had a big-time end-zone interception in the third quarter to stop an Eagles drive but the Rams’ offense couldn’t capitalize on any opportunity.
“I think we’re too talented of a group to keep losing these types of games, coming up close against good opponents,” Witherspoon said. “It’s time to start cashing in on W’s, and I think we have the group that can do it.”
Ernest Jones was the leading tackles with ten five of them solo. Next week the RAMS host Arizona at So-Fi.
ADD RAMS:ADD RAMS:
On Monday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. PT at Sherwood Country Club located at 320 W Stafford Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
The Rams and Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties will team up to host the sixth annual “LA Rams Night for Wishes” charity event to raise funds to fulfill the wishes of local children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
The event will include a silent and live auction, cocktail reception, dinner and a fashion show featuring members of the 2023 Rookie Class modeling. Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein, tight end Tyler Higbee, linebacker Ernest Jones and receiver Ben Skowronek will serve as the fundraiser’s captains and attend the VIP cocktail reception from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PT. Following the reception, 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and Super Bowl LVI Champion Andrew Whitworth will emcee the onstage programming and entertainment.
