WHAT IS NEXT FOR STAFFORD AND KUPP AFTER DIVISIONAL ROUND LOSS TO EAGLES
Los Angeles - Rams suffered a tight 22-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in the third match of the Divisional Round weekend.
The last play of Los Angeles football was a missed sideline throw intended for Puka Nacua, and though coaches and players were asking for a hold on Nacua, the game was over. LA had a chance to seal the game late with a possible dream of scoring a two point conversion to win the game, but a big sack by Jalen Carter sealed the fate for the Rams.
For Philly, this was a game that needed to be won in confidence. Barkley previously ran for 255 yards in the first game in the regular season between these two, and the only factor that could have slowed him down was the snow.
It didn’t.
Saquon Barkley ran for 205 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per carry, and scored twice. The Bronx native proved once again that Philadelphia needed him to take them over to the top. Jalen Hurts didn’t have his most impressive performance, rather his scrambles seemed more impactful than his passing attempts as he ran for 70 yards.
Philadelphia will now host the Commanders in an NFC East showdown for the NFC Conference Title and a trip to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Now what does the future hold for LA?
For starters, Matthew Stafford appears to be confident in his ability to play. The veteran QB was asked if he had anything left in him, which he responded with “Sure feels like it.” That would appear to many that he intends on returning back to the NFL in 2025.
Stafford will turn 37 in a month and time will tell on how he feels about his future with LA.
However, many are more focused on his counterpart in Cooper Kupp. Sean McVay was asked, in a press conference during practice, about Kupp’s involvement in plays to which the head coach responded with “coverages haven't given Stafford any good looks.”
Kupp nearly matched his production to last year’s 737 yard season in 12 games, with 710 yards this 2024 season. This is Kupp’s 2nd lowest receiving year since 2018. The discussion will turn dark once again wondering if he will be traded. Kupp has been a great option for Stafford and his route running still remains one of the best in the league.
The reality for the 8 year receiver is that Nacua will be taking care of the ball, and that reality must set for fan’s expectations as well. He arguably had the best receiving year in the history of the NFL back in 2021, and its a record the Rams should feel proud to hold.
LA’s defense is also a young commodity that will bring fortunes and wonder to this team. Kobie Turner was a defensive Rookie of the Year candidate behind William Anderson of the Texans in 2024 and more are to follow in his footsteps. This year it appears two LA Rams defensive players are in contention to win the award in Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, both coming out of Florida State where they went on their impressive 12-0 run in 2023.
The Rams are in this blur area that can show promise with an outstanding young defense but an offense looking for its answer.
