RAMS LOSE AGAINST PACKERS AND END WITH A 1-4 RECORD ENTERING THEIR BYE WEEK
Robert Hanashiro (Imagn Images)
STAFFORD THROWS FOR OVER 250 YARDS WITH 1 TD AND 1 INT
What many experts saw as an easy win for the Packers ended in another attempt at a game winning drive for Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. The final score ended at 24-19 with Jordan Love kneeling to end the game, as the Rams could not get a first down through fourth down. But there are some key points to look at in this loss and what questions it could bring up.
MATTHEW STAFFORD MAINTAINS DECENT FORM
Stafford is currently 7th in passing yards for the 2024 season and in the Bears game he surpassed Eli Manning in all time passing yards putting him at 10th on that list. Stafford has also thrown for over 200 yards in each of the five games this season.
After an exciting 10-7 season with emerging young stars in Kobie Turner, Bryon Young, and Puka Nacua having outstanding rookie seasons. Expectation slingshot for the Rams who added a huge free agent signing to make a deeper run into the playoffs. Unfortunately, with over 10 key injuries to starters in week 1 and the loss of both Kupp and Nacua, the Rams fan base understood that they would have to focus on 2025.
Still the Packers game felt like a tough match for Stafford, as he consistently threw into poor situations and almost had a total of three interceptions by McKinney down the stretch.
Regardless, Stafford has remained poised through many O-line shifts and receiver changes as well. Having thrown for three touchdowns and three interceptions on the season, it would be surprising to hear that he is above Patrick Mahomes in passing yards this season. He only leads Mahomes by 10 yards on the year, but Stafford find himself in a similar situation that he was in a yearly at Detroit.
TRADE COOPER KUPP
With a 6% chance to make the playoffs after a 1-4 start, the Rams have some serious roster moves to complete to focus on 2025. With another big run needed to try and make the playoffs, LA will need to try and cash in on some players with high value.
Unfortunately, Kupp is that name that continues to be mentioned.
Kupp is in the top 5 in receiving yards for the Rams franchise at 7,213 yards, behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. A crucial piece to securing the second ever Super Bowl for the Franchise, and a two-time all pro receiver will have a hovering question mark on his head until the trade deadline.
In the opening game against Detroit in Week 1, Kupp reminded NFL fans on why he is one of the greatest in the league when healthy. He caught 14 targets and ended with 110 yards and a single touchdown against the Lions.
By week 3, Kupp re aggravated his hamstring injury that has not left his side since 2022 and once against earned himself an IR stint.
With more reason to stay than leave, Kupp will likely remain on this Rams team, but the Rams franchise will be considering his future with team past 2025.
The LA Rams will have a week off in Week 6, and will focus on the game against a struggling Raiders team on October 20th at SoFi. A loss against the Raider will declare this Rams team dead and more anticipation for roster moves will follow.
