THOUSAND OAKS — It’s been an uncharacteristic span for the Rams’ offense.
After returning from injured reserve to the tune of 15 catches, 266 yards and a touchdown in two games, wide receiver Cooper Kupp has had a slight decline in production over the past three games.
He totaled eight catches for 98 yards. Coincidentally, the Rams went 0-3.
It didn’t help that quarterback Matthew Stafford also missed the last game against Green Bay, which resulted in just 187 total net yards of offense, the team’s season low by a sizable margin.
But for Kupp, it goes beyond statistics. With defenses focusing on him more than ever, he says it’s vital to capitalize on defensive holes and contribute in a way to help the team win, regardless of his individual numbers.
“You go through stretches where you don’t have the production maybe. I think the goal isn’t at the end of the day what you’re producing or what the stat sheet says,” Kupp said. “I know everyone wants to talk about production and certainly you want to produce, but what’s more important to me is being a positive piece of the offense. I think a lot of our offense is about taking what the defense gives you.”
Head coach Sean McVay emphasized the importance of getting Kupp involved, but reiterated it’s also critical to get contributions from all pass-catchers.
He likened the way Kupp is treated to superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who is double-teamed on almost every play.
“If there is going to be this amount of attention paid to a certain player, well, that’s why you play with 11 guys and you got to make the other four eligibles come to life,” McVay said. “It’s kind of similar to the conversations you talk about in terms of Aaron’s attention that he gets defensively with the protections and how you try to figure out. You got to take advantage of that and so it’s kind of similar in that regard, even though different players, different sides of the ball.”
Kupp, who missed the past three matchups against the Seahawks dating to 2022, last played them in Week 15 of 2021, when he finished with nine catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
As offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur put it simply, Kupp will get his.
“His time will come. He’s Cooper Kupp, you know,” LaFleur said. “Truly believe our offense has a lot of good things in store for us, not just him, but everyone for these next few weeks.”
The Rams will have a handful of key players coming back in time for Sunday’s game. In addition to Stafford returning, offensive lineman Rob Havenstein and defensive lineman Bobby Brown will be back on the field.
Cornerback Cobie Durant is the only player listed on the injury report with a questionable tag. Leading running back Kyren Williams is expected to return from IR in Week 12.
“I think it’s really been good for some guys that have played a really physical presence to have a week to get refreshed and rejuvenated,” McVay said before Friday’s practice. “We’ll certainly be excited when we get Kyren back after this week as well. It is probably as healthy as we’ve been since the start of the season without a doubt.”
Leading tackler Ernest Jones will also be back to help anchor the defense.
Having Jones back will ease the pressure on Donald, who said the defense is keying in on containing Seattle quarterback Geno Smith.
“Seeing Ernest out there, healthy, looking fast, flying around. Feels good to just have them guys back out there obviously,” Donald said. “I’m trying to find a way to get to Geno and make him uncomfortable and not let him be able to scramble and extend plays with his feet.”
