Rams' Matthew Stafford, Demarcus Robinson Wow NFL Fans with GW TD in OT vs. Seahawks
Nov 4, 2024
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 03: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams leaves the field after beating the Seattle Seahawks 26-20 at Lumen Field on November 03, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
In an incredible 26-20 overtime win, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks on the road, thanks to a game-winning touchdown from Matthew Stafford.
On the other end of the throw was wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who caught Stafford's impressive launch to complete the 83-yard play and seal the game.
Stafford finished the game completing 25-of-44 passes for 298 yards with two touchdowns, one interception and one fumble. Robinson added six receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns to the victory.
Robinson's standout night on Sunday added to the 30-year-old's 233 total yards this season with three touchdowns.
On the other side of the ball was Seattle quarterback Geno Smith who completed 21-of-34 passes for 363 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
NFL fans flooded social media after the game-winning completion to praise the 4-4 Los Angeles team.
The Rams are on a three-game winning-streak and will look to grab its fourth straight victory next Monday against the Miami Dolphins at home.
Video: Rams' Puka Nacua Ejected After Punching Seahawks' Tyrel Dodson
Nov 3, 2024
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 03: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 03, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ejected Sunday after throwing a punch at Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson.
The incident occurred after Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen intercepted a Matt Stafford pass thrown in Nacua's direction with 33 seconds left in the second quarter.
Woolen stepped out of bounds at the Seahawks' 25-yard line, ending the play. However, Woolen didn't realize he was out of bounds at first, and neither did Dodson, who continued blocking Nacua as the cornerback returned the ball toward the middle of the field.
The Rams wideout, who seemed to realize that the play was blown dead, didn't appear happy with Dodson's blocking and then threw a punch at the linebacker's helmet.
The league's officiating office ultimately decides on player ejections, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk questioned the decision-making on Nacua and other incidents.
The league office ultimately controls ejections. How does Xavier Woods not get ejected for sending Chris Olave to the hospital but Puka Nacua gets ejected for throwing a punch? Especially when Trent Williams has thrown punches in multiple games without getting ejected?
In the end, it was a brutal blow for the Rams, who proceeded to let up a quick touchdown to go down 14-3 at the half.
It's been a brutal year for Nacua, who missed five games this year with a knee injury before returning on Thursday, Oct. 24 against the Minnesota Vikings and catching seven passes for 106 yards in a 28-20 win.
But Nacua found himself on the injury report this week with a knee injury, putting his status for the Seattle game in doubt. He ended up playing but had a quiet first half, catching just one pass for 11 yards before exiting.
Without Nacua, the Rams' wide receiver core consists of Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson and Tutu Atwell. But he should be back next Sunday, when the team hosts the Miami Dolphins.
NFL Rumors: Puka Nacua Expected to Play for Rams vs. Seahawks After Knee Injury Scare
Nov 2, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles runs with the ball during an NFL Football game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
An injury in practice reportedly won't prevent Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua from playing in his second consecutive game.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Rams are "expecting" Nacua to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday as he travels with the team.
The Rams are expecting to have WR Puka Nacua on the field tomorrow against Seattle despite his knee injury. According to sources, he’s on the plane with the team.
The 23-year-old returned against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 after missing five games because of a knee injury. He left practice early on Thursday after injuring the same knee, per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that Nacua didn't suffer a "major injury" and was "expected to be fine" moving forward, though.
The 23-year-old didn't participate in practice on Friday and was listed as questionable heading into the clash with Seattle.
Rams head coach Sean McVay previously revealed that there wasn't anything "structurally" wrong with the wide receiver's knee and didn't rule out a Week 9 appearance, per Stu Jackson of the team's official website.
"I wouldn't bet against this guy," McVay said. "My expectation is him doing everything in his power to be ready to roll, and that's the mindset that we have."
Nacua immediately made his presence felt in his first game back with the team, helping Los Angeles score a season-high 30 points in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The Pro Bowl receiver thrived alongside Cooper Kupp, catching seven passes for 106 yards.
The former fifth-round pick entered the 2024 season with high expectations, coming off a phenomenal rookie campaign. Nacua amassed 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns in 2023, setting new records for total receiving yards and catches among first-year players.
With his expected presence against Seattle, Los Angeles will be attempting to win its third consecutive game. Nacua will be needed to help the Rams overcome a Seahawks secondary allowing 208.1 yards per game through the air.
Kickoff for the NFC West showdown on Sunday is at 4:25 p.m. ET.
NFL Rumors: Puka Nacua's Knee Injury Not Serious; Status for Rams vs. Seahawks TBD
Oct 31, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles runs with the ball during an NFL Football game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Puka Nacua's availability in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, as the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver left practice on Thursday with a knee injury.
According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, Nacua wasn't able to participate in his weekly press conference after suffering a knee injury and was listed as "limited" on Los Angeles' Thursday injury report. It's the same knee that previously caused him to miss five games this season, per Rodrigue.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Nacua's knee injury is "not believed to be serious." Nacua will be listed as questionable heading into Sunday's game, head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Friday.
Sean McVay on Puka Nacua's knee: "Fortunately there's nothing structurally [wrong]. He'll be listed as questionable, but I wouldn't bet against this guy. My expectation is he’s going to do everything in his power to be ready to roll, and that's the mindset that we have."
Nacua dealt with knee issues in training camp before aggravating the injury during the Rams' 26-20 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1. He was diagnosed with a PCL sprain and subsequently placed on injured reserve, missing each of the team's next five contests.
Los Angeles struggled in his absence, finishing with a 2-3 record while missing the Pro Bowl receiver.
Nacua made his return in Week 8 and didn't show many signs of rust during a 30-20 victory over the Detroit Lions, hauling in seven of his nine targets for a team-high 106 yards. He appeared to be in line for a larger role moving forward, as he was on the field for just 57 percent of the Rams' offensive snaps in his first game back (h/t Pro Football Reference).
The 23-year-old was a breakout fantasy performer as a rookie, recording 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. Los Angeles made a surprise playoff appearance and Nacua finished No. 2 in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
If he can't suit up against the Seahawks, Cooper Kupp should operate as Matthew Stafford's top target. For fantasy managers looking for a possible waiver replacement, Demarcus Robinson could be an option.
Robinson recorded 35 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions and is currently available in 89 percent of Yahoo leagues and 87 percent of ESPN leagues, via FantasyPros.
Nacua hasn't been ruled out of the Rams' upcoming clash with Seattle yet, but at the very least things seem iffy with 48 hours to go.
Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors: WR-Needy Teams 'Looking Elsewhere' Ahead of NFL Deadline
Oct 30, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 24: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Cooper Kupp trade rumors didn't last very long now that the Los Angeles Rams find themselves back in contention in the NFC West.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the feeling is that Kupp is no longer on the market with receiver-needy teams "looking elsewhere" leading up to the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5.
Kupp was a surprise addition to the rumor mill last week when The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported the Rams had talks with multiple teams about the star receiver.
Russini added that the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers were among the teams that expressed an interest in Kupp. Two of those teams made a move for a pass-catcher with the Chiefs adding DeAndre Hopkins and Bills trading for Amari Cooper.
The Baltimore Ravens are another AFC playoff contender that made a move for a wide receiver. They acquired Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.
Pittsburgh could still have interest in another wide receiver, but there may be less urgency to do so because of how that group has played in two starts with Russell Wilson at quarterback. George Pickens has nine catches for 185 yards and a touchdown in his last two games. Van Jefferson had a season-high 62 yards in Monday's win over the New York Giants. Calvin Austin has 90 yards on four catches since Week 7.
It could be argued that trading Kupp is still a sensible move for the Rams. He is 31 and only has $5 million in guaranteed money next season on a contract that runs through 2026.
Injuries have been a significant problem for Kupp since his triple-crown season and Super Bowl MVP win during the 2021 campaign. He played a total of 21 games between 2022 and 2023 and missed four games this season due to a sprained ankle.
The Rams were decimated by injuries early this season. In addition to Kupp, they were without Puka Nacua for five games.
Going into their Week 6 bye, the Rams were 1-4 and seemed poised for another lost season. They have rebounded with back-to-back wins over the Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings.
Even though the Rams are still under .500, the other three teams in the NFC West are all 4-4 going into Week 9. They have a win over the San Francisco 49ers and will play the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday with a chance to move into first place in the division.
Kupp had five catches for 51 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 30-20 victory over the Vikings. He has 198 yards and two touchdowns in three games this season.
Rams' Tre'Davious White Given Permission to Seek Trade Amid NFL Rumors
Oct 28, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 29: Tre'Davious White #27 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on from the sideline during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 29, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Tre'Davious White could be on his way out of Los Angeles before the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
Per Sut Jackson of therams.com (h/t Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper), Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that the team has given White and his agent permission to talk to teams about a potential trade.
"He's been such a pro about the way he's handled obviously a not-ideal situation for him," McVay said. "If you guys saw the way he's practiced, the way that he's been a pro in every sense of the word, and approaches some things where, he hasn't been active the last three weeks. Guy wants an opportunity to be able to compete, and we love him here. We'd like to be able to keep him here, but if that is something that he and his agent want to be able to explore, we're obviously respectfully understanding of that. And so the answer is yes, we've allowed them to be able to talk to some teams to see if that's a possibility."
Last week, ESPN's Sarah Barshop reported that the Rams are open to trading White, though they are also open to keeping him on the team in case they lose depth at the cornerback position.
The eight-year veteran has 12 tackles and two passes defended in four games with the Rams. He spent his first seven seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he was named First-team All-Pro in 2019 and Second-team All-Pro in 2020.
White played the first four games of the season but has not played since then. He was inactive the past three games after Darious Williams returned from a hamstring injury.
On Monday, McVay reiterated that the Rams are fine with White exploring his options but ultimately would be happy to keep him on the roster.
"With respect to Tre's situation, that is something that, we'll give him an opportunity to see if there's a better situation that he deems appropriate for himself," McVay said, per Jackson. "But we love him here, and if he ends up staying here, I'll certainly be happy about that."
The Rams improved to 3-4 on Thursday, picking up a second straight win after starting the year 1-4. Williams, who took over for White recently, registered five tackles in Los Angeles' win against the Minnesota Vikings.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 29: Tre'Davious White #27 of the Los Angeles Rams lines up in the secondary during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 29, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams and cornerback Tre'Davious White are speaking about the player's future, including the possibility of a deal before the Nov. 5 trade deadline, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
#Rams and corner Tre’Davious White are discussing options for his future, including a potential trade, per sources.
Former All-Pro has been inactive, so L.A. is open to keeping him, knowing things can change over long season. But league-wide attrition could lead to a deal. pic.twitter.com/oQw2fCSbvw
White signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Rams this offseason after seven years with the Buffalo Bills.
The 29-year-old started the team's first four games, making 12 tackles and breaking up two passes. However, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop, he's been inactive over the past two matchups following the return of Darious Williams from a hamstring injury.
Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters earlier this month that White has dealt with the situation as "a pro in every sense of the word."
It's clear why White would have concerns about his future in L.A., though, if he's now being made inactive. He could be active in future weeks, especially if an injury crops up in the Rams' secondary.
However, he trade deadline looms in a week and a half, so it would behoove White to land elsewhere by then in hopes of getting more playing time.
There's also the matter of White's next contract after this season. He'll have a far better chance of landing a more lucrative deal by showcasing his talents and providing good tape, something he's unable to do now in Los Angeles.
White earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2019 with a league-high six interceptions. He finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting that season, which was the highlight of a great stretch as the Bills' No. 1 cornerback.
He was a big reason why the Bills pushed aside a 17-year stretch outside the playoffs and became the perennial postseason team it is today.
Unfortunately, White suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and then a torn Achilles in 2023. He played just 10 games from Thanksgiving 2021 to the end of the 2023 campaign.
White got a clean bill of health this year and signed with the Rams. He was off to a rough start, with opposing quarterbacks completing 12-of-18 passes for 178 yards and four touchdowns in his coverage, per Pro Football Reference. Perhaps a change of scenery could be beneficial for White, one of the game's elite defensive backs in his prime.
Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors: Bills, Steelers Have Discussed Deal for Rams Star
Oct 26, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams reportedly spoke to multiple teams regarding a trade involving wide receiver Cooper Kupp prior to their win over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Michael Silver, the Rams either reached out to or were reached out to by the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers regarding Kupp.
The talks held by the Rams and Chiefs reportedly occurred before Kansas City acquired wideout DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans this week.
Russini reported Tuesday that the Rams had "called multiple teams" to gauge interest in a trade for Kupp. The Rams were reportedly asking for a second-round pick in return and expressed a willingness to retain some of Kupp's salary.
In a follow-up, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter appeared on Get Up on Thursday morning and suggested the Rams would perhaps have trouble moving Kupp due to their asking price and his salary.
Kupp, 31, signed a three-year, $80.1 million extension in 2022 and is under contract through 2026, and he has a salary cap hit just shy of $30 million this season, per Spotrac.
According to Russini, the discussions the Chiefs and Rams had before KC landed Hopkins broke down because Kansas City did not want to part with a high draft pick and needed a team to eat a "large chunk" of the salary of the player they were acquiring.
Tennessee proved to be the ideal trading partner for Kansas City since it only cost a conditional fifth-round pick to acquire Hopkins.
As for the Bills, they made a trade with the Cleveland Browns for Amari Cooper last week, and he made an instant impact in their Week 7 win over the Titans, making four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
With Cooper in the fold, the Bills now have a solid starting three wideouts with him, rookie Keon Coleman and slot receiver Khalil Shakir, although providing quarterback Josh Allen with as many weapons as possible may not be a bad idea.
The Bills do have two 2025 second-round picks that they can use in a trade, but they only have $2.6 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com, making the acquisition of Kupp impossible unless the Rams absorb almost all of his salary.
Kupp's most logical landing spot would be Pittsburgh since the Steelers were rumored to bein on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk before he re-signed and wide receiver Davante Adams before the Las Vegas Raiders traded him to the New York Jets.
The Steelers are severely lacking a No. 2 option in the passing game outside of George Pickens, and they are in win-now mode with a veteran quarterback in Russell Wilson.
Of course, the Rams beating the Vikings on Thursday to improve to 3-4 could have completely changed where the organization stands on Kupp.
L.A. is now just one game behind the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West lead, and trading away Kupp in that situation would send a bad message to the rest of the team.
After missing four games due to an ankle injury, Kupp returned Thursday against the Vikings and finished with five catches for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Injuries have been a huge issue for Kupp in recent years, but he had one of the greatest seasons ever by wide receiver in 2021 and put an exclamation point on it by being named Super Bowl MVP.
A healthy Kupp would be a huge addition for any team, however, keeping him represents the Rams' best chance at making a playoff run.
Rams' Byron Young Jokes About Viral Photo of Reaction To Missed Penalty vs. Vikings
Oct 25, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Byron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams makes the tackle against Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings for a safety in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young had an excuse ready for his reaction to Thursday's controversial safety.
Young sacked Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in the end zone during the Rams' 30-20 Week 8 victory, but it looked like he would be penalized for a face mask on the play. However, no infraction was called on the play.
In the moment, he put his hands on his helmet and appeared to acknowledge that he had committed the penalty. When this reaction was pointed out on social media, Young took to X to joke that he was simply covering his ears due to the loud noise in the stadium.
Murphy's safety came with just 1:36 remaining in the game and pretty much ended any chance at the Vikings completing a comeback victory.
While Minnesota would have needed to scale the majority of the field in order to tie the game, the penalty still took that opportunity away. Following the game, referee Tra Blake explained that he "did not have a good look" at the play and that he did not see the penalty in real time.
"The quarterback was facing the opposite direction from me, so I did not have a good look at it," Blake said, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN. "I did not have a look, and I did not see the face mask being pulled, obviously."
Despite the clear video evidence, NFL rules declare that the play is not reviewable.
While it was a disastrous play for a Vikings team that drops to 5-2 on the season, it was a big moment for Young and the Rams, who move to 3-4 on the season. This has the team in contention for the NFC West, as they are just one game behind the division-leading Seattle Seahawks.
Puka Nacua a 'War Daddy' for Rams in Return from Injury vs. Vikings, Sean McVay Says
Oct 25, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught seven passes for 106 yards in a 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday after missing his last five-plus games with a sprained MCL in his right knee.
His performance clearly thrilled head coach Sean McVay, who had this to say postgame, per NFL Network's Bridget Condon.
"He's a war daddy he's a stud...he was ready to go tonight. He made a big impact on the game."
Nacua was listed as questionable on the injury report but started and made an immediate impact, catching two passes for 34 yards on the opening drive, which ended with a Kyren Williams touchdown.
Per Pro Football Focus (h/t Underdog), Nacua played 40-of-71 snaps (56.3 percent). That's far less than his usual workload, as Nacua played more than 90 percent of snaps in the majority of his games last year.
But Nacua still made a tremendous impact, leading the Rams with nine targets. He also authored the most impressive play of the game, dancing along the sidelines for this 19-yard catch.
Ultimately, the Rams are certainly happy to see Nacua back. He was initially expected to miss five-to-seven weeks and returned in the earlier portion of the timeline.
L.A. also welcomed back wideout Cooper Kupp, who had been out since Week 2 with a sprained ankle. Kupp scored a touchdown, one of four that quarterback Matthew Stafford threw to pass-catchers on this evening.
Now the Rams are 3-4, riding a two-game winning streak with sights set on an NFC West title after residing in the division basement two games ago. Up next is a road date with the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 3.
