THE The Rams defeated the Las Vegas Raiders20-15, Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
What we learned from a victory that improved rams‘record at 2-4:
Cooper Kupp expected to play Thursday
Star receiver Cooper Kupp missed a fourth straight game with an ankle injury, but coach Sean McVay said he expects Kupp to be back for Thursday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium.
Kupp, 31 years old, returned to practice last week and seemed on track to possibly play against the Raiders. He attended pre-match training but was inactive.
“It was close but at the end of the day… it was about getting back to performing and not necessarily getting back to playing,” McVay said.
Strategist Matthew Stafford said he was excited about Kupp’s imminent return.
Learn more: Rams secondary plays vital role as turnovers are impetus to beat Raiders
“He loves football,” Stafford said. “He misses being out there, so I’m excited for him, excited for our offense and our team.”
Kupp, who caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against the The Detroit Lions aren’t the only receiver out due to injury.
Puka Nacua remains on injured reserve with a knee injury. Rookie Jordan Whittington is nursing a shoulder injury and was active Sunday. But Whittington didn’t play.
Tutu Atwell had a game-high six catches for 51 yards.
Mixing in secondary schools is bearing fruit
Veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White started the first four games before the coaches made him inactive against the Green Bay Packers. He was inactive again Sunday, and the secondary once again made plays that resulted in or led to touchdowns.
Coaches and players praised White for his professionalism and perseverance in returning ahead of schedule from an Achilles injury.
However, a rotation that includes cornerbacks Darious Williams, Cobie Durant and Josh Wallace and safeties Quentin Lake, Kamren Curl and Jaylen McCollough has produced big plays.
The offense must be more productive
The Rams gained just 258 yards against the Raiders and converted just two of 10 third downs.
Stafford completed 14 of 23 passes for 154 yards, with one interception. For the second straight game, he was hit 10 times.
One play after being penalized for roughing the passer, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby delivered a hit on a first-quarter sack.
Learn more: Tough day for NFL quarterbacks but Matthew Stafford and the Rams survive
Stafford, who had suffered from back pain after absorbing 10 hits from the Packers on Oct. 6, said he felt “pretty good” after Sunday’s win and would be ready for Thursday night after a short turnaround.
“Not everyone is going to feel great on Thursday, so we just have to put the ball down and fight,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what the previous game was like.
“And luckily I’m coming out of this one feeling pretty good, so it’s a good start to the week.”
Kyren Williams continues to score touchdowns
Running back Kyren Williams scored two touchdowns, bringing his season total to nine. He rushed for eight touchdowns.
On Sunday, his 13-yard run in the first quarter gave the Rams a 7-3 lead. His two-yard run in the third quarter made the lead 20-6.
“I just know I have to continue to score touchdowns and get more yards — being efficient,” said Williams, who rushed for 76 yards on 21 carries.
Kicker Joshua Karty struggled
Rookie kicker Joshua Karty missed an extra point attempt and a field goal attempt. His missed extra point after Williams’ touchdown in the third quarter kept the Raiders within two scores at 20-6.
If Karty had attempted a 35-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, the Rams would have led 23-12, but his kick hit an upright and bounced.
The Raiders then scored a field goal to pull within five points.
This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
