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The Los Angeles Rams are now 8-3 which means they avoid Jeff Fisher’s 7 and 9.... you know the rest. After defeating the New Orleans Saints at home 26-20 behind a strong performance, the Rams enter Week 13 with continued sky-high expectations and motivation to close the year strong.
Took McVay 11 games to not be 7-9.
— Big_EZK (@Football_EZK) November 27, 2017
The rookies all contributed heavily in the victory, especially on the offensive side of the ball with leading receiver Robert Woods out for a few weeks with a shoulder injury. Defensively, John Johnson III had a larger responsibility, usually lining up as the deep safety with Lamarcus Joyner playing double duty, also serving as the team’s primary nickel corner with Nickell Robey-Coleman out with injury.
WR Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp had a rough game last week against the Minnesota Vikings with a fumble at the one yard line and a crucial drop in the red zone. This week, Kupp rebounded nicely, leading all players with 116 receiving yards on eight catches. Kupp was expected to step up with Woods out and performed well, being Jared Goff’s favorite target (11 targets).
8 receptions for 116 yards
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 27, 2017
First + game for @CooperKupp! pic.twitter.com/AzXRyar4pO
Look for Kupp to continue to excel in his larger workload as Woods continues to rehab.
WR Josh Reynolds
Josh Reynolds also stepped up in a big way, snagging his first career touchdown. Targeted six times, Reynolds finished with four catches for 37 yards and touchdown.
Former A&M WR Josh Reynolds with his first career touchdown catch in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/QQiE960NVt
— Lawrence Smelser (@LawrenceSmelser) November 26, 2017
Reynolds will likely continue to line up on the outside in Woods’ absence. Look for his role to also expand.
TE Gerald Everett
Gerald Everett had a quiet game with only one catch for nine yards. For now, it looks like Tyler Higbee will continue to get most of the looks as long as he plays as well as he did.
LB Samson Ebukam
Samson Ebukam earned his second career sack against Drew Brees. With Connor Barwin out due to injury, Ebukam earned significant playing time as Ejuan Price didn’t dress for the game.
Samson Ebukam comes flying in from out of nowhere to lay some heavy lumber on Cooper’s 40 yard return on the opening kickoff.#LARams pic.twitter.com/TdBEk0KIVy
— SeattleRams (@seattlerams_nfl) November 27, 2017
Ebukam is slowly but steadily earning more time. Look for Ebukam to make a strong finish.
S John Johnson III
John Johnson III had another game with four total tackles including three solo stops. While a little out of his comfort zone as the deep safety for most of the game as Lamarcus Joyner played a lot more in the slot, Johnson held his own in helping the defense hold Drew Brees to less than 250 passing yards, which most of it coming in prevent time. Johnson will continue to be a cornerstone for the Rams defense for years to come.