Los Angeles Rams versus Cincinnati Bengals: Stock up, stock down

After dropping three games consecutively, the Los Angeles Rams managed to rebound nicely as they ride a two-game winning streak into their bye week in Week 9. The Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-10 overseas in London, England. Once the bye week passes, the Rams will return to action with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10.

Let’s check the stock report:

Stock Down

WR Brandin Cooks

Cooks didn’t register a catch in the game, though he was targeted early on a slant that resulted in a hit to his head, a drop, and ultimately the last play of the game for Cooks as he was ruled out with a concussion. The news was incredibly unfortunate for Cooks as he’s now suffered multiple concussions in his career, and his second just this year. It may be time for Cooks to start considering life after football.

CB Darious Williams

Williams wasn’t terrible, but he wasn’t good either. The duo of Williams and Troy Hill are noticeably average to below average, though the Rams don’t have any other options as it currently stands. Williams was toasted on a double move by Auden Tate, but Andy Dalton tossed the ball out of bounds, sparing Williams an embarrassing play.

S Taylor Rapp

It seems harsh slotting Rapp here as he did lead the team in tackles with 12 and nearly had a pick-six, but he was a liability in coverage on Sunday. Rapp routinely covered Tyler Eifert in the slot or around the hashes, and allowed too many easy catches in soft coverage.

Stock Up

Offensive Line

Jared Goff was not sacked once, the Bengals registered one tackle-for-loss, and both Darrell Henderson and Todd Gurley averaged over 4.3 yards-per-carry on the day. The offensive line had another strong performance, potentially building some momentum moving forward with the season.

WR Cooper Kupp

Kupp put together one of the most dominant games you’ll ever see from a skill position player, pulling in seven receptions on 10 targets for 220 yards and one touchdown. Kupp — who was literally unguardable — toasted Bengals defenders one after the next across the middle of the field. Kupp then put B.W. Webb’s ankles in a blender and removed his soul on a double-reverse pass that resulted in a 65-yard touchdown. Incredible.

WR Josh Reynolds

When Cooks went down, it was Reynolds’ time to step up, and he did exactly that. Reynolds finished the game with three catches on eight targets for 73 yards and one touchdown. Reynolds did majority of his damage up the seam with two long catches along the hashes. Reynolds is a consummate professional as he’s stepped up every time a receiver has went down with an injury, remaining prepared for his opportunity.

Defensive Line

The Bengals had some success rushing the ball, but the defensive line abused Dalton in the pocket repeatedly. The Rams registered five sacks and five tackles-for-loss on the day. Edge rushers Dante Fowler Jr. and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo registered 1.5-sacks each, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald proved to once again be an immovable handful.

RB Darrell Henderson

The more time Henderson receives, the more comfortable and impressive he becomes. Hendo had 11 rushes for 49 yards (4.5 YPC) and two catches on three targets for 20 yards. His explosion in and out of breaks is evident, and his vision continues to improve by the week. The Rams would be wise to continue to work Hendo into their offensive gameplans.

QB Jared Goff

Goff had three errant passes that should’ve resulted in interceptions, though he ended with zero turnovers on the day for the second week in a row. Outside of those gaffs, Goff was sharp, decisive, and accurate with his decisions. The signal caller finished the game with 372 yards passing and two touchdowns.