Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals: Stock up, stock down

The season came to an end after the Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 31-24 in Week 17 in what will be the last game played in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Rams improved their record to 9-7 in the 2019 NFL Season, but unfortunately, they came up short and won’t be participating in the playoffs.

Let’s take a look at the stock report:

Stock Down

Special Teams

Continuing a trend, the special teams unit was once again subpar. K Greg Zuerlein went 1-for-2 on field goal attempts, P Johnny Hekker averaged only 39 yards per punt, and the Rams had no impact returns. Also, gunner/WR Michael Thomas showed us why his services are no longer needed on this team on the punt that he didn’t down prior to the last drive of the game for the Cardinals.

Running Game

The rushing attack was absolutely horrendous, and it all started with continuous penetration allowed by the offensive line. Todd Gurley averaged 3.4-yards-per-carry and Malcolm Brown averaged 2.9 YPC. The entire season went by without Gurley eclipsing 100+ rushing yards one single time.

ILB Cory Littleton, DT Michael Brockers

Neither guy played bad, but both players were in contract years — potentially their last games with the Rams — and both exited the contest with an injury. Brockers sustained some sort of leg injury and was carted off, and Littleton sustained a chest injury, with neither guy returning to the game. Hopefully, the injuries are minor and won’t impact either guy as they prepare to enter free agency.

Stock Up

WR Robert Woods

Continuing his strong play, Woods strung together another big performance as he reeled in seven receptions on 12 targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. Woods ends his season on a strong note and is the first Rams receiver to eclipse 1,000-yards receiving in back-to-back seasons since Torry Holt did it over a decade ago.

S Taylor Rapp

Most fans haven’t gotten the taste from the blown coverage in Week 16 out of their mouths, but Rapp did everything he possibly could to change the perception of his season with a fantastic performance on Sunday. Rapp registered six tackles, one fumble recovery, one pass deflection, and one interception. He was incredibly productive in this contest and ultimately had a very solid rookie season.

QB Jared Goff

Goff did not have a good season, but like a lot of his offensive teammates, he ended the year on a strong note with a 319-yard performance that included three touchdowns and no turnovers. The Rams need much more consistent and stable play in their signal caller as he offered far too much variance in his play in 2019.

WR Cooper Kupp

Just like Woods, Kupp had his way with the secondary of the Cardinals, pulling down seven receptions on 10 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown. Kupp actually had a drop or two which are minor blemishes on his strong performance, but ultimately stepped up as needed and proved he is an excellent receiver as he notched his first 1,000-yard season. It was a stronge bounce-back season for a guy recovering from a mid-season ACL tear.

CB Darious Williams

With CB’s Troy Hill and Jalen Ramsey inactive, Williams drew another start on the boundary and did not disappoint. Williams secured his second interception in as many games on a slightly deflected pass up the seam from ILB Travin Howard. Ironically, that wasn’t even the best play of the day from Williams as he had a beautiful pass breakup on a deep post that he timed perfectly. Williams — like Hill — has quietly emerged as a very solid and developing corner.

TE Tyler Higbee

Higbee set franchise records for both receptions (69) and receiving yards (734) by a Rams tight end after his random midseason emergence. Higbee dominated on Sunday as he pulled in eight receptions on 12 targets for 84 yards and a touchdown. The contract extension the Rams elected to hand Higbee prior to the season is really beginning to look like a wise decision.