Random Ramsdom: Breaking down Matthew Stafford to Cooper Kupp Touchdown vs Colts

Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp are heating up. The pair have connected for touchdowns three times in the first two games of the season. Against the Colts in week two, Cooper Kupp had nine receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns. The first touchdown occurred on the Rams first possession of the game to cap off an eight play ninety yard drive. Here is a breakdown of that play.

It was a second and six situation with the ball set sixteen yards from the end zone.

The Rams offense lined up in a wide split three by one shotgun formation with Cooper Kupp in the backfield to Stafford's left and Darrell Henderson out wide right. Van Jefferson and Robert Woods lined up trips right with Henderson. Tyler Higbee split wide left.

The Colts defense lined up in a single high formation with one safety deep over the middle and the remaining secondary defenders lined up inside 10 yards in a soft zone look that wound up being a cover three, three deep zone.

The route concept was four deep routes all go against the three deep defenders. Woods and Higbee would fly toward the sideline and Jefferson and Kupp would run up the hashes to force the single safety to pick a side. With Jefferson off the line and Kupp coming from the backfield, the timing would draw the safety toward Jefferson opening the window for Kupp.

Stafford executes by glancing right to move the safety and buy time to let Kupp get to his spot and then delivers a perfect pass over the linebacker. Cooper Kupp puts an outstanding move on the nickel defender who almost falls over on the break.

This set up starts with good scouting and an excellent play call by Coach Sean McVay. It then required spacing and timing on routes, good protection, and pocket passer execution. Touchdown. Rams start up seven and go on to win 27-24 against the Colts in week two. Up next is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

And now for today’s links:

RAMS NEWS:

Los Angeles Rams RB Darrell Henderson’s status uncertain vs. Buccaneers with rib cartilage injury (ESPN)

Troy Reeder picks good time for first NFL interception (Rams.com)

Matthew Stafford-Cooper Kupp connection helps Rams move to 2-0 (Rams.com)

Rams sign RB Javian Hawkins to practice squad, release Otis Anderson (RamsWire)

NFL NEWS:

2021 NFL season, Week 2: What we learned from Packers’ win over Lions on Monday night (NFL.com)

The First Read, Week 3: Raiders are for real; Cowboys’ defense good enough? (NFL.com)

Indianapolis Colts QB Carson Wentz has two sprained ankles, Frank Reich says (ESPN)

Winners and losers from NFL Week 2, plus an ugly week for QB injuries and picking Lions-Packers winner (CBSsports)