Los Angeles Rams Preseason: 3 Takeaways vs Chargers
2. The receiver corps is improved, but Cooper Kupp is the catalyst
Newly acquired wide receiver Robert Woods has a couple of catches for 23 yards, and tight end Gerald Everett continues to show promise with his athleticism. But the Rams wideouts had more trouble separating from the Chargers defensive backs early in the game than they did last week against Oakland.
More from Los Angeles Rams
- One surprise NFL team that should get in the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes
- Rams: Will 2023 be a bounce back season for Cooper Kupp?
- 2023 NFL Season: 3 major in-season trades that could go down
- Could the Los Angeles Rams trade their 3 core players in 2023?
- Los Angeles Rams finally add a veteran free agent in 2023
Cooper Kupp, who had six catches last week, did not play Saturday while nursing a strained groin. The contributed to the Goff progress impediment. Goff clearly missed having Kupp as an outlet, and the Rams first team scored only three points against the Chargers in 1.5 quarters. They scored 21 in the first half last week.
Pharoah Cooper looked good against the Chargers backups. He finished with five catches for 71 yards. And Josh Reynolds continued to show flashes of brilliance. He flat dropped Mannion’s best pass of the night that bounced off his hands. Instead of sulking, Reynolds came back with a 38-yard touchdown reception from Mannion.
Though those were signs of promise deeper on the roster, it’s clear that the starters on offense will thrive off of the rookie Kupp’s presence on the field.