[BobCarl]

Cut through the "trade chatter", this article shows that Stafford and Kupp are still a special duo


from NFL.com

Rams WR Cooper Kupp not fretting trade chatter: 'I have a job to do here'
Published: Oct 23, 2024 at 06:50 AM
Kevin Patra
Senior News Writer



Get ready for Vikings-Rams on TNF | Week 8

Kupp said: "I have a job to do here, and I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building in being able to step on the field knowing I have prepared the best I can," he said. "And for seven and a half years, I've been an L.A. Ram, and I have taken that approach every single day. Whatever happens outside of that, I got to control what I can control. Right now, that means being the best L.A. Ram I can be."


Stafford said. "(I) Don't put much into (trade chatter) because that's a disservice to what we got going on here"

Week 1 in Detroit, Kupp caught 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. Kupp has missed 17 games in the past two-plus seasons due to injuries.

When he's on the field, however, he's been Stafford's security blanket. Kupp has been on the field for 54.5 percent of Stafford dropbacks since 2023, per Next Gen Stats. Stafford's passer rating is nearly 20 points higher with Kupp on the field (98.8) than with him off the field (79.4).

The question is whether Thursday's game is the last for the dynamic duo or if the show goes on.

[Dare]

No one is saying Kupp and Stafford aren't special. But reality is what it is. The clock is ticking down on both of these guys in LA. Kupp because of his constant injuries, and Stafford because of his age and injuries.

I guess I'm in a very tiny minority that has expected the end of the road for these two guys being this year for a long time. Both are consummate professionals and have brought a championship to LA. But realistically, the Rams can't afford to keep struggling to keep a stone wall in front of Matt for protection. His immobility raises the bar way too high.

This team has gotten very young the last two years. It's time to address the QB1 situation. Sean needs a QB that is "his" guy. From his comments, Darnold could be that guy. Look at the offense Sam is playing in. It's basically the same type of offense the Rams played in 2021. Darnold has been a stud. He's a FA next year so it makes sense not to have to get into a bidding war in the offseason.

I think if the Rams simply package both Stafford and Kupp to the Vikings they will bite. The Rams can play Jimmy G until Darnold can take the reigns which shouldn't be more than a game or two.

Stafford will get a legit chance at a second ring with the Vikings. This would be especially true if Kupp goes with him.

The Rams with Nacua, Atwell, Whittington, Johnson and Smith won't leave the team bereft at WR. Darnold has a very good arm and has finally blossomed into the QB they thought he was in his draft. With two first round picks the Rams can grab an LT and CB their two biggest needs. When Avila returns they will have a good OL again. Noteboom, Dedich and Bruss will give them decent depth. With a first round LT and CB they will have their SB team starting in 2025.

Frankly, I see nothing but wins for both teams.

[rams74]

No one is saying Kupp and Stafford aren't special. But reality is what it is. The clock is ticking down on both of these guys in LA. Kupp because of his constant injuries, and Stafford because of his age and injuries.

I guess I'm in a very tiny minority that has expected the end of the road for these two guys being this year for a long time. Both are consummate professionals and have brought a championship to LA. But realistically, the Rams can't afford to keep struggling to keep a stone wall in front of Matt for protection. His immobility raises the bar way too high.

This team has gotten very young the last two years. It's time to address the QB1 situation. Sean needs a QB that is "his" guy. From his comments, Darnold could be that guy. Look at the offense Sam is playing in. It's basically the same type of offense the Rams played in 2021. Darnold has been a stud. He's a FA next year so it makes sense not to have to get into a bidding war in the offseason.

I think if the Rams simply package both Stafford and Kupp to the Vikings they will bite. The Rams can play Jimmy G until Darnold can take the reigns which shouldn't be more than a game or two.

Stafford will get a legit chance at a second ring with the Vikings. This would be especially true if Kupp goes with him.

The Rams with Nacua, Atwell, Whittington, Johnson and Smith won't leave the team bereft at WR. Darnold has a very good arm and has finally blossomed into the QB they thought he was in his draft. With two first round picks the Rams can grab an LT and CB their two biggest needs. When Avila returns they will have a good OL again. Noteboom, Dedich and Bruss will give them decent depth. With a first round LT and CB they will have their SB team starting in 2025.

Frankly, I see nothing but wins for both teams.

I think you're wrong. On several counts.

[Dare]

Look at Stafford without Kupp. He's not the elite QB at all. Go ahead and look at his production this season. He's thrown only one game over 300 yards and that was the first game against Detroit. and he's thrown only 3 TDs all season with 4 INTs. How does that justify giving him $23.5 M this year? That is why IMO only the Vikings would have any interest in him and they would have to bring in Kupp as well.

Kupp's play has been Stafford's crutch he's very average without him. This is why I objected to Stafford's blackmail for more guaranteed money. He's done but won't admit it. He misses deep throws he would have nailed a couple of years ago. In six games Stafford has only thrown over 250 yds twice. People bitched about Goff's play but turn a blind eye to Stafford's decline. The book on him is written, just lock him in the pocket he's not going to run and he will force the ball rather than throw it away.

Stafford's mediocre play and his hefty cap hit is why the Rams should move on. So anyone who doubts that the Rams didn't make an effort to do so hasn't looked at Stafford's stats lately. The Rams wouldn't accept this type of production from a high paid player except with Stafford. They just benched White for less reason. That will begin to affect the lockerroom if they don't get proactive. Claim his tendonitis is flaring up and play Jimmy who certainly can't play worse.

The Vikings know they simply need to stop the run game of the Rams behind a crippled OL and Stafford will turn the ball over because he will force the ball. Stafford's only chance is to have Kupp explode for 200 yds and at least 2 TDs. But if that happens it will only validate what I'm saying. That Stafford is only average without Kupp.

[BobCarl]

But reality is what it is. .

TONIGHT could be the last game we see with those two great players together on the same team.

But "reality is" ... if not tonight, then their last game is looming near ... hopefully together for another two years.

But "reality is" ... the chemistry those two players have is incredible, and extremely rare.

But "reality is" ... just another declining overhyped QB and declining WR? I don't think so, and that's a REALITY.