The Los Angeles Rams were victorious in the Sunday’s rematch of the NFC Championship game. They defeated the Saints 27-9, but the outcome of the game was drastically impacted by the injury to Drew Brees. However, the Rams should not be faulted for the hype of the game wilting, and overall, played very well. Here are our three standout performers.
3 Standout Performers In Rams Win Against Saints
WR – Cooper Kupp
Kupp was one of guys that we looked at in the days leading up to Sunday’s matchup and boy did he deliver. Kupp has a great connection with QB Jared Goff and it continued on Sunday.
He finished with the five receptions for 120 yards. The numbers do not tell the entire story, however. Kupp consistently looked like the best player on the field. He narrowly missed a long touchdown reception before being tackled at the one-yard line. The third year receiver beat Marshon Lattimore, who is one of the best cornerbacks in the game, and showed everyone on the field, in the press box, and in the stands, the he is 100% healthy again. Kupp will continue to thrive in this offense throughout the year.
DT – Aaron Donald
You might look at the stat sheet and say huh? Donald demands so much attention that his stats may not be as impressive as you may think. AD got banged up in this game, but still wreaked havoc.
He unintentionally injured Drew Brees after Brees’s throwing hand banged into Donald’s hand. The All-Pro lineman arguably is the best player in the NFL and the Saints tried everything to slow him down. Donald’s presence allows others to thrive and he provides one on one opportunities for guys like Dante Fowler who is beginning to look like the guy who was a top pick a few years ago.
LB – Cory Littleton
Littleton was another player we were keying on heading into the game and he delivered. Littleton seems to always be around the football. He finished the game with two more passes defensed. He really helped neutralize the impact of all word RB Alvin Kamara.
Once Drew Brees went down, the Saints were completely stymied on offense, but even with Brees in the game, the offense did next to nothing and Littleton was a major reason why. One could make the argument that after Donald, Littleton is a guy that the Rams can not afford to lose. He is instrumental to their success on the defensive side of the ball.