The Los Angeles Rams were teetering on disaster heading into the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, they were able to get right and prove that they have, indeed, not completely imploded in 2021. While the Los Angeles Rams were able to get back on track, some players had better days than others. Here’s a look at the Rams’ winners and losers in lucky Week 13.
Los Angeles Rams Winners And Losers: Week 13
Winners
Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford looked as good as he did to kick off the season. After several weeks of less-than-perfect performances, he was able to put together a great game to kick off December. Stafford completed 26 of 38 pass attempts for 295 yards and three touchdowns. He refreshingly avoided throwing an interception during the contest.
To date, Stafford has thrown 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Despite a rough November, Stafford has now reached 30 touchdowns for the third time in his 13-year career. With plenty of games to play, Stafford has a great shot at setting a career record for touchdowns in a season. To get to the necessary 42 touchdowns, Stafford will need to average a little more than two touchdowns per game. Will he be able to set history for himself?
Sony Michel
Sunday was Sony Michel’s biggest win of the season. Up to this point, Michel had been forced to endure single-digit carry games for most of the season. However, Sunday was Michel’s day after the injury to Darrell Henderson kept him out of the contest (did dress, but did not get any snaps).
In the game, Michel carried the ball 24 times for 121 yards and a touchdown in a performance that doubles his next closest performance in yardage. This was a performance that will be the difference in who continues as the lead running back down the stretch and into the playoffs. Michel deserves a pat on the back.
Cooper Kupp
If you’ve been reading these all season long, there’s not much more to say. Cooper Kupp put up another dominant performance on Sunday, catching eight passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. Predictably, he led the team in receiving. With the performance, Kupp has 100 receptions on the season, placing him into a new echelon of talent. He has 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. With five games to play, Kupp is in range of earning 2,000 yards from scrimmage this season for the Los Angeles Rams.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. continues to prove to himself that leaving the Browns was the best thing he did this season. Sunday’s game against the Jaguars is another. He caught two balls for 28 yards and a touchdown for the Los Angeles Rams. His celebration on the play earned some goodwill with the young crowd, as he referenced Call of Duty: Warzone with his celebration. Those who play the game recognized his celebration as a self-revive animation pulled from the game.
Perhaps Beckham was also saying he self-revived his season. He wouldn’t be incorrect with that assertion if that was what he was saying. In three games with the Rams, Beckham has earned more than half the yardage and two more touchdowns than he did with the Browns in 13 games, according to Pro Football Reference.
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“Could a change at backup quarterback be in the cards after the season?”
Losers
John Wolford
There was a scare in the game in which Stafford had to come out of the game after taking a helmet to the chest. In his place was John Wolford. He played only one play before Stafford returned. Stafford ended his day early and Wolford completed the game. However, one look at the stat sheet and you’d have never known he played, as he didn’t throw a single pass in the contest. It makes one wonder if Wolford has played out his value with the Rams. Could a change at backup quarterback be in the cards after the season?
Darrell Henderson
With Henderson out of the game, Sony Michel exploded. This can only hurt Henderson when he returns to the lineup. Henderson isn’t listed on the CBS Sports injury list, so he is expected to be back next week. That said, if he has a tough half, the Rams will be more tempted now to try out Sony Michel. Even if no move is made, the thought is in McVay’s mind in a much bigger way than it was before the Jaguars game.
Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford Has A Bounce Back Performance Against The Jacksonville Jaguars. Photo Credit: Brevin Townsell | LA Rams