Week 7 for the Las Vegas Raiders is upon us, and that means SoFi Stadium (and the Los Angeles Rams) awaits the Silver and Black. More importantly, All-Pro wideout Cooper Kupp might be among those who could spoil Sunday for the Raider faithful.
Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is keenly aware of Kupp. More importantly, he knows what it means if No. 10 is good to go. This week, as his unit prepares for a matchup between two underwhelming squads, he expressed his awareness of Kupp to the media.
“As soon as they say he’s working out, that’s where my mind went, he’s playing. So, tough, tough, great route runner. Can block in the run game. He gets open, he catches the ball, he blocks in the run game. He makes yards after contact and after the catch. Yeah, it’s real tough. He’s one of the best in the league in the business right now, and so it’ll change some of the game plan a little bit.”
Ever since spraining his ankle in Week 2, Kupp has been out of action. Prior to that, Kupp had already recorded 18 receptions and a touchdown. As most are aware, it’s been a tough season for the Rams (much like the Raiders). Still, if Kupp returns, that’s a major boost. As reported on Wednesday, the Rams’ star receiver returned to practice, which is fueling the conjecture that he’ll suit up against the Raiders. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford knows better than anyone the level of impact that Kupp has.
“He does everything for us; he blocks, he obviously is great in the pass game. He’s super intelligent, helps everybody around him be better and whenever that happens, we’ll be, obviously, excited to have him back.”
For the Raiders’ sake, maybe it’s best that the Rams hold off on Kupp until their next game against the Minnesota Vikings the following Thursday.
Interestingly, Graham made the same point as Stafford about the Rams’ receivers’ abilities in run blocking.
“They’re also a talented group, but the thing that stands out the most with their receiving core is their toughness. They’re willing to block in the run game and to do all the extra stuff. That’s what stands out.”
In case you weren’t aware, the Rams have their own stud at running back, Kyren Williams. If you mix in Kupp with what L.A. is presently doing in the run game, Graham and the Raiders defense could be in for a long day at Sofi.
*Top Photo: Getty Images