Inglewood, Calif.— The Los Angeles Rams’ struggles this season have been largely attributed to the injuries sidelining star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. However, their return to the lineup during a prime-time matchup against the Minnesota Vikings brought a much-needed spark to the team.
Kupp and Nacua made a significant impact in their comeback, with Kupp catching a touchdown pass and Nacua racking up 106 receiving yards. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Rams to a 30-20 victory over the Vikings on Thursday night.
In a display of offensive prowess, Demarcus Robinson contributed by catching two touchdown passes from Stafford, helping the Rams (3-4) achieve back-to-back wins for the first time this season. The offense produced 386 yards, showcasing its potential with both Kupp and Nacua back on the field.
“They brought a lot of energy to our team, and a ton of confidence,” Stafford said, noting his own struggles early in the season when he had thrown only three touchdown passes in the first six games. “It’s not just the offense; I know the defense feels it too when those guys are out there making plays.”
Nacua, returning from a five-game absence, had seven receptions, marking the eighth 100-yard game of his brief career. Kupp, back after missing four games, recorded five catches for 51 yards, including a crucial 27-yard grab late in the fourth quarter.
“It was just so much fun,” Kupp commented. “Offensively, we were just able to find ways to keep the sticks moving. Guys were just doing their jobs, and it was pretty cool to see us going.”
Kyren Williams added to the Rams’ efforts with 97 rushing yards and an early touchdown reception. Robinson’s 25-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter put the Rams ahead, and he followed it up with a 10-yard touchdown catch with just over six minutes left, extending the lead to 28-20.
Defensively, Byron Young secured a safety by sacking Sam Darnold, who was penalized for a facemask grab, as the Rams celebrated their second victory in five days after a difficult start of 1-4 before their bye week.
“I believe in this group,” said Rams coach Sean McVay, who achieved his 80th career win, making him the winningest coach in Rams history. “I saw resolve. I didn’t see a flinch… We’ve done a good job of getting ourselves back to where we wanted to be.”
This game also marked McVay’s first matchup against Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, his former offensive coordinator during the Rams’ Super Bowl championship season three years ago.
“I think we were close on some plays,” O’Connell reflected. “But when you’re playing against that quarterback, and those receivers are healthy and making plays, it really comes down to whether we can get enough rush and coverage working together.”
For the Vikings (5-2), Darnold threw for 240 yards, but their defense struggled to contain the Rams’ revamped offense. Minnesota also faced a setback when starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw left the game with a knee injury.
Justin Jefferson led the Vikings with eight receptions for 115 yards, while Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield caught touchdown passes from Darnold. However, the Vikings managed only two field goals over the last three quarters.
“As an offense, we’ve got to just be more consistent,” Darnold stated. “The facemask, it is what it is. I thought we could have done a lot to not put ourselves in the situation we were in.”
Stafford’s performance marked the 16th time in his career that he threw at least four touchdown passes, which includes four such games with the Rams. He also surpassed Dan Marino for ninth place in NFL history for total completions.
Both teams struck quickly, each scoring touchdowns on their first two drives in front of a sold-out crowd at SoFi Stadium. Darnold started strong, completing all eight of his passes during those initial drives, while Stafford relished the return of his top targets.
Williams scored a touchdown on a short pass during the Rams’ opening drive, marking his tenth consecutive game with a touchdown. The Vikings had not allowed a first-quarter touchdown all season, while the Rams had failed to score on their opening drive until now.
Byron Murphy intercepted an overthrown pass from Stafford in the third quarter, setting up a touchdown that briefly gave Minnesota a 17-14 lead after Jefferson’s spectacular one-handed catch.
### Injuries
**Vikings:** Tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) and guard Dalton Risner (back) were sidelined. Darrisaw was injured while attempting to run out the clock before halftime. Coach O’Connell had no update on his condition postgame.
**Rams:** Rookie receiver Jordan Whittington was inactive due to a shoulder injury. Safety Kam Curl hurt his knee in the first quarter but returned in the second.
### Up Next
**Vikings:** Host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, November 3.
**Rams:** Travel to Seattle on November 3.
