Rams receiver Puka Nacua catches a touchdown pass as Eagles corner James Bradberry tries to defend. Fellow receiver Tutu Atwell scored the Rams other touchdown against Philadelphia.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
The Rams have been productive in the first half but are looking to end a trend of poor second-half performances that continued last Sunday in a 23-14 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. Now they face a team coached by Jonathan Gannon, the Eagles’ former defensive coordinator. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has passed for five touchdowns, with five interceptions. Star receiver Cooper Kupp wants to build on his eight-catch, 118-yard, season-debut performance against the Eagles, which marked his return from a hamstring injury. Coach Sean McVay and Stafford found a way to distribute targets near equally between Kupp and rookie Puka Nacua, who has a league-leading 46 receptions. Tutu Atwell benefited from Kupp’s presence by catching a touchdown pass against the Eagles. The Rams traded receiver Van Jefferson to the Atlanta Falcons last week so Ben Skowronek and others could be called on for more snaps. Nine players have helped the Cardinal amass 15 sacks, including linebacker Dennis Gardeck, who has a team-best four. Star safety Budda Baker is on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury.
