The Los Angeles Rams had been on a bit of a roll to start the 2017 NFL season as they got off to an encouraging 3-1 start. However, Los Angeles was hit with a reality check as they lost to their NFC West division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, 16-10 in Week 5.
Through four weeks, the Rams boasted the highest scoring offense in the league, but were stymied by the Seahawks’ dominant defense. Seattle forced five turnovers, with three coming from second-year quarterback Jared Goff.
Despite their difficulties holding onto the football, Los Angeles was still in a position to win the game as Goff put together an impressive final drive. However, Cooper Kupp was unable to reel in the touchdown-tying pass from Goff as the ball grazed off his fingertips.
According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, Kupp took full responsibility for the play:
Let’s face facts,” Kupp said, “I gotta make that play.”
Goff was able to connect with Tyler Higbee and Robert Woods for big gains earlier in the drive, setting up the Rams to potentially steal the game. Kupp ran a beautiful route to free himself up in the end zone, but could not get his hands on a perfectly thrown ball that would have given Los Angeles the chance to kick in a game-winning extra point.
Both the Rams and Seahawks sit at 3-2, adding intrigue to the top of the division. It will be interesting to see how Los Angeles responds in their Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
