Rams' Blake Corum highlights impact of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp after key win against Vikings

The Los Angeles Rams got star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp back on Thursday night, and rookie running back Blake Corum believes it made a massive difference

The Los Angeles Rams' offense received a significant boost when star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp returned from their injuries, giving quarterback Matthew Stafford even more firepower in the win over the Minnesota Vikings.

And Rams rookie running back Blake Corum is convinced that with the offensive squad at full tilt, Los Angeles is set for an upswing in their season performance.

Nacua made an instant impression during Thursday's 30-20 victory at SoFi Stadium with Stafford frequently targeting his favoured receiver from the get-go. Stafford also kept his eyes on Kupp, a former Super Bowl MVP, even if the dynamic duo had a bit more trouble connecting during the night.

Together Nacua and Kupp racked up 157 receiving yards —including Nacua's stellar seven catches for 106 yards — and one touchdown across 12 receptions. The undeniable chemistry between Stafford, Kupp, and Nacua signals that Los Angeles could be a formidable force.

Corum sensed the momentum shift and, speaking to Mirror US Sports post-win, he conveyed the significance of having Nacua and Kupp back on the field. "Yeah, we were rolling today," he said.

"I think it starts with practice. It was great having those guys back. They definitely bring a lot of energy, so it felt really good and it looked good."

Corum and the Rams were evidently buoyed by the return of the dynamic wideout duo. Their presence on the field allowed Stafford to diversify his targets with Corum himself snagging a nine-yard catch and Demarcus Robinson scoring a pair of touchdowns alongside his 35 yards from two receptions.

Even star running back Kyren Williams was in Stafford's sights, racking up 19 yards over five catches, including a touchdown. The 23-year-old Corum highlighted the palpable energy boost in the Vikings matchup. "We preach it all the time," he said, referring to the zest Nacua and Kupp injected into the team, which he believes could lead to further victories.

"Coach [Sean] McVay, our organization, we preach energy. We talked about it strictly starting with one [win], now we're at two. So just keep building on those – and we'll be successful."

Corum also observed that the offense's vibrancy seemed to inspire the defense, culminating in a critical fourth-quarter play where the Rams' defense sacked Darnold to score a safety as the Vikings sought a last-ditch effort. Although there was a suggestion of a face mask violation on Darnold, the officials didn't call it, allowing the game to proceed.

Corum recognized the significance of maintaining momentum across the entire team.

"I think once one phase does it, especially today, one phase made a big play, the next one did, and it just kinda kept going," he said. "Everyone kept feeding off each other, so energy was a big part."

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, debates raged as to whether the Rams would soon part ways with their stars. Before their recent victory, many pundits anticipated them as potential sellers – but the return of key players like Kupp and Nacua has stirred talks of a postseason push, particularly while competing in an unpredictable NFC West.

The mighty San Francisco 49ers have been grappling with injuries while the top is occupied by the unpredictable Seattle Seahawks. There is a chance for the Rams to claim the division crown if circumstances align, it appears.

Corum stressed that the Rams' focus is purely on what's within their grasp with trade speculations being something that's out of their control. But if they block out the outside noise, the Michigan product believes, Los Angeles could be a force to reckon with.

"I think it's keeping your head down," the running back said. "As long as we stick together and keep our heads down and feed off each other's energy and keep grinding, we're going to have a successful season."