The Los Angeles Rams bounced back from an opening-night loss by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 31-27 in a home game at SoFi Stadium.
After the game, Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp raved about one of the hidden gems on the roster: Brandon Powell, a journeyman WR who has emerged as a capable weapon for this loaded offense.
With Van Jefferson injured, the Rams have been giving others opportunities to become the No. 3 receiver in Jefferson’s absence. In each of the first two weeks, Powell had one reception for six and 10 yards, respectively. Though Powell’s stats aren’t gaudy, Kupp praised his teammate.
“He deserves to be on the football field,” Kupp said told reporters. “He’s such a good football player. You want to find ways to get the ball in his hands. I love BP, love having him in the huddle.”
Powell’s Role on Offense & Special Teams
The Rams did try to get Powell, 27, involved more often, although the stats don’t exactly show it.
“Neat how the Rams have been using Brandon Powell, a players who worked his butt off for more offensive opps through camp,” The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue tweeted on September 18. “He’s been coming out of the backfield aligned opposite the RB and selling some of the under concepts.”
Neat how the Rams have been using Brandon Powell, a player who worked his butt off for more offensive opps through camp. He’s been coming out of the backfield aligned opposite the RB and selling some of the under concepts (including that gain to Kupp just now).
In Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, Powell had one carry for 3 yards in addition to his one reception, and he had four kick returns for 67 yards. And against the Falcons, head coach Sean McVay used Powell in the closing seconds of the game. With 13 seconds left and the Rams leading 31-28 on their own 26-yard line, Powell was set up in the backfield, almost as if a punt formation. He then took a direct snap, turned around and ran toward the Rams’ end zone, where he lingered until a Falcons player downed him with 0:07 to go on the clock for an intentional safety.
McVay had the Rams take an intentional safety to shave time off the clock 🧠
(via @NFL)
With the uncertainty in the Rams WR room after Kupp and Allen Robinson, they seem inclined to get Powell more involved. He also lined up in the backfield during the game against Atlanta.
Rams sent Brandon Powell out of the backfield in the first quarter, now it’s Cooper Kupp’s turn (ball to Higbee). You’ll recall that concept from Colts last year, but this time with target variations.
Powell’s Long Road to Get to This Point
It has been quite the journey for Powell, who is in his second season with the Rams. He went undrafted out of Florida in 2018 and has bounced around ever since, with stops with the Detroit Lions, Falcons, Bills, Miami Dolphins and now LA.
The highlight of his career was a 61-yard punt return touchdown in December 2021 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Brandon Powell with a HOUSE CALL on the punt return! #RamsHouse
📺: #LARvsMIN on FOX
📱: NFL app
Coming into Week 2, Powell’s career totals are low: Just 24 catches for 208 yards and a pair of touchdowns — both with the Falcons. But maybe he gets more involved with LA this season.
During training camp, McVay hinted at an expanded role for Powell.
“Brandon Powell, we get him where he’s a returner for us, but he is a guy that he’s got a skill set,” McVay said August 2, according to USA Today’s RamsWire. “He’s one of those guys, a great competitor, good football player. Seen really positive things from him from the slot.”
With Jefferson and Lance McCutcheon inactive again, Powell could continue to climb the depth chart if things keep going his way.
Next up, Powell and the Rams have a tough NFC West road battle with the Arizona Cardinals on September 25.
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Cooper Kupp Raves About Rams’ Journeyman WR