Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
We'd be talking about Konata Mumpfield's 48-yard touchdown catch much differently if the Los Angeles Rams had hung on to beat the Denver Broncos. If the defense had gotten a stop. If the referees hadn't robbed Josh Wallace of a game-ending pick.
If Matthew Stafford found a way to thread a last-second dart into the end zone for a walkoff score.
None of that happened, though, so we won't remember Mumpfield skipping down the sideline to retake the lead for the Rams, right after the Broncos punched in a TD of their own to go up 23-19.
It was easily a career day for the second-year receiver, the first glimpse that he could fill a larger role in a thin receiver room. That's something to be at least tentatively excited by, even though excitement is the last thing Rams are feeling about the way that game played out.
Rams might have seen first glimpse of Konata Mumpfield in larger role
Mumpfield's Week 3 outing in review: four catches, career-high; 93 yards, more than he had all last season; eight targets, career-high-tying.
He finished the game trailing only Davante Adams in receiving yards, and only the Rams wideout to find the end zone. Tight end Tyler Higbee brought in the other score.
Puka Nacua could be back this week in Philadelphia, which would be great news. Still, Stafford might appreciate more bodies to throw to. With Terrance Ferguson hurt and Colby Parkinson seemingly banged up too, Mumpfield emerging as a reliable target would be massive.
Look, the upside isn't amazing. Mumpfield entered the game with one catch on three targets for 12 yards. He doesn't have great breakaway speed; Broncos cornerback Riley Moss slipped on Mumpfield's big play.
But the Rams don't need another star. If Mumpfield can just be solid, run his routes accurately, and sprinkle in a chunk play here and there, LA will take it.
The other depth receivers haven't provided much thus far. In the one game Tutu Atwell has played, he came down with a 19-yard catch (two targets). Jordan Whittington, who missed Week 2 with a quad injury, has one catch for eight yards - his only target.
Rookie CJ Daniels has yet to be listed active and Xavier Smith has been used primarily as a returner. He's been targeted once.
It sure looks like the Rams' plan is similar to last year: lean on Adams and Nacua (when healthy), spread the rest of the targets around to tight ends. Running back Kyren Williams has also been heavily involved as a receiver.
The offense would benefit considerably if Mumpfield can help balance that approach even slightly.
Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations