Shohei Ohtani, fresh off signing a record-breaking $700-million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, was spotted at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams, ahead of their game against the New Orleans Saints. The two-way baseball star was seen being very happy during his visit, at one point receiving a bespoke jersey. Ohtani’s compatriot Yoshinobu Yamamato was also reportedly expected to attend the game, but plans apparently changed and he has since been declared absent.
The Rams and Saints are currently tied at 7-7 apiece, with each team having different goals. The former is looking to surpass the Seattle Seahawks for one of the Wild Card spots, while the latter is eyeing the NFC South title.
The Los Angeles Rams have a crucial game ahead of them against the New Orleans Saints. After a massive regression in 2022, the Super Bowl LVI winners have returned to playoff contention in 2023 thanks to some stellar performances. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has mostly regained his elite form, missing just one game and throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Speaking to reporters on the Tuesday before the game, the former Detroit Lion said he was not overstressing its implications. However, for defensive tackle Aaron Donald, there is no margin for error. He stated, “I think every game’s like a playoff game now, right? We ain’t got much room for no losses.”
Another player who has been crucial to the Rams’ resurgence is wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Since his debut in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he has been an offensive crucial component alongside the returning Tutu Atwell and rookie Puka Nacua, and he likes the camaraderie in the WR corps. He said, “I think just the depth of our room in general, there’s trust in whoever it is that’s on the field, and guys know that they’re going to be expected to do everything.”
The game can be streamed now on both Amazon Prime and FuboTV.
Overall the Rams players are excited for their big game against the Saints. The Rams are looking to make a big push for the playoffs and are counting on support from fans for this important game. With powerhouses like Stafford, Kupp and Donald, the Rams are sure to put on an electrifying performance that fans won’t forget. The team is eagerly anticipating a win that will keep them alive in the race for the playoffs.
Shohei Ohtani’s appearance at SoFi Stadium only adds to the excitement and anticipation for this pivotal matchup. News of his presence will surely attract more attention to a game that already had significant implications for both teams and their postseason hopes. As for Yoshinobu Yamamato, it remains unclear why he ultimately did not attend the game, but it’s likely that his absence won’t dampen the excitement surrounding the highly anticipated Rams vs. Saints showdown.
