Father time is undefeated. Football is the finest example of that principle. Even the best players break down. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is moving in that direction. While the end is, indeed, nigh Kupp proved last season that he still has gas in the tank. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception has identified one way to help extend Kupp’s prime for as long as it will go. And, ironically, it’s about looking to Kupp’s past than creating a new role for him on offense.
“Taking almost all of the slot snaps when the team moves to 11-personnel and being used as a flanker off the line in two-receiver sets is critical to extending Kupp’s prime.”
Matt Harmon – Reception Perception
Cooper Kupp’s Production In and Out of the Slot
If you think that sounds a lot like what Kupp has done on the Rams throughout his career you’d be right, with a few exceptions. For most of his career, Kupp spent 30-35 percent of his time as an outside receiver. There are three exceptions; 2017, 2020, and 2022. Setting his rookie season aside and looking at the two remaining seasons reveal they are also statistically some of his worst seasons. His career average yards per catch is 12.5. In those two seasons, he posted 10.8 and 10.6.
After returning from injury last season, the Rams used him as an outside receiver for about half of his routes run. But after the bye, they ratcheted up his use in the slot as they figured out how to integrate him and Puka Nacua.
Kupp is now at the point where he requires the support of another receiver to pull coverage and also keep Kupp’s usage in check.
“There’s no question Kupp took a noticeable step back in his ability to beat man coverage last year. His 65.2% success rate vs. man coverage is below average and down from strong 67.6% and 70.6% results from the prior two seasons. He was not as effective at working against man when running in-breaking routes, especially.”
Matt Harmon – Reception Perception
Nacua/Kupp Complement
Luckily, Nacua counterbalances Kupp’s struggles against man coverage. He isn’t elite, but Nacua gives the Rams another option in that case. Keeping Kupp in the slot also inherently limits the amount of man coverage he will face, especially press man coverage.
The Rams have always looked for a receiver to complement him since they realized exactly who they drafted in the third round over eight years ago. They added Robert Woods, who did the best job before they found Nacua. It’s no surprise he struggled in 2022 after the Rams moved away from Woods and attempted to fill the loss with Allen Robinson.
Even though Kupp’s regression isn’t solely injury-related, Rams head coach, Sean McVay has a knack for tailoring a player’s role to his skill set and creating space for his receivers to operate.
Kupp will also benefit in the slot from an improved running game.
