Cooper Kupp

[Don Wassall]

I never thought that Matt Stafford had anything to do with Cooper Kupp being phased out of the offense last year. There was a stretch during the 2022 season when Kupp suddenly started seeing noticeably fewer snaps despite continuing the torrid pace of his triple crown 2021 year before his string of ankle injuries started.

As the article below states, Stafford and Kupp had "remarkable chemistry" yet anyone who was watching the Rams last year saw how Stafford suddenly looked everywhere but Kupp's way toward the end of the season, leading to his being waived. Stafford was clearly following Sean McVay's orders to focus on Pacua and the likes of Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington, anyone but Kupp.

McVay has never given a credible answer for Kupp's quick demotion and exit. Maybe Les Snead forced his hand, or ownership. The Rams didn't seem to be in a bad way when it came to cap space, unlike previous years. When Kupp was demoted in '22, McVay babbled about various things when asked why, never giving a good answer. It was like listening to Josh McDaniels when asked why Hunter Renfrow had been frozen out of the Raiders' offense following his thousand yard season, a bunch of meaningless bs.

Matthew Stafford was happy to see Cooper Kupp get 'the deal he deserved' with Seahawks

Matthew Stafford will be rooting for Cooper Kupp in Seattle, except when they're playing each other twice a year

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[El Gringo]

I never thought that Matt Stafford had anything to do with Cooper Kupp being phased out of the offense last year. There was a stretch during the 2022 season when Kupp suddenly started seeing noticeably fewer snaps despite continuing the torrid pace of his triple crown 2021 year before his string of ankle injuries started.

As the article below states, Stafford and Kupp had "remarkable chemistry" yet anyone who was watching the Rams last year saw how Stafford suddenly looked everywhere but Kupp's way toward the end of the season, leading to his being waived. Stafford was clearly following Sean McVay's orders to focus on Pacua and the likes of Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington, anyone but Kupp.

McVay has never given a credible answer for Kupp's quick demotion and exit. Maybe Les Snead forced his hand, or ownership. The Rams didn't seem to be in a bad way when it came to cap space, unlike previous years. When Kupp was demoted in '22, McVay babbled about various things when asked why, never giving a good answer. It was like listening to Josh McDaniels when asked why Hunter Renfrow had been frozen out of the Raiders' offense following his thousand yard season, a bunch of meaningless bs.

Matthew Stafford was happy to see Cooper Kupp get 'the deal he deserved' with Seahawks

Matthew Stafford will be rooting for Cooper Kupp in Seattle, except when they're playing each other twice a year

theramswire.usatoday.com

Snead drafted the first openly homosexual player in nfl history which says a lot about his character. Les was probably the catalyst for the demotion but I don’t understand why Stafford would cut off his best buddy so severely even if he was getting pressure from the top. He should have had enough leverage from the superbowl win to push back a little. Who knows.

 

[jphoss]

To Don’s point Kupp averaged 15 targets per game in the first 4 games in 22, then suddenly dropped to 8.5 in the last four before the injury. Bizarre and I think Pacu’s emergence made it easier for stafford and mcvey to transition away from kupp as the primary target of the rams offense. If he was a bust or simply not as good as he is, then they would not have the cover to demote kupp so brazenly. And more bizarrely he started out in 23 with 8-118 and 7-149 only
to then average basically 25 yards per game the next 6 games! Kupp and renfrows sudden disappearance are great illustrations of the insidious effects of the caste system on established players who overcame the initial barriers of it

 

[Don Wassall]

To Don’s point Kupp averaged 15 targets per game in the first 4 games in 22, then suddenly dropped to 8.5 in the last four before the injury. Bizarre and I think Pacu’s emergence made it easier for stafford and mcvey to transition away from kupp as the primary target of the rams offense. If he was a bust or simply not as good as he is, then they would not have the cover to demote kupp so brazenly. And more bizarrely he started out in 23 with 8-118 and 7-149 only
to then average basically 25 yards per game the next 6 games! Kupp and renfrows sudden disappearance are great illustrations of the insidious effects of the caste system on established players who overcame the initial barriers of it

Yes, good post, and to El Gringo's point, maybe I was too easy on Stafford, it was cold-blooded to cut off Kupp the way he did, especially when he battled back from injuries to get on the field. I do think the injuries took somewhat of a toll on his quickness, but Kupp is so good that he will always excel when he plays except when he's deliberately used as a decoy and blocker rather than a receiver.

 

[Warhawk_46]

I have zero sympathy for white quarterbacks that continue to go along with the ******** of the caste system.

Stafford knew how productive Cooper could still be and ignored him. We are not talking about a rookie quarterback, trying to make his way into the league, we are talking about a quarterback, who is one of the most prolific of all time.

It’s a shame there are not more people like Brady.

 

[icsept]

Kupp suffered a few significant leg injuries over the past two years. Combine that with his age, he really didnt look right last year. I’m not mad at the Rams for moving on. I expect him to be fully recovered and significantly better this year with the Seahawks.

Also, I don’t blame Stafford for the Kupp situation. Stafford’s wife was mad at the Rams for pushing her hubby’s best guy out the door. It’s the cold blooded business the Rams practice. Just ask Jared Goff.

 

[Warhawk_46]

Kupp suffered a few significant leg injuries over the past two years. Combine that with his age, he really didnt look right last year. I’m not mad at the Rams for moving on. I expect him to be fully recovered and significantly better this year with the Seahawks.

Also, I don’t blame Stafford for the Kupp situation. Stafford’s wife was mad at the Rams for pushing her hubby’s best guy out the door. It’s the cold blooded business the Rams practice. Just ask Jared Goff.

Kupp had injuries sure, but he looked pretty damn good when they went his way… and then he was abruptly phased out.