LA Rams Cooper Kupp proving he’s more than a one-hit wonder

The LA Rams have always known that WR Cooper Kupp had the potential to be something special in the NFL. He hovered around 1,000 yards receiving each season (at least, when he remained healthy), he was an outstanding blocker, and he was even a gifted change of pace rusher on the occasional jet sweep.

Cooper Kupp is a perfect fit for the LA Rams offense. The Rams ask more of their wide receivers than many teams do, and Kupp has always responded by enthusiastically attempting and performing whatever has been asked of him.

When the LA Rams traded for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, there was no way to know just how effective his arm would level up Kupp’s game. In his first season catching passes from Stafford, Kupp set Rams Franchise single-season receiving records, and flirted with NFL single-season receiving records with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns.

Second verse, better than the first?

The expectation for Kupp’s second season with Stafford was optimistic, but a bit tempered. So far, all preseason estimates appear to be conservative.

The LA Rams clearly love what Kupp does. The offense keeps feeding him the football, and he continues to deliver.

In his first two games in the 2021 NFL season, Kupp delivered 16 catches of 21 targets, 271 yards, and three touchdowns. In his first two games in the 2022 NFL season, Kupp has caught 24 of 29 for 236 yards and three touchdowns.

A Kupp’l of good games

Fewer yards, but his catch rate is much improved. Best of all, he’s clearly the prime offensive target, and he continues to shine brighter with each game. The first test for Kupp will be in Week 3, as the Arizona Cardinals were the only team to hold Kupp under 90 yards receiving in Week 4 of the 2021 season.

Kupp would get revenge, catching 13 of 15 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in the Week 14 rematch.  Now, Kupp has a chance to help the Rams break the tie in the NFC West by defeating the rival Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. The Seattle Seahawks will host the feisty Atlanta Falcons this week, while the San Francisco 49ers travel to face the improved Denver Broncos.

With a victory, it’s not out of the question to emerge from Week 3 as the top team in the NFC West Division.  A 2-1 start is about as good as the Rams could have hoped for after losing in such a humiliating fashion in the season opener. To get the win, the Rams will need to get another sensational game from WR Cooper Kupp.

If the trend continues, the Rams will be more than happy with Kupp’s performance.