Rams fans just saw how far Cooper Kupp has fallen without Sean McVay

Perhaps one of the most painful decisions Los Angeles Rams fans faced last offseason was the realization that All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp would not be returning in 2025. It was a combination of durability, production, and a need to entrust younger wide receivers this season that forced the uncomfortable decision.

The change to the Seattle Seahawks offense has meant a completely new role for Kupp. Like many veterans, he has developed sensational work habits at this point in his career. But, without the familiarity with what he can do, the Seahawks have been a bit clumsy in how to deploy him.

That was obvious on Monday Night Football, as the Seahawks tasked him with throwing a pass against the Houston Texans.

It was an interception, and an ugly one at that:

Kupp had thrown four passes for Los Angeles over his seven seasons and never completed one. But he did complete his pass for Seattle, only to a defensive back and not to a teammate.

It's a safe bet that was not how the play was designed.

Cooper Kupp is not the same player without Sean McVay

Kupp is still contributing in 2025 but not nearly at the same level as when catching passes in head coach Sean McVay's offense. While he is catching 72.7 percent of the targets, he has 293 yards and one touchdown after seven games.

That's on pace for 700 receiving yards and two touchdowns, not exactly Pro Bowl numbers.

That's where Kupp is right now, a third or fourth receiving option in an offense that had the right role for him. His one touchdown trails wide receivers Jaxson Smith-Njigba (four) and Tory Horton (three), and tight end A.J. Barner (four) in scoring.

Los Angeles has already gotten six touchdowns from veteran wide receiver Davante Adams this season, who was viewed by many as filling Kupp's spot.

Kupp wants to contribute. Clearly, passing is not his forte. He can still catch passes, but he is slowly fading as his NFL career continues. He is not the same player as his record-teasing season in 2021.

And that is just how it goes, sometimes.

As always, thanks for reading.