Cooper Kupp

[dieterbrock]

Did you see that fair catch he made while running backwards? That was one of the most impressive things I’ve seen from him. 99% of returners would let that go over their head. Guarantee the punter was pissed he caught it.

That's why we want him back there, saved the Rams from awful field position.

 

[SWAdude]

That's why we want him back there, saved the Rams from awful field position.

Yes.

Big punt returns are exciting but rarely win games.

Good hands and field position will win more games.

Chess with gladiators makes this game so much fun for me!

Kupp's big contract should not put him in bubble wrap. I am excited to see the chance for him to run one back to see what he has on that new level for us. Running unprotected across the field on a pass play is far more risky than a punt return IMO. Ask Brandon Cooks.

 

[FrantikRam]

That's why we want him back there, saved the Rams from awful field position.

I think this is the main reason. Last year, Natson and then Webster both failed to run up and field punts that cost 20+ yards of field position on multiple occasions. I wouldn't be surprised if McVay reviewed every punt and calculated that just fair catching - but actually fielding - every punt would be a net gain for field position over having a more dynamic returner.

And, let's be honest - Kupp is actually our best open field runner anyways - so if he does decide to return some, it'll probably result in better field position from that perspective too.

 

[Deac]

Not thrilled about injury potential, but......we have done pretty well in the past with Leroy Irvin and Henry Ellard leading the league in punt returns while being full time starters as well. As long as he doesn't turn into Todd " I will never ever Fair Catch in my life, despite incoming certain death" Kinchen, he should be fine.

 

[Ram65]

The Rams got pumped up when Natson had a good return. He had good ones in the first 3-4 games last year alone. They seem to score every time he did. A good punt return can fire up an offense. I'm sure that's why the Rams picked up https://www.therams.com/team/players-roster/raymond-calais


Having Kupp take over the return/fair catch duties was a smart move considering the Dallas punter was getting great hang time and McVay was playing the conservative ball control defensive game. Moving forward the Rams need a shore handed punt returner that can also make plays when available. The Rams need to do a better job of containing opposing gunners to give space for returns. Save Kupp to turn third down catches into first downs.

 

[TexasRam]

It probably will save lots of field position to have Kupp back there. He's like an Einstein compared to half of the guys out there. I do worry about injury though, so for that reason I would probably only use him in critical games such as playoffs or possibly division games.

 

[Dz1]

If there's 1 player who's on the field I won't worry about it is Kupp.

PS need to throw AD in there lol.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Bump

.....that Kupp has only started in one of the Rams six playoff games since drafted in 2017.

 

[RamsFanCK]

Bump

.....that Kupp has only started in one of the Rams six playoff game since drafted in 2017.

Didn’t he start in the ATL game in 2017 and the SEA game 2020? I get your point though

 

[Mojo Ram]

Didn’t he start in the ATL game in 2017 and the SEA game 2020? I get your point though

According to pro football reference he didn't start in the '17 game vs Atlanta. IIRC he was dinged and questionable. Had a decent game anyway.

 

[Merlin]

Which makes me even more pissed off that we'd risk him in punt returns. Fuckin Bona.

 

[Ellard80]

yeah not having kupp in the post season hasn't helped us .... that's for sure.

 

[ottoman89]

Not having Kupp play, hurt, and he is as still close to 1000yds. Kupp means a lot to this O.

 

[dang]

I love Woods and Kupp. Jefferson may be a 3rd solid WR. However that means we have 3 very similar route running good hands receivers. And no strong physical stretch the field, red zone stud WR. What to do? Stand pat or mix it up?

 

[GoodBadUgly]

I love Woods and Kupp. Jefferson may be a 3rd solid WR. However that means we have 3 very similar route running good hands receivers.

 

[GoodBadUgly]

I love Woods and Kupp. Jefferson may be a 3rd solid WR. However that means we have 3 very similar route running good hands receivers.

Why do folks keep saying this? Didn’t Jefferson run sub 4.4? Thought dude was fast enough to stretch.

 

[dang]

3 words: Robinson, Fuller, Golliday

 

[Merlin]

Why do folks keep saying this? Didn’t Jefferson run sub 4.4? Thought dude was fast enough to stretch.

Jefferson can get deep no doubt. But we need more speed in that group.

 

[jrry32]

Why do folks keep saying this? Didn’t Jefferson run sub 4.4? Thought dude was fast enough to stretch.

Jefferson didn't run a 40.

Jefferson can get deep no doubt. But we need more speed in that group.

I think it would help to have a speedier 4th WR, but imo, the two most important things will be solidifying the interior OL and having a dominating ground game. I truly believe that one OL can solve the problem with Akers's breakout. With an interior OL that can hold up for deeper drops and a dominating ground game forcing help into the box, we can start burning teams with the intermediate and deep shots again. Woods and Van both have the speed to get over the top. Hell, even Kupp can do it if we get the right matchup. But the keys are having an OL that can give Goff enough time and forcing teams to come up and defend the run.

So yes, I'd look for a speedy WR in FA (bargain value) or on Day 3 of the Draft. But I think the biggest key here is just landing one OL on the interior who can shore it up. We saw how the Packers burned our defense when we were forced to come up and defend the run. MVS is a fast dude, but Allen Lazard, who burned us twice in the second half (dropping one TD and catching another), ran a 4.55 40 coming out of college. He's not slow, but he's not a speedster either. But when your play action is able to cause the DBs to hesitate, that's all a guy like Lazard needs.

 

[jrry32]

3 words: Robinson, Fuller, Golliday

We don't have the money. And if we did have the money, I'd spend it on an elite OG.