Sure, the Raiders have a good passing defense and employ one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL in Nate Hobbs, but after watching Matthew Stafford throw to a collection of, at best, WR3s since Week 2, getting a player of Kupp’s caliber back can only lead to good things in Week 7 and beyond.
Discussing what Kupp brings to the Rams’ table in 2024, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur discussed just how valuable his star slot receiver is to LA’s game plan, as he simply does things that other receivers can’t.
“There are just certain things that that guys like Cooper Kupp can do that…he just sees the small, little, minute alignments and how defenses are aligned, and the information he can bring back to us as coaches and stuff like that,” LaFleur explained. “Again, there’s a reason he’s had the success that he’s had on the field. He’s a tremendous athlete and receiver, but he’s got a mind that’s pretty unique.”
As one of the better route-running technicians in the NFL, Kupp is truly special when he can figure out ways to attack the defense based on coverage, finding soft spots in zone, tricking corners in man, and getting himself in the sightline of the quarterback when the play breaks down. While Kupp will instantly make the Rams’ offense better in structure, it’s on those money downs like fourth down at the end of Week 5 when Stafford desperately needed a first down.
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