The Los Angeles Rams proved all their doubters wrong in 2023 when they managed to make the playoffs despite overhauling their coaching staff and roster the previous offseason.
Los Angeles nailed most of their picks from the 2023 NFL Draft that included Puka Nacua, who exploded onto the scene. Nacua’s emergence was partly due to Cooper Kupp being forced to miss the first four games of the season due to a hamstring injury he suffered in training camp.
Kupp has battled injuries since his Triple-Crown run in the 2021 NFL season that culminated in him winning Offensive Player of the Year as well as Super Bowl MVP. Since then, Kupp has only played in 21 regular season games and hasn’t looked quite like his peak self.
However, general manager Les Snead remains confident that Kupp can rediscover his game and stay healthy, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN:
“Last year really bothered Cooper,” Rams general manager Les Snead said at the league meetings in March. “That’s just who he is. And he didn’t enjoy life last year. Probably almost to a fault. There’s only one detriment. He may overtrain trying to get back, but he’s definitely working hard.
“And I would bet on Cooper getting back and being healthy. And I know he really wants to. It’s those type of competitors, they almost feel guilty for not being 100 percent, but that’s life in a tough sport.”
Kupp is one of hardest working players on the Rams roster and has done everything he can to get himself ready for the start of the new year. This offseason, Kupp noted he’s feeling better than he did at the same time last year, which bodes well for a bounce back.
Although Nacua proved he could handle the responsibilities of being the No. 1 target in the passing game, Los Angeles can’t hit its ceiling without Kupp. Even though head coach Sean McVay’s switched the offense to be a more downhill, physical running scheme the pass game remains the Rams’ bread and butter and Kupp should play a big part in its resurgence.
Jordan Whittington looking forward to learning from Rams’ Cooper Kupp
Surprisingly enough, L.A. spent most of its draft capital building along the trenches although they did use one of their Day 3 picks on Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington. Whittington is a versatile receiver and has already mentioned how much he’s looking forward to learning from Cooper Kupp.
