Is Cooper Kupp a Starter? Unraveling the Debate
Hello, football fans! Today, we're diving into a hot topic that's been swirling around the NFL: Is Cooper Kupp a starter? We'll explore his impressive career so far, his role in the Rams' offense, and why this debate is even a thing. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's tackle this question together! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and is cooper kupp a starter.
The Rise of Cooper Kupp
Before we dive into the starter debate, let's take a quick look at Cooper Kupp's journey to stardom. Drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Kupp has been nothing short of a revelation for the Los Angeles Rams.
- Rookie Year: Kupp burst onto the scene in his rookie year, catching 62 passes for 869 yards and five touchdowns. Not bad for a third-round pick! - Breakout Year: In 2019, Kupp took his game to the next level. He caught 94 passes for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. - Super Bowl LVI Champion: In the 2021 season, Kupp had an out-of-this-world campaign, catching 145 passes for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was crowned Super Bowl LVI MVP after hauling in two touchdowns in the Rams' victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Kupp's Role in the Rams' Offense
Now that we've established Kupp's credentials, let's talk about his role in the Rams' offense. Head coach Sean McVay has built his system around Kupp's unique skill set.
- Slot Machine: Kupp spends a significant portion of his time in the slot, where he uses his elite route-running ability and football IQ to create separation from defenders. - Chain Mover: Kupp is the Rams' go-to guy on third down. His ability to get open quickly and make tough catches keeps drives alive. - Red Zone Threat: With his strong hands and willingness to fight for the ball, Kupp is a constant threat in the red zone. He's become one of the league's most reliable touchdown scorers.
The Starter Debate: Why It's a Thing
Now, you might be wondering, why is there even a debate about whether Cooper Kupp is a starter? After all, he's been a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro, not to mention the Super Bowl MVP. Well, let's examine both sides of the argument.
Yes, Kupp is a Starter
Those who argue that Kupp is a starter point to his consistent production, his importance to the Rams' offense, and the fact that he's been a full-time starter for the past three seasons.
- Consistent Production: Kupp has averaged over 90 catches, 1,200 yards, and nine touchdowns per season over the past three years. Those are starter numbers if there ever were any. - Offensive Pillar: Kupp is one of the few players McVay can rely on week in and week out. His ability to move the chains and score touchdowns is invaluable. - Three-Year Starter: Since 2019, Kupp has been a full-time starter. He's played in at least 90% of the Rams' offensive snaps in each of those seasons.
No, Kupp is Not a Starter
On the other hand, some argue that Kupp's role in the offense and his contract don't align with the typical profile of a starter at his position.
- Role in the Offense: While Kupp is undoubtedly a key cog in the Rams' offense, he's not the team's top wide receiver in terms of snaps. That honor goes to Robert Woods (until his 2021 season-ending injury). Kupp is more of a chain-moving, possession receiver, while Woods is the deep threat. - Contract: Kupp is currently on a three-year, $48 million extension he signed in 2018. While that's a nice chunk of change, it's not quite in line with the top wide receivers in the league. For instance, Julio Jones signed a three-year, $66 million deal in 2019, and Mike Evans inked a five-year, $82.5 million extension in 2020.
The Bottom Line
So, is Cooper Kupp a starter? In our humble opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. While his role in the offense might not be that of a traditional top wide receiver, his production, importance to the Rams, and consistent play make him a starter through and through.
Kupp's contract is certainly an interesting wrinkle in this debate, but at the end of the day, it's just that – a wrinkle. The Rams have shown time and time again that they're willing to pay top dollar for players who contribute to winning, and Kupp has done just that.
What's Next for Kupp and the Rams?
As we look ahead to the 2022 season, all eyes will be on Kupp and the Rams. With Woods likely out for the year, Kupp will have an even bigger role in the offense. Can he build on his incredible 2021 campaign and cement his status as one of the NFL's premier wide receivers?
Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – Cooper Kupp is a starter, and he's not going anywhere anytime soon. So, buckle up, football fans. It's going to be an exciting ride!