Where’s Rams' Cooper Kupp Rank vs. Zone Defense?

Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp is exceptional against zone coverage … and is ready to prove it again.

Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp has firmly established himself as one of the top-tier players in his position within the NFL. His continued dominance in the 2022 season further attests to his exceptional abilities. 

Despite missing eight games last season due to an ankle injury, Kupp's performance remained outstanding, placing him fourth among receivers in terms of proficiency against zone coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.

In 2022, the trio of Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson and Davante Adams emerged as the top three wide receivers against zone coverage. However, Kupp proved his mettle by earning an impressive 87.7 PFF grade when encountering zone coverage during the 2022 season.

Surprisingly, this grade surpassed his outstanding performance during his triple-crown campaign in 2021, where he achieved an 87.2 rating.

Despite facing challenges such as inconsistent quarterback play, and an often-injured offensive line, Kupp accumulated 75 receptions, 812 yards, and six touchdowns in 2022. Kupp's performance indicated a tremendous pace throughout the season, projecting him to reach 142 catches, 1,534 yards, and 11 touchdowns if the trend continued.

Attempting to cover Kupp proves to be more challenging than mere words suggest, given his exceptional ability to exploit gaps in the defense. While he may not possess the athleticism of other receivers, Kupp's intuitive understanding of the game and unwavering consistency elevate him to the ranks of the NFL's elite players.

When opposing teams square off against the Rams, it's a common strategy to emphasize containing Kupp in the passing game. However, regardless of whether defenses opt for man-to-man or zone coverage, Kupp consistently manages to uncover himself and contribute significantly. His ability to find open spaces and remain productive makes him a constant threat that cannot be underestimated. Teams face an ongoing challenge when attempting to limit Kupp's impact on the field.

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