Even in a down year, Cooper Kupp was among NFL's best at getting open in 2023
Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) runs past Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) after a catch during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Cooper Kupp did not look like the premier receiver that he was in 2021. He finished with just 737 yards on 59 catches in 12 games, which were both fewer than he had in only nine games the year prior.
The underwhelming numbers weren’t necessarily his fault, however. He missed the first four games of the season due to a hamstring injury that bothered him for weeks leading up to Week 1, and as the season went on, it became clear that he wasn’t fully healthy.
Despite the injuries that slowed him and caused a drop in production, Kupp remained one of the best receivers in the NFL when it came to getting open. According to Pro Football Focus, 87% of Kupp’s targets last season came when he was open. That was the sixth-highest rate of any wideout in the league, showing that he was still creating separation fairly consistently.
Kupp will be competing with Puka Nacua for targets again this season as the top two receivers on the Rams. With both players healthy, the offense is in great shape and Matthew Stafford shouldn’t have much trouble finding open receivers.
Nacua should only continue to get better and if Kupp can recapture even a little bit of his 2021 magic, the Rams are going to be a dangerous passing attack.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Even in a down year, Cooper Kupp was among NFL's best at getting open in 2023