Is The Los Angeles Rams Offense Better Without Cooper Kupp?

Cooper Kupp has long been the Los Angeles Rams offensive centerpiece, but when forced to adapt, Sean McVay’s system has often evolved in surprising ways.

In their last 10 games without Kupp, the Rams have a 4-6 record. In these matchups, the offense shifted from Kupp’s dominance to a more unpredictable, diversified attack.

Players like Robert Woods, Puka Nacua, and Tyler Higbee emerged as threats, showcasing McVay’s ability to tailor his schemes based on personnel.

With the Rams winning a thriller against the 49ers to start the season the question presents itself again. Let’s dive into the stats and decide if Cooper Kupp is a hindrance to McVay’s play-calling.

Is The Los Angeles Rams Offense Better Without Cooper Kupp?

Versatility And Unpredictability

Without Kupp, the Rams have been less reliant on one target, spreading the ball to multiple weapons.

In games like the 2018 thriller against the Chiefs (54-51) , Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks flourished, proving that the passing attack could generate explosive plays without its top star.

Similarly, in 2023, Puka Nacua’s 15-catch 147-yard performance against San Francisco demonstrated that younger players could step into significant roles, making the offense more difficult for opposing defenses to game-plan.

Whether it’s Stafford targeting his breakfast buddy a lot or McVay just designing the game plan that way, if Kupp is in the lineup you can bet on him getting 6+ targets (his career average).

Related: Sean McVay Gives Optimistic Timeline On Cooper Kupp’s Return

That’s not a bad thing for your star receiver and this isn’t a Kupp hate piece, but it’s interesting to look at the way others step up in his absence.

In six games without Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford, in particular, has averaged 21.7 completions on 34.8 attempts per game. He’s consistently moved the ball, putting up 268.2 passing yards per outing while averaging 1.0 touchdown and 1.0 interceptions per game.

Even without his go-to target, Stafford has kept the passing attack productive, though the increased pressure has been notable with an average of 2.2 sacks per game.

Elevation Of Other Playmakers

One of the most interesting aspects of Kupp’s absence has been the necessary elevation of lesser-known names.

Tutu Atwell and Ben Skowronek are prime examples, becoming key targets in clutch moments.

Atwell’s 77-yard, 1-TD outing in the Rams’ 2024 victory against the 49ers solidified his place as a reliable deep threat.

Meanwhile, Higbee’s increased role (has not played yet this season due to injury) in the passing game, especially as a red-zone target, has provided the Rams with a more well-rounded attack.

The Argument For A More Diverse Offense

The Rams’ offense without Kupp forces McVay to expand his play-calling, utilizing a wider range of weapons and formations.

The 2022 win against the Raiders (17-16) is a prime example: Ben Skowronek led the team in receiving, but McVay’s game plan allowed for multiple contributors across the board with Baker Mayfield at QB. The unpredictability, coupled with diverse route trees and personnel groupings, has often yielded impressive results perhaps even outmatching the hyper-focus on Kupp’s elite talent.

Also Read: Is There Hope For The Rams After The Bye?

When Kupp is active, it lends to McVay calling more plays for him leading to 10+ targets per game usually.

Tutu Atwell, in particular, has seen his most impressive performances when he’s been featured in the offense with Kupp out. Rams fans have written Atwell off as a bust, but it could just be a lack of opportunity for the young receiver.

While Cooper Kupp is undoubtedly one of the NFL’s top receivers, the Rams have shown they can adjust when he’s not available. The offense, in fact, often becomes more varied and less predictable without him.

As McVay continues to develop a wide range of talent, this offensive diversity could provide long-term benefits. The Rams might find themselves just as effective, if not more difficult to defend in the future, and Rams fans shouldn’t have to worry about life without Kupp.

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