Sean McVay's Masterstroke: Uncovering Cooper Kupp's Hidden Strengths

The Los Angeles Rams have been on the cusp of greatness in recent years, and Sean McVay's coaching genius has been a major contributor to their success. One player who has benefited greatly from McVay's tutelage is wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a fourth-round draft pick who has blossomed into one of the most exciting players in the NFL. In this article, we'll delve into the story of how McVay uncovered Kupp's hidden strengths and transformed him into a star quarterback.

Kupp's journey to stardom began in high school, where he played quarterback and wide receiver. However, it was clear that his true calling was as a receiver. McVay, who was then the head coach of the Washington Redskins, saw something special in Kupp and took notice of his impressive athleticism and hands. Despite being a small-school player from Eastern Washington, Kupp was drafted 69th overall by the Rams in the 2017 NFL Draft.

McVay's Innovative Approach

McVay is known for his innovative approach to the game, and his work with Kupp is no exception. The coach recognized that Kupp's strengths lay not in his speed or size, but in his ability to create separation and make plays after the catch. To exploit these strengths, McVay and his staff developed a custom playbook that emphasized quick slants and shallow crossers, allowing Kupp to use his quickness and agility to get open.

Key Components of Kupp's Success

So what made Kupp's success so remarkable? Here are some key components that contributed to his breakout season:

• Quick Slants: Kupp's favorite route was the quick slant, a short, horizontal route that allowed him to quickly separate from defenders and get to the first down marker.
• Shallow Crossers: McVay also emphasized the use of shallow crossers, which allowed Kupp to use his quickness and agility to get open and make plays down the field.
• Play-Action Passing: The Rams' play-action passing game was a key component of Kupp's success, as it allowed him to use his speed and agility to get open and make big plays.
• Reads and Adjustments: McVay's staff also placed a strong emphasis on reads and adjustments, allowing Kupp to make plays on the fly and exploit defensive weaknesses.

McVay's Coaching Philosophy

McVay's coaching philosophy is centered around creating a fast-paced, high-scoring offense that emphasizes quick passes and big plays. To achieve this, he emphasizes the importance of creativity and adaptability, often using unconventional routes and play calls to keep defenses guessing.

Unconventional Routes and Play Calls

One of the key components of McVay's offense is the use of unconventional routes and play calls. Here are a few examples:

• Dig Routes: The Rams often use dig routes, which involve a receiver running a sharp, vertical route to the sideline. This route is often used to get open and make big plays.
• Out Routes: McVay also emphasizes the use of out routes, which involve a receiver running a shallow, horizontal route to the outside. This route is often used to get open and make plays down the field.
• Flood Concepts: The Rams' flood concepts involve spreading the defense out and using multiple receivers to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses.

Kupp's Impact on the Rams

Kupp's success has had a significant impact on the Rams' offense, which has become one of the most exciting and dynamic in the NFL. Here are a few ways in which Kupp's success has impacted the team:

• Increased Scoring: Kupp's ability to make big plays has increased the Rams' scoring average, making them one of the top-scoring teams in the league.
• Improved Play-Action Passing: Kupp's success on play-action passing has improved the Rams' passing game, allowing them to move the ball more effectively down the field.
• Enhanced Team Chemistry: Kupp's success has also enhanced team chemistry, as his ability to make big plays has inspired his teammates and created a sense of excitement and energy in the locker room.

Conclusion

Cooper Kupp's success is a testament to the power of innovative coaching and a willingness to adapt and evolve. McVay's coaching philosophy has allowed Kupp to reach his full potential, and the Rams' offense has become one of the most exciting and dynamic in the NFL. As the NFL season continues, it will be interesting to see how Kupp and the Rams continue to evolve and improve, and how their innovative approach to the game will impact the rest of the league.