Rams WR Cooper Kupp confident he can reclaim triple crown form: 'That is who I believe myself to be'

When it comes to his approach to the game and his endless work ethic, Cooper Kupp remains unchanged.

Just ask Puka Nacua, who recently spun the tale of upchucking on Kupp’s lawn trying to keep up with the veteran wide receiver.

Despite a decline in Kupp’s health and productivity since his remarkable 2021 season, the 30-year-old wide receiver firmly believes he can regain his top form from not too long ago, one of the best in history.

“I don’t know if I would be still playing if I didn’t think that was still who I was,” Kupp said earlier this week, via the team website’s Stu Jackson. “That is who I believe myself to be. I’m counting on myself to get there for my teammates, that’s the player they’re counting on to be there on Sundays, and I believe the work that I do, how I prepare, all that stuff’s going to be there to be the productive player that I know that I am.”

In 2021, Kupp and then-new arrival Matthew Stafford‘s instant chemistry provided the Rams with a winning formula from the get-go. En route to a Super Bowl triumph, the Rams were buoyed by Kupp claiming the wide receiver triple crown — leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16).

However, after attaining Super Bowl glory, Kupp encountered setbacks due to injuries. He has been unable to surpass his impressive 2021 statistics in the combined seasons of 2022 and 2023 (134 receptions, 1,549 yards, and 11 TDs in 21 games).

Ankle and hamstring injuries, which have taken a long time to heal, are mainly to blame. Additionally, the rise of the previously mentioned Nacua, who made his own statistical history during his first season last year, has also been significant.

Optimism is high that a resurgence from Kupp, along with Nacua’s ongoing improvement, could form potentially the strongest receiving pair in the league. However, it’s only April.

Currently, Kupp is focusing on staying fit and enhancing the efficiency of his training, rather than overexerting himself after a challenging 2023 season. During this season, he showed glimpses of his previous form but struggled with consistent performance.

“Being efficient is highly important to me,” stated Kupp. “The more efficiently you perform, the more you save for the future. It’s crucial not to overdo things unnecessarily, allowing you to give more when it’s truly needed. That’s generally the principle I follow in this regard.”

Kupp will turn 31 on June 15, but his goal is to replicate his performance at 28 when he led the NFL in all significant receiving categories and helped the Rams win a Lombardi Trophy.

“He said, “I am eager to get out there this year and play some good football.”