Things just instantly clicked between Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford when the veteran signal-caller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. With Stafford being a full-go in training camp, Kupp said that it feels like it did a couple of years ago when speaking about his connection with Stafford.
“Yeah, that’s been kind of the weird but really cool thing,” Kupp said. “It’s kind of felt like that from the first time he was here in ‘21, you know? It was just like that OTAs was just kind of like it clicked and we came out after OTAs we were able to throw together a little bit in July and it just felt like first time back was like time was just right there. I’m glad you guys see that. I’m glad that that’s coming through, but man, it’s just been something that seems like it’s just kind of very natural and it’s happened and certainly, we don’t take for granted that there’s work that’s involved in that as well. Lots of reps and time as you tone that in as well, but, yeah it is nice having that where you come back, you feel like you can just pick up where you left off.”
Back in 2021, Stafford and Kupp spent a ton of time together — even eating breakfast together — to develop a special chemistry on and off of the field. En route to a Super Bowl victory and Super Bowl MVP, Kupp put together a special season where he led the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16)in his first year with Stafford.
Last season was a different story as both Stafford and Kupp missed time due to injuries. Even with missing eight games, Kupp still managed to haul in 75 passes for 812 yards and six touchdowns in 2022.
As both players return from injuries a season ago, they’ve had more time this offseason to strengthen their already-strong rapport. Assuming that Stafford and Kupp can remain healthy, we may see another special season from the All-Pro wideout in 2023.