The victory came at the expense of Kupp’s former team, the Los Angeles Rams, who were part of the emotional backdrop to the game.
The Athletic’s Michael Silver reported that the Rams “discarded” Kupp last offseason and even encouraged him to retire. As Kupp approached free agency, Silver wrote, some Rams officials allegedly cautioned potential suitors against paying him more than the veteran minimum, citing age and injury concerns.
In the game, Kupp delivered when it mattered most, catching all four of his second-half targets. One catch produced the eventual game-winning 13-yard touchdown, and another helped convert a critical third down late in the fourth.
Silver’s report also noted that some potential suitors doubted signing Kupp due to whispers that allegedly originated with the Rams, whispers Kupp’s camp believed were aimed at dampening his market.
While not the player he once was, Kupp’s performance underscored his ongoing value to Seattle, and Silver argued that without his contributions, Seattle likely wouldn’t be heading to a Super Bowl showdown against New England.
This summary reflects reporting from Heavy Sports, which cited The Athletic’s Michael Silver on the topic of the Rams’ handling of Cooper Kupp and its impact on the NFC Championship outcome.
