3 Bold Predictions: Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams – Wild Card
By Sion Fawkes
Cardinals shut down Cooper Kupp
In Week 17, the Cardinals did a decent job shutting down the Dallas Cowboys’ top receiving targets plus tight-end Dalton Schultz. They face a similar situation against the Rams, with Cooper Kupp leading the pass-catching unit.
How good was Kupp? He had a 75% catch rate and an astounding 145 receptions, coming just four catches short of tying Michael Thomas’ 149-catch season in 2019. However, the Cardinals are in a good position to key in on Kupp, as receivers Odell Beckham and Van Jefferson are not as productive as most think.
Both Beckham and Jefferson posted a catch percentage of just 56%. And Beckham especially has not been effective, posting just 38.1 receiving yards per game since joining the Rams. In 2021, he actually posted 0.6 more yards per game during his tumultuous time in Cleveland this season, and recorded a career-low yards-per-target at 6.4.
Tyler Higbee is the Rams’ second-best pass catcher and could become an issue. But as far as receiver is concerned, the Cardinals are in a prime position to make life tough for Kupp. Even with depleted corners.