Cooper Kupp entered the playoffs with a buzz that wasn’t just about football. He was back after a season marked by injuries. His braided hairdo had NFL fans hyped for a show. Social media erupted with predictions of jaw-dropping numbers. The conditions were perfect. But Kupp found himself almost completely invisible on the field instead. And fans found themselves in a conundrum. What could have happened?

“Braided Coop might eclipse 2021 Coop,” one fan proclaimed before the match. But the hype didn’t translate into stats. Kupp managed just one catch for 29 yards in the Rams’ dominant 27-9 win against the Vikings. Fans were quick to question quarterback Matthew Stafford’s choices on the field. Kupp is a former Super Bowl MVP. Why wasn’t he a bigger part of the game plan?

Stafford threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns. But he repeatedly overlooked Kupp. Stafford targeted him just once. Yes, just once. Despite Kupp’s knack for game-changing plays. And Kupp scrambled for almost thirty yards on the occasion he did. This sparked a heated debate about Stafford’s decision-making.

Interestingly, Stafford did find success elsewhere. He tossed his two TDs with one each to Kyren Williams and backup tight end Davis Allen. Kupp’s silence was a glaring oddity while the Rams had little trouble dismantling the Vikings. Stafford’s reliance on other receivers like rookie Puka Nacua and Allen only raised further questions about Kupp’s place in the offense moving forward. The frustration from fans was palpable as Kupp was sidelined in the big moments.

The Rams started strong, and they ended stronger. A 27-9 blowout win should have brought confidence to the team. But Kupp’s minimal involvement stood out. And it left fans and analysts questioning the team’s strategy. Could this oversight haunt the Rams in upcoming games?

Fan Reactions add fuel to the fire

Social media buzzed with reactions. Some humorous and others scathing. Jimmy’s Sport Picks posted, “There’s definitely something sinister going on with Stafford & Kupp. You can’t convince me otherwise. Unreal.” Another couldn’t fathom how Kupp was not being targeted at all. “Insane that Cooper Kupp was the best receiver in the world 3 years ago and now can’t even get a target in a playoff game,” they wrote.

Humor gradually turned to criticism. “I’ll pay top dollar for someone to find out what Cooper Kupp do to Matt Stafford….went from 10 targets a game to not even getting looked at,” a user commented. Many pointed to Kupp’s 2021 heroics. Kupp led the Rams to a Super Bowl win with a legendary postseason performance that year. Others highlighted Stafford’s overreliance on alternative targets.

“The Cooper Kupp fall-off needs to be investigated. Makes ZERO sense. What did he do to make Stafford not look his way anymore? Is Kupp dealing with an undisclosed injury?” A frustrated fan asked. Kupp’s quiet game seemed like a missed opportunity for the Rams to solidify their offensive dominance. The Rams now face the Eagles in the Divisional Round. But will Stafford adjust and utilize Kupp more effectively?

Kupp’s limited involvement in the Wild Card round highlights a critical issue. The Rams have the talent to compete but need their stars fully engaged. Fans are watching closely. And they are hoping Stafford and Kupp find their rhythm in the playoffs. If they don’t, this storyline could define the Rams’ postseason journey.