SF 49ers vs. LA Rams: 3 ways Niners frustrate Jared Goff
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: SF 49ers can’t give Cooper Kupp an open release
San Francisco did an excellent job limiting Rams slot receiver Cooper Kupp, Jared Goff’s favorite target, back in Week 6. In the game, Kupp was targeted nine times but hauled in a mere three receptions for just 11 yards.
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Putting it bluntly, Kupp was a non-factor.
One of the reasons why is the SF 49ers defense frustrated Kupp right at the line of scrimmage, jamming him and cutting down on the number of opportunities he’d be able to get a clean release with his first step.
At 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, however, regularly jamming Kupp at the line of scrimmage has to be done carefully, as his size is a mismatch for many of the smaller Niners defensive backs.
A potential solution would be to place reserve defensive back Tarvarius Moore, whose 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame matches up well against Kupp. Moore’s speed is also more than adequate to match Kupp stride for stride, cutting down the number of opportunities Goff will have to find his target in the open.
If not, Kupp could have himself another one of those 100-yard games where he’s a prime factor behind a Rams win over San Francisco.
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The SF 49ers and LA Rams kick off on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 4:05 p.m. ET from SoFI Stadium.