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About the Author: J.C. Allen

Avatar Of J.c. Allen
J.C. Allen is one of PewterReport.com’s newest beat writers. As a New England transplant, he has closely followed Tom Brady’s entire career and first fell in love with the game during the Patriots 1996 Super Bowl run. J.C. is in his second year covering the team after spending a year with Bucs Report as a writer, producer and show host. Some of his other interests include barbecuing, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite Buccaneer of all time is Simeon Rice and believes he deserves a spot in Canton. Follow J.C. Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

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The Bucs will face a tough challenge when the Rams come to Tampa Bay on Sunday. Stopping All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp will be the top mission for the Bucs’ defense in the NFC Divisional playoffs. The fifth-year pro has been a real thorn in the defense’s side over their last three match-ups, posting ridiculous numbers. In fact, in his three contests against the Bucs, Kupp has amassed 29 receptions for 362 yards and three touchdowns.

With a league-leading 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, the Bucs defense and head coach Bruce Arians has certainly taken notice of Cooper’s skill set and production.

“He’s one of the best,” Arians said. “I think he and Chris Godwin, to me, are the best all-around receivers in the league because they block, they do everything – inside, outside. They’re very comparable, and you know how I think about Chris. Cooper, he’s a challenge. You can’t double team him all day, that’s for sure – they have too many other weapons. You just have to own up your guy and fight him. He’s a hard tackle just like Chris is.”

Unfortunately Godwin will not be available for this match-up, suffering an ACL tear in Week 15 against the Saints. In his own right, Godwin has been just as much a problem for the Rams defense. The fifth-year wideout has 25 catches for 299 yards and three touchdowns versus Los Angeles, in addition to a rushing score. Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans agrees with Arians’ assessment.

“That’s actually a really good comparison,” Evans said. “They’re similar body types, as well. I didn’t know Kupp was that big – he’s got some good size to him. He can run all the routes, very crafty. He’s faster than he looks, great body quickness, great hands, contested catch. He’s a complete receiver. That’s the reason why he got the triple crown this year.”

The Bucs will need a strong gameplan to account for the Kupp. Tampa Bay could look to what the Arizona Cardinals did in the Wild Card game, bracketing the talented wide receiver and holding him to five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. The Bucs will certainly need to limit Kupp if they are going to have a chance to advance to the NFC Championship.

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