Amari Cooper, a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, had a spectacular debut a few days after traveling three hours down I-90 to join his new team, capping off an eventful week.
Cooper joined the Bills on a short week after being traded from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday. He made four receptions for 66 yards and a score in the team’s 34-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
The solid veteran gave a brief statement regarding the busy week following the game.
Cooper remarked, “Just another day at the office.”
Amari Cooper’s Rapid Learning
Cooper had only four days to become familiar with the team’s offense, even though he drove from Cleveland to Buffalo soon after the trade was finalized. Cooper had a rocky start to the day on Sunday, losing his first ball, but he soon got comfortable and established himself as one of the team’s top targets. Just over ten minutes into the third quarter, he made his first grab, a 12-yard touchdown that gave the Bills their first lead of the game.
Watch Amari Cooper’s first catch AND first score as a Buffalo Bill! Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills @BuffaloBills ·
Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Bills, gave him high marks for professionalism by launching into the offense after only a few days on the squad.
After seven years in the league, Allen stated, “I think they don’t need a lot, just like understanding guys of [Cooper’s] caliber.” They let him play outside and give him space to think. He spent a few times out there doing precisely that—finding windows and zones. That slant was a great catch for him. However, once more, if I trust him and his expertise and competence, everything will work out quite nicely.
Cooper’s efforts this week to become familiar with the offense and prepare for Sunday’s game were also noted by Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
“Having [Cooper] here is beneficial. Coach Sean McDermott remarked, “He really made an impact in just four teachable, learnable days.” “And it was amazing to come out here on day five and perform like he did.”
Buffalo Offers Plenty of Opportunities
After losing Gabe Davis in free agency and dealing Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, the Bills entered the season without a clear number one wide receiver. Despite the team’s “everybody eats” strategy of distributing the ball among a good number of receivers, the pass-catchers occasionally had trouble.
Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler who finished the previous season with 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five scores, might be the Bills’ new number one pick. Cooper’s impressive start is only a taste of what he could provide to the team’s offensive attack, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic.
Buscaglia noted, “Even with a small sample, the Bills clearly knew they needed someone like Cooper, and it led to immediate dividends.” Cooper’s four receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown were just a taste of his full range of abilities. He demonstrated his skill against zone by sitting in a clear space that Allen could find. He then ran a slant route against man coverage, which led to a fantastic off-body catch for a first down.
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