After a slow first half of the season, Brandin Cooks fully displayed his talents in the Dallas Cowboys‘ 49-17 win against the New York Giants.
Cowboys Offensive Scheme Getting Brandin Cooks More Involved
After Week 9, Cooks had 17 receptions for 165 yards. Against the Giants, he had 173 receiving yards and one touchdown on nine receptions, showing how much more he has been capable of doing.
Earlier in the week and after the Cowboys’ loss to the Eagles, head coach Mike McCarthy was asked why Cooks wasn’t getting the ball more, to which he responded that Cooks was part of the production from the offense.
“I don’t play fantasy football,” McCarthy said. “We have game plans, and I think it’s important, and this is a challenge for guys because our system is built on making the quarterback successful. That’s the way this passing game is taught. It’s the way I’ve learned it. It’s the way it has always been the last 30 years.”
But this week, the head coach and play-caller delivered and schemed up more quarterback looks from Dak Prescott to Cooks.
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“His opportunities came together – I think the protection was part of it – and we’re getting to where we need to be. We still have work to do there. Going off last week, we definitely took a step this week,” said McCarthy.
Cooks Taking Full Advantage of Opportunities
Cooks discussed his production, saying he has continued to trust the process and took advantage of his opportunities throughout the game.
One such instance came on his third touchdown with the Cowboys, in the form of what he called a “trust throw” from Prescott.
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“Dak trusted in me and me going up there and making a play for him. That’s all that is,” said Cooks.
The 30-year-old described a game like this as a blessing, adding that although it has been a difficult couple of years, he has leaned on his faith, family, and work ethic.
But he knows the work continues for the offense. He said the team racking up 472 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns makes the statement that the Cowboys offense can handle games they’re supposed to win.
“At the end of the day, we just want to continue to show up and turn some of those losses we had into wins in those types of games,” said Cooks.
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