Oakland Raiders vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Week One Gamers and Goats
By Kevin Saito
Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Amari Cooper : Gamer
The standout rookie looked like anything but a rookie in his first meaningful NFL action. He is certainly showing the world why the Raiders made him the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft.
Perhaps the play that best epitomizes his value to this team was a play late in the first quarter. Cooper took a short pass from Derek Carr and with a smooth and steady stride, was able to juke about half of Cincinnati’s defense en route to a 26 yard gain. It was an impressive catch and run and shows just how dynamic he is as a receiver.
For the game, Cooper hauled in five balls for 47 yards. Statistically speaking, it wasn’t an overwhelming, eye popping performance. What he did show though, is that he can and will be a very reliable, very dynamic receiver for this Oakland offense.
He also showed that maturity so many have remarked about on a play involving noted cheap shot artist and dirty player Adam Jones. At the conclusion of a pass play, Jones got Cooper on the ground, ripped off his helmet, and slammed the rookie’s head into it. Rather than lose his mind and retaliate, Cooper calmly got up, grabbed his helmet, and got ready for the next play.
That is the type of maturity you want to see from your players. Despite taking a cheap shot, he didn’t do anything to hurt the team.
The Raiders offense is going to get on track and become the dynamic unit they have the potential to be. And Amari Cooper is going to be a huge part of that.