FRISCO, Texas – Amari Cooper is now a Dallas Cowboy wearing No. 19. Head Coach Jason Garrett has stressed they want to “ get him acclimated” during the bye week. They want him “ on the board, watching film, and on the practice field working with Dak Prescott, “ learning the “nuances” that are unique to this football team.
Cooper is at a disadvantage coming in halfway through the season, but he was able to transition well in the change from college ball at Alabama to the pros. His first two years in the league, he recorded 1,000 yard seasons and 11 touchdowns, earning him a spot in two pro bowls. He will have extra time to get acquainted with the Cowboys’ offensive scheme and Sanjay Lal’s coaching style before they face the Titans.
Cooper says, “ I am good at adapting to situations. I have been playing football all my life, I just have to be a good learner and I think I am that. I am already adjusting and picking up the system pretty well…I can bring playmaking ability and can stretch the defense. This is a fresh start and a good team. I am giving them something to build on. It is America’s Team, who wouldn’t be excited? “
This week Cooper has worked a lot with Dak Prescott on the practice field to gain familiarity with his new QB and has looked smooth and relaxed on a variety of routes. He has brought a new wave of excitement throughout the facility and it showed on the faces of his new teammates and in the smile of his new head coach, Jason Garrett.
Garrett remarked on his ability “ position we need to add some fire power. Feels like he fits into our kind of team and the cornerstone players we have…he is an explosive outside receiver that helps everybody. He can isolate coverage outside and has the ability of winning…he opens up running lanes when they are loading up the box. “
He will be a deep threat for the Cowboys and an outside target for Prescott. He can beat corners on man-to-man, making himself available to the quarterback. That is exactly what Dak needs. In the game against the Redskins, the o-line had a hard time battling Washington’s defensive front, giving Prescott limited time to access the field and find an open man. He had to rely on play action bootlegs to get something going offensively, and Cooper will be a nice additional talent at the line of scrimmage lined up wide and can help open up the running game as well. The two teammates are beginning to gain chemistry that will develop throughout added practices and time spent together.
Cooper described his first day with Prescott, “We got some reps in today and I really like the way he throws the ball. I knew of Dak for a long time. I played against him at Alabama, when he played for Mississippi State, Heisman candidate and all that. The talents aspect is there. “
