FRISCO, Texas – Stellar route running is a phrase that has become synonymous with Cowboys’ receiver Amari Cooper. From his lethal release off the line to quickness in-and-out of breaks, Cooper keeps cornerbacks guessing. The Alabama product has an innate ability to create separation, a result that stems from a “perfectionist” nature.
“I’ve always been that way,” Cooper described to D210SPORTS.” It’s funny because I posted a route on the page last night and I was trying to get them to find the error in my route and a lot of people was like, they didn’t see one. I’m always trying to perfect the craft. Like I said before, if you ain’t getting better, you’re getting worse and it’s an eternal journey. I’m just trying to be as perfect as I can in my route running because I think that’s one of the things that separates my game.”
Cooper’s attention to detail and self-criticism on the nuance of every route, have molded him into one of the league’s top performers. He sits atop the hierarchy at the position but as every elite player knows, actions dictate rank. Cooper has the utmost belief and confidence in himself but acknowledges that talk must transform to success on the field. That is something he is still out to prove to the watching world. “There’s a difference between thinking you’re the best and actually going out there and proving it,” Cooper stated. “Do I think I’m the best? Yes. Have I proven it? I wouldn’t say I have.”
That is a transparent statement coming from the four-time pro bowl receiver. Cooper is a man of few words but when he does, the dialogue is cerebral. Throughout his three-plus years with the Cowboys since the trade, Cooper has lived up to the lofty expectations surrounding Dallas’ “No. 1” receiver status. Despite four different quarterbacks and a makeshift offensive line in 2020 during the pandemic, Cooper caught 92 passes for 1,114 yards.
He is a true student of the game. As he positions himself at the line of scrimmage, Cooper takes an approach much like a game of chess. He aims to checkmate the opponent’s king. In other words, outsmart the cornerback staring across from him. Make the defensive back believe he is doing one thing, when, he does another. A trait his teammates and many players across the league covet.
“He knows what he wants to do when he gets up there, but even if plans change, he’s so good at making something out of nothing,” Michael Gallup expressed to media. “But at the same time, him having a plan when he goes up to the line, he just knows in his head, determination, he’s going to win regardless. That’s definitely what he’s told us plenty of times. He’s going to win right off the line, even if he doesn’t get the ball… Amari is definitely one of the best route runners anybody has ever seen. He’s got all the tools, all of the abilities.”
There is no better stage set for Cooper than the season opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. The premier, highly-anticipated game will showcase some of the league’s most talented at their respective positions. Cooper is on a mission to prove he is the best and it begins Week 1.
