When the Cowboys first acquired Brandin Cooks in a March trade with the Texans, the Dallas fanbase was electric with excitement. They finally had their deep threat, their true complementary option next to CeeDee Lamb, their veteran presence, and field stretcher. Despite the instant chemistry and constant praises from training camp, things have not started off as expected for the Cowboys and Cooks in 2023.
Entering Week 5, Cooks has just 66 receiving yards to his name. To put it into perspective, he had more yards in the first game of his rookie year (77 yards) than he has right now. It’s undeniably the lowest total he’s carried into the fifth week of an NFL season, signaling that the Cowboys may have overestimated the 30-year-old’s impact in this offense. However, it’s important to dissect this situation and understand why optimism should still prevail among Cowboys fans.
The Absence Factor
One of the reasons for Cooks’ underwhelming numbers can be attributed to his absence in Week 2. Missing a game can significantly impact a player’s season statistics, especially when the sample size is limited. In a league as competitive as the NFL, every game counts, and Cooks being sidelined for one week undoubtedly had an impact on his overall performance.
However, even when we take into account the missed game, Cooks’ per-game numbers are still off pace. In the three games he’s played, he’s averaged just 2.7 receptions per game, which puts him on pace for a little over 43 receptions for 352 yards this season—both of which would be career lows for the talented receiver. So, what’s going on with Brandin Cooks in Dallas?
Adjusting to a New Team
One could point to the expected growing pains of playing on a new team. Joining a new organization means acclimating to a different offensive system, quarterback, and coaching staff. It’s not unusual for players to take some time to find their groove when they’re thrust into a new environment.
In Cooks’ case, he’s transitioning from the Houston Texans to the Dallas Cowboys, which involves adapting to a new quarterback in Dak Prescott and understanding the nuances of the Cowboys’ offensive playbook. These adjustments can be challenging and often require time and patience. Remember, chemistry and cohesion don’t develop overnight.
It’s also worth noting that the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. A slow start doesn’t necessarily dictate how a player’s season will unfold. Many great receivers have had slow starts and gone on to have remarkable seasons. Cooks has shown his ability to be a dynamic playmaker in the past, and there’s no reason to believe he can’t regain his form as the season progresses.
The Silver Lining
Despite the slow start, there is a silver lining to be found when examining Brandin Cooks’ presence in the Cowboys’ offense. While his yardage and reception numbers may not be eye-popping at the moment, his impact extends beyond statistics.
Cooks provides a valuable veteran presence in the wide receiver room. His experience and knowledge of the game can be invaluable for younger players like CeeDee Lamb and others on the roster. He’s a player who understands the nuances of route running, positioning, and the mental aspects of the game. This mentorship role can’t be quantified by statistics but can contribute to the overall growth of the Cowboys’ receiving corps.
Additionally, Cooks remains a threat on the field, even if his numbers don’t reflect it yet. His speed and ability to stretch the defense open up opportunities for his teammates. Defenses must respect his deep-threat capabilities, which can create space for other receivers and running backs.
So, while the initial excitement surrounding Brandin Cooks’ arrival in Dallas has been tempered by a slow start to the 2023 season, there are reasons for Cowboys fans to remain optimistic about his future with the team. The absence factor, the adjustment period to a new team, and his intangible contributions all suggest that Cooks can bounce back and make a significant impact as the season progresses.
It’s important not to judge a player’s entire season based on a small sample size. Cooks’ track record and talent are evidence that he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Cowboys. As he continues to build chemistry with Dak Prescott and grow accustomed to the Cowboys’ system, we may witness a resurgence of the explosive plays that have defined his career.
So, let’s not write off Brandin Cooks just yet. Instead, let’s watch his journey unfold with hope and optimism, because when it comes to this talented receiver, the best may still be yet to come for the Dallas Cowboys.
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