It was an absolute shutdown and domination at AT&T Stadium after the New York Giants arrived there to get their offense going. It didn’t work out after their depleting offense continued to lag and Dallas continued to dominate on defense. This wasn’t the last of it, Dallas offense got going after their heartbreaking loss in Philadelphia. The Cowboys finished the game with a total of 526 yards which is the largest differential since 1962 against the Giants.
Many wideouts got in the mix to find a way into the endzone. One of those wideouts, CeeDee Lamb, is the first player to record 600 receiving yards in a four-game stretch. However, there is one receiver who is on pace for redemption this season. Brandin Cooks has been on a relatively slow start, but that all changed against New York.
Cooks walked in the season with the expectation that he could be the No. 2 receiver next to Lamb. This didn’t pan out since Cooks only had 17 catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns. This changed for the better as he capped off with 9 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown. Despite his lack of production, he could come be set to be riding hot into the playoffs.
The Cowboys have gone to lengths to utilize their playmakers every season like they are doing now. Cooks and Michael Gallup are finally stepping up their game. However, Gallup is still a trade favorite after the season while Cooks may remain on the team.
BRANDIN COOKS IS BEING USED
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— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) November 12, 2023
This Wide Receiver Is Redeeming Himself for the Dallas Cowboys
Patience Is A Virtue
It may have been because of being overshadowed by Lamb or other big play threats, but it was a matter of Dallas playing their cards right. Also, Cooks did miss Week 2 against the Jets which could be an injury issue. Dallas may still have play-calling issues, especially with the new offense established by Mike McCarthy.
Despite that, Cooks was bound to bounce back from his lack of production. He didn’t let that get to him after his unbelievable performance against the Giants.
Cooks reflected a little bit about his lack of production, “I’m not going down that path. Early on in my career, I went down that path, and it’s not good for you mentally or the guys that are around you. When I say I trust it, I trust Coach (Mike McCarthy), I trust Dak (Prescott), and I trust the offense. It’s gonna come, and when it comes, you’ll know.”
He indeed has trusted the process and now it’s finally paying off for the 10-year veteran. Only time can tell what will come next, but it should excite Dallas fans.
The New Wide Receiver Tandem
The obliterating win over the Giants isn’t even the best part to happen for the Dallas Cowboys. After Lamb has been getting the most touches, Dallas might have their new tandem this season. Imagine Dallas fans, having Cooks, Gallup, Lamb, and now Martavis Bryant on your team. If all of these receivers can get the same amount of touches, then Dallas fans you may rejoice.
The Cowboys always thrive when they add more players to their team, even receivers at that. Let’s not forget about the Cowboys’ four horsemen that can do damage to the league’s defenses. However, Prescott is using guys like Jake Ferguson as an emergency target or sometimes in a play-action play.
If the Cowboys can resign their receivers and the production goes up, then the offense can be really good for a long time.
Expectations for Brandin Cooks
Cooks promised that he would be ready when he received a greater opportunity. He’s living up to that promise and can be the underrated play threat for Dallas. If Dallas can continue getting Cooks in the slot, then it can pay off heavily. Remember when former New England Quarterback, Tom Brady, got Julian Edelman in the mix as a slot?
This is the same use that Dallas should do with Prescott to connect the dots to Cooks. Cooks did play with the Patriots at one point so maybe he can provide that same sauce he had in New England. Either way, it’s still expected that Prescott can get Cooks in the deep route. However, it’s all imagery and all the Cowboys can do is paint that into reality.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
