When Brandin Cooks got traded to the Rams, some speculated that his production would decrease because the team has so many options on offense.
What to Expect From Brandin Cooks
Cooks has surpassed all expectations and is performing very well. He could play a significant role in a Rams run to the Super Bowl this year. So far in 2018, Cooks has caught 41 passes for 757 yards and three touchdowns, making him the team’s leading receiver in terms of yards. He also leads the team in average targeted air yards with 14.8. In every game where he’s been healthy, he’s gotten more than 50 yards.
If Cooks continues at this pace, he’ll catch 70 passes for 1,286 yards and four touchdowns. That would be a career high for him in yards.
The former Oregon State Beaver has also surprised fans with his versatility. On his previous teams, he was primarily known as a deep-ball receiver because of his speed. While he’s performed well as a deep threat for the Rams, he’s also been able to show his route running ability in the short game. Cooks, 25, has helped open up the passing game for other Rams receivers, like Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, and running back Todd Gurley.
“I don’t think there’s any way that you’re limited in how you can utilize Brandin,” said Rams coach Sean McVay.
A Strong Start
Although Cooks’ role was more limited on his former teams, he performed well, racking up more than 1,000 receiving yards in three out of his first four NFL seasons.
Cooks joined the NFL in 2014 when the Saints selected him with the 20th draft pick. He played in New Orleans for three seasons before being acquired by the New England Patriots, who gave up a first-round pick for him ahead of the 2017 season. Working with Tom Brady, Cooks caught 65 passes and scored seven touchdowns, helping the Pats make it to the Super Bowl.
In March, the Patriots traded him to the Rams, who immediately signed him to a five-year extension, worth as much as $81 million.
Recent and Upcoming Games
Last week, Cooks got to show the Saints what they traded away. Although the game was the Rams’ first loss of the year, Cooks performed well, leading the team in catches and receiving yards. He caught six of eight targets for 114 yards, including one 48-yard pass early in the game, and a touchdown on the following play.
Cooks is looking to make a similar impact against the Seahawks. When the Seahawks faced the Rams in Week Five, L.A. squeaked out a win 33-31. Both Cooks and Kupp suffered concussions in the first half. For this game, Cooks and Kupp are healthy and ready to take on Seattle’s sixth-ranked defense. Hopes are high for the Rams offense, especially Cooks.
Best Season Yet?
Cooks has always been a reliable player, consistently getting more than 1,000 yards receiving, but he’s on track to surpass even that.
If Cooks continues at this pace, he’ll catch 70 passes for 1,286 yards and four touchdowns. That would be a career high for him in yards.
Only one wide receiver on the Rams has recorded more than 1,000 yards since 2008, and the team hasn’t had a Pro Bowl wide receiver since Torry Holt in 2007. It looks like Cooks will break the 1,000-yard mark and could potentially even be Pro Bowl-caliber. Although the Rams will no longer have a perfect season after their loss to the Saints, they still have their eye on the Super Bowl.
While it remains to be seen exactly how Cooks’ stats will stack up, he’s proven that he has the skill and versatility to make a big impact for the Rams. This may turn out to be his best season yet.