In just two years, Amari Cooper already has a pair 1,000-yard seasons and two Pro Bowls appearances under his belt. His Oakland Raiders are looking to add a Super Bowl ring to that list of achievements heading into their 2017 season surrounded by high expectations.
The Raiders took the field on Saturday night for a preseason week two matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. In less than a half of play, Cooper snagged three balls for 46 yards. One play in particular, however, rocked the internet and sent social media ablaze. On 3rd-and-10 from their own 40 yard-line, Derek Carr rocketed an ill-advised pass 30 yards down field towards triple coverage. Generally, this results in an easy interception for the defense, or a deflection at least. Not if Amari Cooper could help it.
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Leaping up and falling backwards, Cooper was able to high point the football, grab it with his outstretched hands, and corral it into his stomach all before hitting the ground.
With such high expectations from fans this year, Oakland will probably need Cooper to make more of these hyper-athletic plays. The addition of Marshawn ‘Beast Mode’ Lynch to the Black and Silver will make the Raiders one of the most exciting teams to watch on Sundays. Fortunately for head coach Jack Del Rio, Amari Cooper has already proven the ability to step up on big stages. Both in college and in the NFL.
Jake Weaver is a lead writer for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060 or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
