Amari Cooper returned to being a dynamic weapon for quarterback Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders in the team’s 31-30 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.
During a four-game losing streak, Cooper was targeted 21 times but had just nine receptions to show for it. Whether it was issues with drops or Oakland not getting him involved enough, the former University of Alabama receiver did not look like himself prior to last night’s game.
Cooper made quick work to reintroduce himself as a dominant force in the National Football League, turning in his first 100-yard outing and multi-touchdown game of the year. Despite having some drops against the Chiefs, he brought in 11 passes for 210 receiving yards.
https://twitter.com/AlabamaDieHards/status/921228331130830848
The former first-round pick averaged 19.1 yards a catch, and was credited with hauling in both of Carr’s touchdown passes during the first half. Nine of Cooper’s 11 receptions went for either first downs or scores – 82 percent – including a long grab of 45 yards, which ended in a touchdown.
According to a graphic from NFL Network, Cooper’s 210 yards receiving were the most by a player in a single-game this season.
His ability to run crisp routes, establish a rhythm in catching passes, and rekindle the AC/DC vibe provided the Raiders with a much-needed victory in divisional play. With the win, Oakland improved to 3-4 and has a chance to right the ship in trying to make a push for a playoff berth.
TD! Former Alabama Current Raiders WR @AmariCooper9 pic.twitter.com/avqJw1ebfX
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) October 20, 2017
Regardless of his struggles, Cooper still leads the team receptions (29), targets (58) and receiving yards (356), while being tied for second in receptions over 20 yards with five. He and the Raiders will travel to face the Buffalo Bills next week at New Field Era at 12:00 p.m.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
