All it took was a change of scenery.
Amari Cooper has been one of the hottest wide receivers in the National Football League in the last few weeks and Dallas Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones feels special.
After giving up a first-round pick to acquire the former University of Alabama star, Cooper has the Cowboys on a five-game winning streak – following its 29-23 overtime win over Philadelphia on Sunday at home.
RELATED: Amari Cooper has Dallas Cowboys in driver’s seat to win NFC East
Behind Cooper, Dak Prescott threw for a season-high 455 passing yards and completed 77.8 percent (42 of 54 passing) of his throws. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound wide out caught two of his three touchdowns passes, while recording his first 200-yard game as a Cowboy.
Cooper posted 217 yards on 10 catches (21.7 yards a catch) and nine of his receptions went for either first downs or touchdowns. All three of his scores came in pivotal situations, as he each one gave Dallas a lead in the game. Despite his longest play going for 75 yards, Cooper’s 15-yard touchdown reception in overtime handed the Cowboys a victory at AT&T Stadium.
COOOOOPPPPP X TWO! #ProBowlVote | @AmariCooper9#ProBowlVote | @AmariCooper9#ProBowlVote | @AmariCooper9#ProBowlVote | @AmariCooper9#ProBowlVote | @AmariCooper9 pic.twitter.com/UFAmNmitXM
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 10, 2018
Since getting the former All-American and BCS national champion, Dallas has owned the NFC East as it stands atop the division at 8-5. With its sixth win at home, the Cowboys have a firm hold on a playoff spot and should enter the postseason with the fourth overall seed.
As for Cooper, he has returned to putting together Pro Bowl-type numbers.
Through six games, he has 40 catches for 642 yards and six touchdowns. He and the Cowboys will travel to Lucas Oil Stadium next week to face Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.
RT to celebrate the #DallasCowboys get the HUGE WIN! @amaricooper9 for the OT TD? pic.twitter.com/NCk5tXeMxr
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 10, 2018
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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 @CoachingMSmith.