Ascending star returns and changes the complexion of what the Packers' defense can be
It's difficult to imagine a rookie player with limited snaps, just getting back from a hamstring injury, having much impact in a game. But that's just how special Edgerrin Cooper can be. On Sunday night, he didn't play that many snaps even after Quay Walker got hurt and left the game against the Seattle Seahawks. […]
It's difficult to imagine a rookie player with limited snaps, just getting back from a hamstring injury, having much impact in a game. But that's just how special Edgerrin Cooper can be.
On Sunday night, he didn't play that many snaps even after Quay Walker got hurt and left the game against the Seattle Seahawks. Eric Wilson was the primary option, and Isaiah McDuffie also had a significant number of plays. But when Cooper was on the field, you could feel it. The rookie second-round pick finished the game with seven tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception.
"It was great to have Cooper back," head coach Matt LaFleur said. "His stat line was pretty impressive. He made some big-time plays."
That's probably an understatement. LaFleur had said earlier in the week how much Cooper had the ability to impact the defense with his speed and athleticism. On Sunday, he made it obvious. Just by being on the field, Cooper changes the complexion of the unit, making it much more difficult for opposing offenses to throw over the middle.
"He's just a helluva player. (Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley) does a great job putting him in position to have success. It's been fun to watch and witness his growth," LaFleur added. "Coop is a hell of an athlete, man. He's a really good football player, I think he's just scratching the surface of what he could become in this league.
The limited snaps might be because Cooper was just returning, or because it's just how his rookie season has been. But his growth hasn't gone unnoticed.
"He had a crazy game," quarterback Jordan Love highlighted. "You've seen the work he's put in throughout the course of the season, he's getting better every week, he's a phenomenal player. It's good to see him go out there and have that success."
It's just the beginning for Edgerrin Cooper. But it would have been hard to have a more promising start, and the rookie is making the most out of every opportunity when he is on the field for the Packers.
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