FRISCO, TEXAS — As Week 10 begins against the New York Giants, the noise surrounding Brandin Cooks and his lack of involvement in the Dallas Cowboys offense up to that point becomes deafening. It was growing.
His 165 yards, just 17 receptions and two touchdowns in seven games sparked a conversation among the fan base and media about what he could do with the Cowboys' offense.
“I'm going to continue to believe in that,” Cooks said heading into the Week 10 matchup. “That's who I am. In my mind, it's about getting back to work and trying harder. When it comes, it comes. That's what I mean.”
And trusting it, he did so. And he was like, come on.
That day, in one of the biggest games of his career against the Giants at AT&T Stadium, Cooks exploded with nine receptions, 173 yards, and one touchdown. Since then, he has proven to be one of Dak Prescott's most reliable weapons in the Texas Coast offense. .
In the eight games since Cooks was asked about his production, he has had 31 receptions, 453 yards and five touchdowns. His value was proven when the Cowboys sent a fifth- and sixth-round draft pick to the Houston Texans to acquire his services. off-season.
It culminated here at the end of the regular season, followed by weeks where Cooks helped drive Dak Prescott's second-half scoring and lead the offense.
In Miami, on a third-and-goal corner route, Cooks got between two defenders, including perennial All-Pro Jalen Ramsey, and made one of the toughest catches of the season, giving Dallas a point late. contributed to giving the company an advantage. – However, the defense squanders that lead on Miami’s final drive.
But in the game against Detroit, with 10:25 remaining and Dallas trailing 13-10, Cooks went up and made an over-the-shoulder grab along the sideline for the game-winning shot. According to Next Gen Stats, his completion probability was just 34.3%. He hit a two-footer into the turf in bounds to continue Dallas' drive. If he hadn't brought it in, Dallas' drive would have stalled again and Brian Unger would have been forced to punt again.
Later in the drive, Cooks finished the job with another corner route behind the end zone, creating enough separation to get the ball in perfect position from Dak Prescott and helping give Dallas the lead back… Permanently.
“He's been that way since he showed up,” Prescott said after the game. “I would be remiss if I didn't give credit to Brandin Cooks. That's Brandin, Mr. Consistent. He's consistent in his demeanor every day, consistent in his work ethic. And he's consistent in taking care of his body.'' All of that has led to him being on the field when he needs to be and making big catches. ”
Since that week's 10 Rhetoric spree in The Star, Cooks has delivered a five-star course every time Dak Prescott has thrown a dish at him. In a season where the offense has come into its own over time, what happened with Cooks on that November afternoon felt like it happened almost overnight.
But for him, it's just another example of his own attitude and his own belief that things will eventually work out for him.
“I really can’t say when to say no.” [when it happened]”But I think, like I always say, trust the process,” Cooks said. “When your number is called, it's all about showing up and making plays. So whenever you get an opportunity, you have to take advantage of it and do what's best for your teammates.”
The Cowboys head into Week 18 with at least two home playoff games and a chance to win their first NFC East championship since 2021, but they're confident they have a solid weapon not named CeeDee Lamb. He will bring it with him.
Even if a poor run game makes things difficult at times, and even if the offensive line continues to suffer from inconsistent health, there is one thing players can rely on when the time comes: -Whether it's in Washington or away. Some point in the playoffs.
You look to this 10-year veteran. Someone who has made those around him better both off and on the field. Because when the archer starts casting, there is no one to block the path of his arrow.
“He's a far from satisfied man.”
