Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper performed at an all-star level after returning from a three-game skid on Sunday night in Seattle.
Cooper, a freshman from Texas A&M, made an impact as a running back, tackler, in coverage and on special teams.
Cooper missed games against the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions with a hamstring injury in practice on November 20. He returned to Seattle on Sunday night and often looked like the best player on the field.
Cooper produced seven tackles. All seven made an impression.
1. Reception including the start of the match
2. Catching Geno Smith on 3rd and 4, forcing a punt
3. Return Jaxon Smith-Njigba after a one-yard catch
4. Attack on 3rd and 29, forcing a punt
5. Reception protecting the kickoff
6. Unlock a run after a 3-yard gain
7. Face the loss in the final match
On relief, Cooper won the ground game against Kenny Clark in the middle and knocked down Smith in the pocket. He later exploded down the field and picked off Smith-Njigba on a screen pass after a compact pass. His elite play speed showed up time and time again.
He also had a dagger interception in the fourth quarter and came close to intercepting an earlier drive in the second half. After the pick, Cooper clipped Sam Howell’s throw intended for tackle Noah Fant, secured the catch and returned the pick to the Seahawks’ 30-yard line for the final touchdown.
Cooper’s final stats: seven tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, two quarterback hits, one interception, two passes defensed.
Kingley Enagbare said Cooper was “exceptional.” Coach Matt LaFleur said Cooper is a “hell of a player” who is just “scratching the surface” of his potential as a quarterback.
It’s no coincidence that Cooper’s return to the lineup coincided with the Packers’ defense coming to life as an offensive unit. The freshman led a destructive defense that led to seven sacks, two takeaways and 12 quarterback hits while totaling just 208 yards and 13 points.
Cooper has already won the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award this season. Can he win again in week 15?
