There have been a lot of changes in the Green Bay Packers defense since their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. One of the biggest changes was the arrival of Edgerrin Cooper.
In the season-opening loss to the Eagles, the Packers’ starting running back played only 11 snaps on defense. Cooper, who was sidelined throughout the pre-season with a hip injury, was not immediately given a significant role. However, his talent was immediately undeniable.
Over those 11 snaps, Cooper totaled four tackles and one pass breakup, earning his team’s highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) defensive rating. He was also the highest-rated special teams player.
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Naturally, Cooper’s snap count and impact strength began to escalate throughout the season until he injured his hamstring during practice before the team’s Week 12 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
After missing three straight games, coach Matt LaFleur was joyful to have one of his best defensive players back in the lineup.
“He was doing a really good job (before the injury). It will be great to get him back on the field,” LaFleur said before Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. “He obviously brings something in terms of speed and athleticism, adds another dimension to our defense.”
Upon his return, Cooper finished the game with a team-high seven tackles, was sacked, broke up two passes and made a key interception that put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.
“His stats were obviously impressive and he made some big plays,” LaFleur said of Cooper after the game.
Cooper finished his freshman year mighty, appearing in 14 games (four starts), totaling 57 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four pass breakups and one interception.
According to PFF, here are Cooper’s numbers compared to other starting linebackers in 2024:
Defensive snaps: 4th
Collections: 3
Stops: 1
Pressures: 2
Bags: 1
Jeff Hafley’s willingness to deploy Cooper as an attacker added a animated element to the defense – something Philadelphia hadn’t really experienced earlier in the season.
It will be compelling to watch how the Packers plan to employ Cooper in Sunday’s postseason rematch. The Eagles have an extremely risky offense led by quarterback Saquon Barkley, who finished the game with 132 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in the opener.
Given Cooper’s speed and ability to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage, his contributions could go a long way toward limiting one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. If he approves the concussion protocol, Green Bay will also have to employ Cooper to explain Jalen Hurts’ ability to scramble.
Of course, stopping the Eagles’ powerful offense won’t rest solely on Cooper’s shoulders. It will take a team effort, and the Packers hope Cooper will get plenty of time in the Quay Walker line, a rarity this season. Walker hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 15.
Having two well, athletic defenders would give the Packers a boost in their upcoming playoff matchup. It would also be a fresh challenge for the Philadelphia team to plan for.
