Our film review of Buffalo Bills free agents returns, this time on offense with a look at wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The WR was signed on November 25th, and saw his first game action five days later against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cooks was brought in to help for a Super Bowl push and if the catch he made wasn’t robbed of him, we’d all be pretty square on how we feel about the man. With that opportunity stolen though, let’s take a look back and see how he did.
Brandin Cooks game film
Coming out of college, Brandin Cooks
had elite athleticism for both speed and change of direction, as measured by combine drills. Now 32 years old, some of that has dwindled, most notably in my opinion with his change of direction. Cooks isn’t a “make space in a phone booth” kinda receiver as a result. That doesn’t mean he’s terrible either, and it sure as heck doesn’t mean he can’t create space.
Cooks still has good speed which can create space on its own, or draw defenders away from other receivers in a hurry. Cooks’ best use is as a deep threat where I feel he has real potential to help the Bills. A lack of chemistry and a couple drops from Cooks burned some chances for Buffalo. The chemistry did start to come together at the end of the season and had one play gone differently, Cooks is a deep threat hero.
I’d like to see Cooks back in Buffalo but as the headline suggests it comes with a disclaimer. Buffalo needs to have a concerted effort to elevate their deep passing game. I think Cooks was a bit of a mismatch at times but perhaps a little planning can help him fit in.
Brandin Cooks game notes
- On the first play, Cooks shows off that he still has some ability to stop and come back. There’s nothing elite here, but a good move with good timing from a veteran receiver.
- Brandin Cooks has a touchdown here if Josh Allen has time to throw it. The pressure came quick and Allen breaks loose. Cooks never quits on the play and turns into a blocker, making the Allen TD quite a bit easier.
- This looks like a major chemistry issue, or perhaps the throw just floated. Cooks arrives at the spot of the ball waaaaaaaaaaay early, which telegraphs the drop point to the defender for an easy break up.
- This is one of the drops I mentioned. Allen places the ball well and Cooks has it in his hands but can’t reel it in.
- This is a chemistry/timing play and it goes pretty darn well all things considered.
- These are the plays I would like to see more of.
- Finally, we have timing worked out about perfectly.
