Making an impression in his first game back was Brandin Cooks’ goal.
For the first time since Week 4, Cooks returned to the field on Thanksgiving Day after missing more than two months of action. During his return, the wide receiver achieved his objective of making a difference for the Dallas Cowboys. In the Cowboys’ 27–20 victory over the New York Giants, Cooks only caught three passes for 16 yards, but two of those receptions had a significant effect on the outcome of the game.
The offense scored its first touchdown of the game when the former Oregon State Beavers star received a 2-yard pass from quarterback Cooper Rush.
On Thanksgiving, Brandin is cooking: #NYGvsDALon FOX: Watch on NFL+P3Q8MLeblk https://t.co/LvklCbYJ1epic.twitter.com
One of the rare passes Cooks had ever caught from Rush was this one. Dak Prescott was the quarterback slinging passes the last time Cooks was on the field. Cooks struggled to get along with Rush after returning after seven straight games missed due to a knee infection, while Prescott suffered season-ending hamstring surgery in November.
Cooks told DallasCowboys.com, “I just think it’s a trust-throw with (Cooper Rush) to trust me to be able to go get it and run underneath it.”
Late in the game, with the Cowboys hanging onto a 27–20 lead, Cooks made an even bigger and more spectacular catch.
With two minutes left in the game, facing a third-and-two from their own 38, Rush hit Cooks with a ball close to the right sideline. The Cowboys were able to run out the clock and win the game when Cooks made a diving catch just past the line to gain for a first down.
With an amazing grab, Brandin Cooks steals the show! #NYGvsDALon FOX: Watch on #NFLPluspic.twitter.com/0t0tXLva6h
Whoa. On the TV show, Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady remarked, “What a catch.” One of my favorite players gave me an A-plus.
Head coach Mike McCarthy trusted Cooks to call the play and Rush to execute the throw, and Cooks said he appreciated that.
Cooks told DallasCowboys.com, “I think it’s huge to trust me in the situation like that.” Coach and Coop both have faith in me to make the play-call.
As the Cowboys (5-7) attempt to salvage their postseason aspirations in the next five games of the season, the trust and chemistry may strengthen. After the season, Cooks, who will be a free agency, wants to keep making an impression.
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