No matter how good a quarterback is they all need a go-to guy. When the Dallas Cowboys came into Week 8 of the 2018 season, they were looking to finally provide Dak Prescott with a reliable number one option, something he’s lacked since entering the NFL in 2016. They did just that by acquiring Wide Receiver Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders for a first-round pick in 2019.
The move paid off immediately as the Cowboys finished the season 7-2 in it’s final nine games with Cooper after a 3-4 start, and won their third NFC East crown in five years. Cooper produced 53 receptions for 725 yards and six touchdowns over that span. Prescott completed 69.7% of his passes when targeting Cooper, with virtually no time to really build any chemistry before they hit the field together in their first game, mind-blowing.
When the 2019 season began one of the biggest talking points was how would Prescott and Cooper perform together after a full offseason of work, and they haven’t disappointed.
In the season opener against the New York Giants, this combo wasted no time building on what they accomplished in 2018. Prescott set an opening game franchise record with 405 yards passing which included 106 yards and a touchdown to Cooper who caught six of the nine passes (66.7%) thrown to him in a blowout 35-17 victory.
Week 2 saw wasn’t a statistical gem by Cooper by any means when the Cowboys visited the arch-rival Washington Redskins. This was due in large part to the Cowboys rushing for over 200 yards and Prescott spreading the ball around to eight different receivers. Despite only having 44 yards Cooper caught four of five passes (80%) thrown to him by Prescott, once again showing how special their connection is.
Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins was another tour de force by the Cowboys running game. All-Pro Ezekiel Elliott and rookie Tony Pollard each ran for over 100 yards in a dominating 31-6 win. This overshadowed another display of how dangerous a combination Prescott and Cooper are. Cooper had 88 yards and two touchdowns while catching six of the seven passes (85.7%) thrown to him. Unreal execution wouldn’t you say?
Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints was an offensive disaster for the entire team. Elliott only managed 35 yards on 18 carries and the Cowboys produced a grand total of 10 points. Cooper only had 48 yards for the game but he did catch five out of the eight passes (62.5%) thrown to him in a tough two-point loss.
The following week against the Green Bay Packers saw the Cowboys fall behind 24-0 and they never recovered despite a furious rally. However, Prescott and Cooper had arguably their best game together. Not only did Prescott throw for a career-high 463 yards but Cooper had a career-high 226 yards receiving and a touchdown. The two connected on 11 of 14 passes (78.6%).
Week 6 against the New York Jets saw the Cowboys suffer a third consecutive loss. Cooper would exit the game early in the first quarter with a thigh bruise and never returned. He would only register one reception for three yards.
Before they hit the bye week the Cowboys faced the Philadelphia Eagles in a showdown for first place in the NFC East. This game was pretty much over after the opening kickoff as the Cowboys held a 27-7 lead at halftime en route to 37-10 victory. Prescott completed all five passes to Cooper for 106 yards, further cementing just how lethal of a combination they are together.
Prescott and Cooper are both on pace to have the best statistical seasons of their respective careers. A big reason why is because of the undeniable chemistry they have developed since this time a year ago. So far in 2019, Prescott is completing 76% of his throws to Cooper. That’s three completions out of every four passes, an insane ratio to say the least. If the Cowboys are to repeat as NFC East champs Prescott and Cooper will need to continue this elite level connection they have established.
