Cowboys WR Amari Cooper lands on PFF offensive team of the week

It only took eight catches, 180 yards, and two touchdowns for Amari Cooper to start getting some respect from the national media. Just before the start of the game, Fox’s NFL analyst Terry Bradshaw criticized Cooper for his lack of production since arriving in Dallas back in October. It was kind of puzzling, as Cooper had scored a touchdown and been a third-down machine since his arrival. Shortly after those comments, Cooper put up one of the best wide receiver performances of the season. This week PFF decided to recognize Amari’s incredible performance against the Redskins on Thanksgiving by adding him to their PFF offensive team of the week.

This list is something Pro Football Focus puts out every week by grading out every player and adding the highest-graded players to an “all-star team” each week. PFF describes their process of putting together their weekly team here:

It is time again for the PFF NFL Team of the Week – highlighting the best individual performances from the weekend’s worth of action.

The team format will match the improved All-Pro system when it comes to offensive and defensive formation, with a flex player for both sides of the ball that can be either a receiver, slot weapon, tight end or running back on offense, and anybody in the defensive secondary on defense. This gives us the flexibility to reward the player that best deserves it across multiple positions, rather than shoehorning in somebody just to fit a slot receiver or cornerback role.

We lend some weight to playing time, and a variety of factors are considered, but these will largely be the best-graded players at their respective positions throughout the league. This year, our Team of the Week will be coming out before Monday Night Football has been played, featuring the best performances from the Thursday Night and Sunday games. In the occurrence that a performer on Monday night is worthy of a spot on the team, this list will be updated and those with standout performances from the weekend will still be appreciated.

This week, Cooper graded out as the league's best wide receiver receiving a grade of 91.6 out of 100. He also had the third-highest overall grade for the week.

Pro Football Focus posted some analysis of why they picked Cooper inside the article, here’s what they had to say:

WIDE RECEIVER

Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys – 91.6 overall grade

When the Cowboys traded a first-round draft pick for Amari Cooper, this was the player they were hoping to get in return. His route running was as devastating as his work after the catch, with the former Oakland Raider averaging a whopping 5.45 yards per route run in the Thanksgiving Day win over the Redskins.

It should also be noted that earlier today Cooper was also named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

It’s been a month since the Dallas Cowboys traded their 2019 first-round pick for 24-year-old Amari Cooper, and the results (contrary to what the national media is telling you) have been nothing but positive for Jerry Jones. Since joining the team, Cooper has hauled in 22 receptions on 32 targets, for 349 yards, and three touchdowns. From what the Cowboys were getting from their receivers before the Amari Cooper trade, to what their getting now, is night and day difference, making the Jones’ look good for pulling off the trade with the Oakland Raiders.