In wake of the New England Patriots falling short in Super Bowl 52 against the Philadelphia Eagles, there has been much analyzing of what contribute do to their shortcomings.
One of those factors was the departure of wide receiver Brandin Cooks after he suffered a head injury in the first half. He was shortly afterward declared out for the rest of the contest. Following the game, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels acknowledged the possible impact that not having Cooks available may have on the Patriots' offense, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.
“I mean, obviously it made an impact somewhat, McDaniels said. “I thought that Phillip (Dorsett) and Chris (Hogan) really stepped up, made a lot of big plays. But that’s what a football team does. You have to go through that every single week. You’ve got adversities whether you come into the game with injuries or get hurt in the middle of the game, guys are practiced and prepared to do that, and I thought they did a good job. I’m more upset for Cookie, has an opportunity to play in his first Super Bowl, and then to get cut short there, that was disappointing for him.”
In his first season with the Patriots, Cooks has been a huge fixture in the passing game hauling in 65 catches for 1,082 receiving yards with seven touchdowns. He had figured to assume a big role in the Super Bowl as he has been a huge big-play asset and had potential to do just that as the hit on him came on his only grab on a 23-yard reception.
Although the absence of Cooks shifted the game plan a bit, Tom Brady was still able to find much success throwing the ball. He finished with a Super Bowl record 505 passing yards with three touchdowns and nearly lead the Patriots to a comeback win from a 10-point deficit.
There's no question that Cooks could have helped the Patriots offense, but to pinpoint it as a big reason for their downfall is hard to legitimately claim. They had three players in Rob Gronkowski, Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan each record more than 100 receiving yards.
Brandin Cooks' injury was simply a contributing factor that made it more difficult for New England to capture their third Super Bowl in the last four years.
Follow Us
Subscribe