Amari Cooper Addresses No-Target Game in Win Over Lions
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper played a key role in a 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on December 8, leading the team with 14 targets and recording six receptions for 95 yards. However, his involvement took a surprising turn the following week when he wasn’t targeted once during the Bills’ 48-42 victory over the Detroit Lions.
Despite the sudden drop in production, Cooper shared an unexpected reaction, emphasizing his focus on team success rather than individual stats.
Cooper’s Positive Outlook
In an interview with The Buffalo News, Cooper expressed no frustration with his reduced role and highlighted his satisfaction with being part of a winning team. After starting the season with the Cleveland Browns, Cooper was traded to Buffalo ahead of the deadline and has embraced his new environment.
“It’s incredible,” Cooper said. “Honestly, I’ve been waiting my whole career to be on a team like this.”
While Cooper admitted that every receiver wants more opportunities, his primary concern is helping the team win.
“As a receiver, of course, you want the ball,” Cooper said. “But I’m in Year 10, and at this point, winning is what matters most. We have a formula that works, and I think it’s actually pretty cool to go from 14 targets to none and still beat a great team, one we might see again in the playoffs.”
A Broader Perspective on Team Dynamics
Cooper elaborated on the strategic benefits of distributing targets across multiple players, noting that it makes the team’s offense harder to predict and defend.
“There’s a lot of pressure when everyone knows you’re the primary target,” Cooper explained. “Pressure can be good, but it also makes the offense more predictable. Spreading the ball around keeps defenses on their toes and makes us more versatile.”
Since joining the Bills in October, Cooper has tallied 16 catches for 231 yards and two touchdowns—numbers comparable to his production in six games with the Browns earlier this season.
Praise for Cooper’s Team-First Attitude
Cooper’s selfless mindset has resonated with his teammates. Fellow receiver Khalil Shakir commended Cooper’s approach, calling him a role model for the team.
“It’s amazing to see a player of his caliber, a true freak of nature, embrace this mentality,” Shakir said. “It shows he’s fully committed to what we’re building here.”
The Bills’ “everybody eats” philosophy, implemented after the departures of star receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, has proven successful. The team boasts nine players with at least 200 receiving yards and 12 with a touchdown, including quarterback Josh Allen, who scored after a lateral from Cooper earlier this season.
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