Is the Josh Allen-Amari Cooper connection a preview of things to come? Absolutely.
That’s the mantra the Buffalo Bills have adopted. And it’s true for Josh Allen, Khalil Shakir, James Cook, Ray Davis, Keon Coleman, Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, and even Ty Johnson.
Who am I forgetting?
Oh, right: Amari Cooper.
Has he eaten yet?
He has 136 receiving yards and a touchdown in his first four games with the Bills. If everyone eats, he seems a bit like the youngest child — getting elbowed out until there’s nothing left. The 30-year-old wideout is an established veteran, which is why Buffalo acquired him from Cleveland in mid-October. Since joining the team, he has faced challenges with a wrist injury, limiting his time on the field with Allen. Cooper spent weeks as a limited participant in practice, missed Weeks 9 and 10, but is now set to play Sunday against the Rams.
If one is searching for signs that he and Allen are forming a connection, the stat sheet offers little encouragement. Cooper had three targets, three catches, and only 12 yards against the 49ers in Week 13. However, this performance occurred during a heavy snowstorm in Buffalo, which may have affected their play.
Yet, there was a moment that hinted at a budding chemistry — an unspoken connection displayed during a touchdown pass. Although it didn’t officially count as a catch for Cooper, it showcased their potential synergy.
Near the end zone, Allen zipped a ball behind Cooper, who managed to haul it in with one hand. As the 49ers halted Cooper’s progress, Allen was ready, catching the ball from Cooper’s toss and charging into the end zone.
It was an improvised hook and ladder.
“It’s got to be up there [with my favorite touchdowns],” Allen stated postgame, sitting next to Cooper at the podium. “I wish he got credited with something there: an assist or a passing touchdown. … We made eye contact, and he just pitched it, and I had to make a play.”
“I figured he was over there because he wanted the ball, so I gave it to him,” Cooper explained.
Their postgame press conference, following Buffalo’s 35-10 victory over the 49ers, was filled with smiles and laughter, reflecting their easy rapport.
“It’s always fun to win,” Cooper remarked about his time in Buffalo. “It’s great to be part of a close-knit group — guys who love each other and spend a lot of time together. I’m just glad to be a part of it. … I played on a lot of teams, some good and some bad. This is definitely a scary team.”
All is well in Buffalo. The Bills are one of two teams to have clinched a playoff berth — and they have already defeated that other playoff-bound team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
No one is worried that Cooper isn’t seeing a surge in production or snaps, because that’s not how this offense functions. The Bills attack by whatever means necessary. In Cooper’s brief time with the team, the run game has taken center stage — rushing 34 times against Seattle in Week 8 and 38 times against the 49ers last weekend.
It’s realistic to think Cooper may not reach the 83.3 receiving yards per game he averaged with the Browns in 2023.
So what is realistic for Cooper?
High-profile wideouts often see their production plummet after midseason trades. Examples include Chase Claypool, Mohamed Sanu, Golden Tate, Randy Moss, and Roy Williams.
During his time with the Browns in 2024, Cooper struggled to maintain his usual performance. He recorded just 250 yards and two touchdowns on 24 catches. For years, he had been a WR1. When the Bills traded for him with only 11 games left in the regular season, they must have seen him as a player capable of changing the offense. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have exchanged a third-round pick for Cooper and a sixth. This deal was less than what the Jets paid for Davante Adams, who went for a third-rounder that could become a second if he makes the All-Pro team.
When Cooper arrived in Buffalo, coaches aimed to manage expectations. Now the strategy is clearer. Their intention may not have been to feature him prominently but to integrate him as another weapon in an already diverse offense.
In Buffalo, Cooper averages 2.1 yards of separation per target, with a solid receiving EPA of 3.6. He has 47 reception yards over expected and a catch rate of 76.9%, which is 19.6% over expected, according to Next Gen Stats. There is nothing wrong with Cooper’s performance. His time may not have come yet — not since his debut when he scored a touchdown with 66 receiving yards. The only real issue could be his snap count, which has placed him at either WR3 or WR4 in the games he has played.
Several factors could explain why Cooper hasn’t reached elite status for either team in 2024. His age is one consideration. In Cleveland, the lack of passing production played a role. In Buffalo, factors such as “everyone eats,” a wrist injury, and the challenge of learning the playbook midseason come into play.
However, there is good news for both the Bills and Cooper. They are winning without 100-yard games from him, and winning seems to be Cooper’s priority. There is no drama surrounding his situation, and even if the Bills experience a few losses, they likely won’t encounter any turmoil. This is a stark contrast to a certain former Bills wideout, where that was not always a guarantee.
Cooper may indeed rise to the occasion and help the Bills secure a Super Bowl victory. Or he might just remain one of the many weapons in their arsenal. Regardless, the Bills appear poised for a championship run with Cooper patiently awaiting his opportunity to shine.
