In the latest NFL game, Amari Cooper was adamant about returning to the field in the fourth quarter, not to set a new record for the Cleveland Browns but to surpass 300 receiving yards in a single game.
Although he fell just short of that mark, Cooper still achieved a remarkable feat, tallying 265 yards through the air, setting a new franchise record for the Browns.
“It was a lot of time left, man. A lot of food on the plate there,” Cooper remarked, reflecting on sitting out most of the fourth quarter with 252 yards and a commanding 36-7 lead. “So yeah, I was anxious a little bit, for sure.”
Cooper’s pivotal catch, a 13-yard reception on fourth-and-7, not only broke the Browns’ single-game receiving record previously held by Josh Gordon (261 yards in 2013) but also played a crucial role in sealing a 36-22 victory over the Houston Texans, who made a late surge with two touchdowns.
“He’s a savant out there… A consummate pro,” praised Browns coach Kevin Stefanski of Cooper, who snared a game-high 11 catches. “Pretty special. He’s a good one.”
Cooper now boasts four career games with over 200 receiving yards, placing him among NFL greats like Calvin Johnson and Lance Alworth, who hold the record with five such games each.
Additionally, he became just the second player in league history to achieve this milestone with three different teams, having previously accomplished it with the Raiders and Cowboys.
Amari Cooper (Credits: NFL)
“The rhythm of the game, the way it was flowing, I felt very confident that I could get to 300 [yards], I’m not going to lie to you,” Cooper admitted. “But it was cool, I’m glad we got the dub.”
With this performance, Cooper also surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the season, making him the first Browns player to achieve this in consecutive years. His total stands at 1,250 yards with two games remaining.
As the Browns (10-5) aim to solidify their playoff seeding in the final stretch, Cooper’s record-setting game underscores their postseason aspirations. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Cleveland now holds better than a 99% chance of making the playoffs, though their official clinch will have to wait until next week.
Cooper’s impact was evident from the outset, including a pivotal 53-yard reception on the opening drive and a 75-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter, marking the Browns’ longest scoring play since 2020.
“He’s told me a bunch of times, ‘I’m 225 [pounds], cuz, throw me the ball,'” noted quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns. “I’m going to get more and more used to letting it go [his way].”
With his spectacular showing, Cooper not only bolstered the Browns’ offensive rhythm but also cemented his place in franchise history with a performance that won’t soon be forgotten.
