With the acquisition of speedy wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots offense got even more dynamic.
Talk about the rich getting richer. Entering the offseason following a historic Super Bowl LI comeback victory, the New England Patriots put their metal to the pedal and only got better with key acquisitions via trade and free agency.
One of those key additions, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, has some rival AFC coaches shaking their heads.
Besides the fact that All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski will be back in 2017, adding the 23-year-old Cooks makes the offense even more dynamic. Tom Brady’s newest weapon also gives the offense a variable they haven’t had since Randy Moss, a deep threat who can stretch the field.
At 5-foot-10, Brandin Cooks is coming off two consecutive seasons of 1,000-yard performances and can only get better in an offense where he will be used in more than just one way. It will be his ability to stretch the field that will open up the middle for Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and even Chris Hogan in certain formations.
In knowing how creative the Patriots’ offense can, three rival NFL coaches are cringing at how explosive Brady and his new set of offensive weapons can be.
Oakland Raiders – Jack Del Rio
A team that was very close to challenging the New England Patriots in the AFC in 2016 were the Oakland Raiders. Of course, we won’t know how close or distant they were due to the season-ending injury of quarterback Derek Carr.
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With one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL, the Raiders are expected to take the next step in 2017.
Head coach Jack Del Rio and his team will get an opportunity to face off with the Patriots this upcoming season and it will certainly be a test for a team thirsty for post-season success.
Speaking at the NFL owners meetings earlier in the week, Del Rio admitted the news of the trade rattled him a bit because of the ability of Cooks to be a real factor in New England’s offense.
"“Yeah, I do cringe a little bit. They added a real special talent in Cooks,” Del Rio told reporters, via the Provident Journal. “He can really do some things. He can really create some separation.”"
Denver Broncos – Vance Joseph
The New England Patriots and Denver Broncos will square off once again in 2017. As a team just a quarterback away from threatening to come out of the AFC, the 2015 Super Bowl champions will have their hands full trying to figure out ways to defend the number of weapons and outlets the Patriots now have.
If any team can do it, it is the Broncos. They practiced against a very explosive offense in the Peyton Manning and Wes Welker days and they have the speed and secondary to match up.
With a player like Gronkowski requiring a double team, defending other players like Julian Edelman, Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Dion Lewis, James White and newly acquired tight end Dwayne Allen will be a problem.
In fact, Broncos new head coach Vance Joseph had another word for it.
"“It’s scary,” Joseph said at the owners meetings. “It’s explosive, but again, players play and each week is different. When you play the Patriots, you can’t lose the game before the game. Does that make sense? They’re so good with their scheme. You have to go into the game and you have to match their football IQ before the game. If not, you have no chance to beat them. We have to spend a lot of time making sure our players are up to par with football IQ of the game before any snaps are played.”"
Houston Texans – Bill O’Brien
Another team just a quarterback away from really challenging the New England Patriots are the Houston Texans.
Bill O’Brien’s team actually did a great job defensively against Tom Brady and the boys in the divisional round of the playoffs. The receivers had a tough time finding separation and if it wasn’t for a kick-off return by Dion Lewis and some very inept quarterback play from Brock Osweiler, the Texans could’ve pulled off the upset.
O’Brien’s squad also didn’t have to prepare for or defend Rob Gronkowski. They also didn’t have to worry about a deep threat like Brandin Cooks.
"“Yeah, he’s a good player,” O’Brien said at the meeting. “I remember evaluating him coming out of Oregon State. Fast, strong, good hands, good route runner, explosive player. I think he can do a lot of things – he can return punts, line up in the slot, line up outside. So they’ve added a very quality player to their team.”"
The Texans will have J.J. Watt back to help put pressure on Brady, but if the pressure doesn’t get there, the Texans will be weaker in the secondary. With the loss of A.J. Buoye, the offensive weapons the Patriots now have will present matchup nightmares.
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Overall, the addition of Brandin Cooks should be special if there is chemistry and he catches on. He certainly has the talent, but will he buy in? If he does, Del Rio, Joseph, O’Brien and the rest of the NFL have the right to cringe.