Edgerrin Cooper, the emerging defensive star for the Green Bay Packers, has captured significant attention since his NFL debut. Gradually integrated into the lineup last season, Cooper quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing impressive speed and aggression that thrilled supporters and the coaching staff, notably defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
Despite only starting four games and accumulating 491 snaps last season, Cooper made a substantial impact, earning an All-Pro vote and finishing sixth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses was evident, as he recorded 3.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, leading to high expectations for his sophomore season.
However, Cooper’s 2024 season has not unfolded as hoped. After bulking up for his second year, he was anticipated to build on his early achievements, but his production has sharply decreased. In the first 11 games of this season, he has only managed to secure half a sack and two tackles for loss. This stands in striking contrast to his rookie season, during which he posted 3.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss over 14 games.
Pro Football Focus metrics also highlight this dip in performance, showing a drop in Cooper’s grades across all tracked categories. Moreover, he has matched his total of 14 missed tackles from last year, even with a higher snap count, logging 706 snaps so far this season.
Despite the decline in his statistics, it’s important to recognize that Cooper’s overall play has not been poor. He has continued to assert a solid presence on a Packers defense that is undergoing various changes. Notably, a significant decrease in his opportunities to rush the passer has contributed to this shift in production. Last year, Cooper rushed the quarterback on approximately 10% of his defensive snaps, but this year, that figure has plummeted to just over 6%.
The Packers’ strategic changes could be a double-edged sword. While these adjustments provide opportunities for standout players like Micah Parsons to excel, they simultaneously limit Cooper’s chances to showcase his playmaking abilities. As the team strives for a deep playoff run, reintegrating Cooper into a more impactful role may prove crucial for maximizing success. Balancing their defensive strategies with the need to effectively utilize Cooper’s talents could be essential as the Packers navigate the remainder of the season.