REPORT: Bills to Expand Pro Bowler’s Major Role in Passing Game
The Buffalo Bills kicked off the 2024 season with the intention of spreading the ball around more in the passing game, emphasizing that “everybody eats” by targeting a broader group of pass-catchers. However, a recent report indicates that one of their new additions might not be getting enough opportunities.
According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, the Bills may need to expand the role of wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was acquired before the trade deadline. While Cooper has had some impactful performances, Ballentine suggests that as the season progresses, the Bills should find ways to integrate him more into the offense to maximize his impact.
Amari Cooper Has Shined at Times
Alex Ballentine highlighted that Amari Cooper has already shown his potential in the Buffalo offense, with a strong debut where he caught four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown just days after joining the team. However, his role has diminished since then.
Ballentine pointed out that Cooper has only been targeted five times over the past two weeks. While he made an impact against the Chiefs with two receptions for 55 yards, he was only targeted three times in that game. Ballentine emphasized that Cooper is one of the team’s top downfield separators, and it would benefit the Bills to increase his involvement as the season progresses.
With the team heading into a bye week, there may be limited opportunity to integrate Cooper further into the offense, although he is now back from the injury that sidelined him for two weeks.
Amari Cooper Excited for Opportunities Ahead
Amari Cooper made a significant impact in the Buffalo Bills’ 30-21 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, recording two catches for 55 yards, including a highlight-worthy one-handed grab that secured a crucial first down. After the game, Cooper expressed how amazing it felt to be part of such a talented team.
“It’s the first time in a long time that I’ve actually felt joy from winning this game, from just the way we play,” Cooper said. “We have so many guys on the team who are playmakers and they show up when their number is called, collectively as a group. It’s just amazing.”
While Cooper acknowledged that he’s still adjusting to the new environment, he feels increasingly comfortable in the Bills’ offense. “I’m obviously still adapting to the environment,” he said. “It’s always easy to be comfortable and I would say I’m pretty comfortable.”
Cooper also praised Bills quarterback Josh Allen, whose clutch 26-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-2 in the fourth quarter sealed the win. “The Josh Allen experience, with this magnitude — it’s been phenomenal, man,” Cooper remarked. “Like I said before, he’s a great player. The old adage, big-time players make big-time plays in big-time situations, and that’s exactly what he did.”
The victory handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season and gave the Bills a valuable tiebreaker, putting them in a strong position for the top seed in the AFC. However, Bills head coach Sean McDermott kept the win in perspective, emphasizing the team’s long-term goals.
“No statement,” McDermott said when asked about the significance of the win. “This is not the finish line.”