New England Patriots: Brandin Cooks could be primed for huge Super Bowl LII

New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks could be in for a big game in Super Bowl LII

Only one New England Patriots player has won a Super Bowl MVP award other than quarterback Tom Brady. Wide receiver Deion Branch received the honor in Super Bowl XXXIX. As New England prepares to go to battle against Philadelphia this Sunday, another wide receiver could be in the cards for MVP.

Brandin Cooks’ first year with the Patriots was filled with ups and downs. Cooks posted 1,082 yards and seven scores on 65 receptions. A solid stat line that was infused with games which he was barely visible.

Some called his first year in New England a “bust” or “let down”, pointing to his lack of numbers or, more specifically, flaws like his inability to fight for the ball in the air.

However, Cooks has been a constant force on the Patriots offense this season. The 24-year old receiver never missed a game or practice all year.

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"“He’s a hardworking kid, very coachable. He’s out there every day,” Belichick said earlier in January. “I don’t know if he’s even missed a play. I meant at practice. I mean, he runs 60 yards down the field, comes back and gets in the huddle and runs another one. He’s got great stamina.”"

But as Super Bowl Sunday approaches, Cooks could have his chance to shine against a vulnerable Eagles’ secondary.

Cooks’ most obvious strength is his speed (4.33 40-yard dash) which has been put on display multiple times throughout the year. New England could use Cooks’ speed to attack the Eagles’ cornerbacks.

Philadelphia’s secondary often struggled with guarding the deep ball this season, especially double moves deep downfield. Combining their weakness with Cooks’ strength could provide a huge advantage for the Patriots.

Tom Brady and Cooks have hit their fair share of deep bombs this season, but have also failed numerous times. If Brady and Cooks are able to connect on numerous deep shots Sunday, the Patriots offense will have no problem putting points on the board.

Even if the two are not able to connect, Cooks’ speed will still provide major issues for the vulnerable Eagles secondary. Cooks has drawn several key pass interference penalties this season, most recently coming against A.J. Bouye in the AFC Championship Game.

As Cooks is one of the premier speedsters in the NFL, defensive backs are often forced to hold him in the open field. Combine this with Cooks’ ability to make superb adjustments when the ball is in the air, he is often interfered with to prevent touchdowns.

"“He’s got a lot of speed,” Belichick said following the AFC Championship Game. “He’s quick too, and he’s very quick to get by those corners at the intermediate level in that 12-to-14 yard area. He runs a lot of comebacks and plays like that, so they sometimes — and he caught two or three of those out there, first on (Jaguars cornerback A.J.) Bouye and then later when they moved (cornerback Jalen) Ramsey over on him. I think Josh and Tom did a good job of having the complimentary route of coming down. It wasn’t a double move, it was just kind of a little bit of a hesitation and then he ran by him.“And then Ramsey got him pretty good, and they got him good in the second quarter on the go route when Bouye pushed him out of bounds. So, his speed’s definitely a factor out there, and you’re right. That’s come up a couple times this year.”"

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Cooks’ big-play ability has the potential to be a major deciding factor in Sunday’s game. If Brady is able to find him for several big plays, Cooks could supply a case for Super Bowl LII MVP.