FOXBORO — The final scene of the Patriots’ three-day minicamp yesterday was emblematic of the week.
Quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Brandin Cooks, two of the final players on the field, strolled away together, deep in conversation and dissecting their string of performances.
This was a strong way to cap a dynamic stretch for the potentially explosive tandem. Cooks caught a team-high eight passes from Brady during the trio of practices, and the Patriots’ marquee offseason acquisition looks like he’ll have no issues adding a special element to the offense.
Cooks wowed his coaches and teammates with his on-field explosion. He has a gear the Pats haven’t deployed in years, perhaps since Randy Moss, and Cooks’ effect on the passing game was evident all week.
Brady and Cooks connected on a deep post Wednesday when the former Saints star bombed past safety Jordan Richards, and it was too late for Devin McCourty to catch up.
“Fast,” McCourty said. “He’s a good receiver. It’s hard to say one thing that makes him unique. The one thing that stuck out to me was his work ethic. He kind of runs routes the same way every time. Even if they don’t throw him the ball, he simulates catching the ball and turning up the field. So you can just see the guy has a great work ethic and is trying to improve with every rep in practice.”
The attention to detail isn’t as sexy as the speed, but it’s every bit as important. As McCourty said, Cooks finishes every single route, regardless of how quickly the ball is delivered, and he flashes his hands at the end of the route to simulate the timing of the throw.
Cooks has been one of the league’s most productive receivers the past two years, so watching the intricacies of his work ethic, in which the Patriots have enjoyed, is interesting. The bottom line is the athletic talent and previous accomplishments won’t mean a thing if Cooks can’t sync up with Brady and impress offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Just ask Chad Ochocinco, Joey Galloway and Reggie Wayne, or even Moss and Brandon LaFell, who fell out of favor because they lost their offensive groove.
“Hopefully I can come in and help, and do my job and the help the team win,” Cooks said. “That is what I’m hoping I can do and bring some leadership, not that they don’t have it already, but to add to that and bring some new energy.”
Cooks lined up everywhere this week. He has a knack for running some of the over and under routes that have boosted Julian Edelman’s effectiveness, and Cooks is well-versed on how to run a proper deep route, which propelled Chris Hogan’s initial season with the Pats in 2016.
The crossing patterns have been particularly eye catching, especially from the slot. He got a free release Wednesday, caught a pass on a drag route from Jimmy Garoppolo, turned up the field and rocketed into orbit. The defense chased Cooks, but lost ground in a hurry.
That’s why the crossing routes will be advantageous. Cooks will likely have a matchup advantage, which will be exponentially more dangerous if he draws a linebacker, and he’ll get the ball in his hands quickly enough to make a mad dash after the catch.
And then there are the fly patterns. Brady and Cooks misfired on a couple attempts this week. There were instances when cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore remained in Cooks’ hip pocket to force a perfect throw, but Cooks knew how to gain a step on his defenders. It’s nearly impossible for corners to stay in stride with him.
“Man, he’s tough,” cornerback Eric Rowe said. “A quick guy, he’s fast, great hands, great routes. I mean, he’s a challenge. I look forward to it because I really don’t see too many players like him.”
This is what the Patriots hoped to get out of their pricey acquisition. Cooks cost first- and third-round picks in a trade with the Saints, and the Patriots have him under contract through 2018 when he’ll be among the highest-paid players on the roster with an $8.459 million salary. Beyond that, it might cost $14 million annually with a long-term extension, and the Patriots would be thrilled if he plays himself into that salary range.
It’s easy to overreact this time of year, but Cooks does look the part. He was consistently productive in minicamp, which is evident of Brady’s trust, and the Patriots’ willingness to get him the ball in different capacities is a sign of respect.
The offense was already a powder keg. Cooks showed he is the stick of dynamite that could help it explode.
