Re: Dynamic Saints WR Brandin Cooks actually expects to play faster in Year 2
 

“It’s very exciting to be back, I’m happy to be out there with my teammates, flying around out there on the field,” he said. “(I’m) definitely ahead of where I was last year, mentally, knowing my plays and having that true confidence out there when I’m running around.

“Not finishing the season like that, there’s definitely that thought of having unfinished business. So I’m just excited to be back out there and trying to stay healthy as much as I can, so I can fly around come Week 1.”

It’ll help that he’s healthy and, perhaps as much, that his touches are almost guaranteed to increase.

With the top two receivers from last season – tight end Jimmy Graham and receiver Kenny Stills – gone to Seattle and Miami via offseason trades, respectively, Cooks’ role in the offense is expected to expand.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how they use me, how they use all of us,” he said. “No matter what, I know they’re going to use us in the right way and to our strengths.”

“He’s part of the package, he’s part of what we do,” Payton said. “Certainly, he’ll probably get more snaps. When he got hurt, it was kind of incomplete. I think you’ll see a player who’s healthy, in his second year, (and has) got a lot of knowledge of what we’re doing. I think he’s looking forward to having a good season.”


John DeShazier: Brandin Cooks ready to blaze new trail in second season

Re: Dynamic Saints WR Brandin Cooks actually expects to play faster in Year 2
 

He'll probably be covered by Patrick Peterson in our first game... So yeah hopfully he's ready to ball.