Re: Brandin Cooks
 

What I would like to see is Cooks being used more as a number 1 receiver. I wouldn't say the game plan with him is a waste, but the Saints do have good capable running backs for those short ones. The Saints have needed a true number 1 receiver for a long time, they now have a potential guy for that role, just need to use him now.

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

If they're not using him, it's likely because he's not running the right routes or he's not getting the separation he was touted to get coming out of college.

I've noticed that Saints receivers as a whole can't get any separation, that the only reason one might be open is because a defender fell down. This might be either a coaching issue or a play design issue. I can't believe that players slower than Meachem are finding space around the league against the same opponents we face and it's all player "desire" issues.

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

they jam Cooks pretty hard at the line and Brees has little time to throw this year

still, quick slants

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

Defenses are not concerned with the run. It gives them an advantage and makes it harder for everyone on offense. Brees, O-Line, WR's, and the RB's.

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

Most of the catches have come on short routs. He really hasn't been the explosive play-maker we all know he should be. I personally think we haven't used him correctly.

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

It's all play design issues that call for WRs to find the zone and sit in it. When a WR is looking for a zone to sit down in guess what he isn't doing, running away from people or getting separation.

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

We have thrown to Cooks past 5 yards maybe once this year. Everything else is WR bubble screens or quick slants. We aren't really trying to employ him in the passing attack as so much of what we have always done is seams and zone spots to big bodied guys.

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

I know people are very impatient but it's only six games. It could be that the coaches are working Cooks in to the NFL speed and level and getting his confidence up before unleashing him, or before they trust HIM enough to unleash him off the chain. They've used him on a couple of longer passes in a couple of situations. The one big one in preseason I remember where the defender missed, etc.

The Saints have a history of being VERY conservative when it comes to working rookies into the lineup. Pierre Thomas didn't even get a single carry until October in his first year. The fans were screaming his name but Junior Galette was kind of a non-factor mystery man in his first rookie year here as well. Go look at the early rookie game logs for guys like Colston or even Jimmy, I bet they're pretty sparse. I'd like to see more of Cooks, but this is a classic Sean Payton thing -- you just have to be patient and wait for it a little bit. He will come alive.

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

I know what your getting at but Colston is the exception, he scored 9 TD's and had over 1000 yards in his rookie season
Right from the start he was the go to guy for Drew
I do agree with you about cooks though, maybe he just needs a little more time.

Re: Brandin Cooks
 

What does it say about Morgan and Toon that they can't beat Meachem out in practice?