This week's "CLASSIC JURASSIC MEAT-EATER MATCHUP" is going down in the Mile High city of Denver. And it could be a beauty.
Blossoming as an edge rusher in his third season last year, the Broncos' Jonathon Cooper kicked off the 2024 campaign by dropping Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith twice and hitting him four other times. And his tape shows some impressive skills.
"The one thing you always see from 'Coop,' No. 1, he's a downhill straight-line, he's a physical player," Denver head coach Sean Payton said. "So that becomes a load if you're a tight end or even if you're a tackle. You feel a strong presence.
Strong presence indeed. Whether he's on the hunt rushing the passer, or setting the edge against the run, Cooper (6-foot-3, 257-pounds), is indeed, a straight-line player.
A classic speed-to-power rusher, when he attacks on the pass rush, he will head up the field and then turn all that quickness and speed into power when he plants a foot and drives into the blocker trying to slow him down.
If he's able to gain initial movement, he becomes stronger as he goes on, especially if he is able to attain a lockout with his arms. His leveraging power becomes multiplied with extended arms.
He's got a quick first step, and will occasionally throw a "hypnotic eye" as we used to call it, before attempting to bull rush and drive the pass blocker back into the quarterback.
The hypnotic eye, or hesitation step with a head fake, is used to disrupt the timing of the pass blocker looking to punch or throw hands at Cooper. When properly executed, it has a hesitation effect on the pass blocker that will make him raise up and slightly shift the weight onto his heels.
The boom happens when the rusher, after momentarily hesitating, explodes into the now slightly off-balanced pass protector, and Cooper is able to use the larger man's size against him. After off balancing him, he then multiplies those forces by continuing the four-wheel drive straight through his opponent.
Seen in real time, and more importantly, experienced in real time, you would gain a greater understanding. Picture slightly losing your balance while a buddy suddenly shoves you backwards. And continues to drive you backwards. Ouch.
Cooper, while defending the run, works to gain inside hand control, thereby establishing the stronger lockout position. He does this well. He's a high-motor guy, sometimes looking almost frenetic in his movements, but he is quick and plays to the whistle.
And he will close the trap. Even trapping the trapper.
As of the moment, no one is sure whether it will be Broderick Jones or Troy Fautanu on the right side, or Dan Moore Jr., if he goes over to the left side..
Whoever it might be better have a solid sit-down point to drop anchor to take on the bull rush. Though Cooper is not that big, his speed-to-power rush is enough to put the unwary offensive tackle on skates if he's not ready for the bang.
