Cooks returns home a winner
NEW ORLEANS — It wasn’t a statistically significant return to New Orleans for Brandin Cooks, but it was still a successful one.
On a day when Tom Brady threw for the third-most yards in his career, Cooks finished with 37 yards on two catches. The first-year Patriot was targeted four times, tied for fourth on the team yesterday, and he also rushed twice for six yards.
The Patriots won going away, 36-20, which the speedy wide receiver said was the desired result.
“It was fun to come back here and play,” he said. “Ultimately, I just thought of it as another away game to come here and do our best to help the team win.”
His contributions began eight plays in on a 13-yard run over left end. The Patriots scored two plays later and didn’t stop the next three hours.
Cooks nearly had a touchdown in the second quarter when he hauled in a 22-yard catch at the 2-yard line, but it merely set up the Patriots’ fourth score of the first half.
“It’s important to not just start fast, but to finish strong as well,” Cooks said. “That was our motto all week. I think that’s what your motto has to be in this league — start fast and finish strong. You’ve got to play all 60 minutes.”
The Saints defense, which allowed 555 yards, played a lot of man coverage and Cooks drew rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore most of the day. The Patriots running backs and tight ends took advantage; it was a Cooks’ block that sprung one of Brady’s three passing scores.
“It’s the best when you do what you have to do to help your team win,” Cooks said. “If it’s blocking, then so be it.”
“We came down here to try to win; that’s what we came down here to do,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “It’s not all about stats. We just try to move the ball, score points and win ... so it was a good trip.”
Cooks agreed.
“I think things are progressing (offensively),” he said. “I’ve got to continue to just come in here, focus and do whatever I’m asked. The message all week was to have a sense of urgency, and we came out and did that collectively today.”
Despite Cooks’ casual description of his New Orleans homecoming, it was still a little bit different. He spent his first three seasons with the Saints, collecting 215 receptions for 2,861 yards — including two 1,000-yard seasons — and 20 touchdowns.
He talked to Saints coach Sean Payton before and after the game, describing their relationship as filled with mutual respect. He also spent time pregame visiting with former teammates, but the fourth-year receiver from Oregon State said he’s focused on expanding his role with the Patriots.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “I just thank God for the opportunity. This whole time has been special. I wouldn’t want to be nowhere else.”