The Cleveland Browns secured a spot in the postseason with a 36-22 victory over the Houston Texans, and much credit goes to receiver Amari Cooper for his outstanding performance in NFL Week 16.
With this win, Cleveland boasts a record of 10 wins and five losses, positioning them in second place in the AFC North Division, trailing only the already qualified Baltimore Ravens. The team holds the fifth overall seed in the American Conference.
The Texans, determined to maintain their postseason hopes with an 8-7 record, hosted the Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. However, Cooper and quarterback Joe Flacco had different plans altogether.
Cooper delivered an exceptional night in Texas territory, catching 11 passes from Flacco, two of them in the end zone, and setting a new franchise record with 265 yards. The previous record, held by Josh Gordon, was 261 yards in a 2013 game.
As if that were not enough, the former Alabama Crimson Tide player surpassed 1,250 yards, marking his second season with more than 1,000 yards. In 2022, Cooper recorded 1,160 yards on 78 catches.
“I am unstoppable”: Cooper
After the match, Cooper expressed his philosophy of giving his best effort in each game. “Yeah, every time I step on the field, I try to put forth my best effort. I truly feel like I’m unguardable.”
“It’s all about opportunities, and I had a lot of opportunities today, so I was able to take advantage of them,” explained the player.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski affirmed that Cooper “is a consummate pro. He’s one of the best I’ve ever been around.”
“His understanding of this game, the way he sees the game – he’s like a savant out there. Combine that with his route-running ability. He’s one of this team’s leaders. These guys love Amari, and the same come-through is awesome,”Stefanski said.
Cooper and Flacco prove lethal for Houston
Flacco and Cooper started causing damage to Houston’s defense in the second quarter with a 75-yard pass resulting in a touchdown. The Flacco-Cooper duo struck again in the third quarter with a seven-yard touchdown pass.
Browns’ quarterback, Joe Flacco, secured one more touchdown pass – a 21-yarder to David Njoku. By the end of the game, the Auburn University graduate completed 27 passes out of 42 attempts for 368 yards, three touchdowns, and two scores.
The Texans’ offense realized it wasn’t the same without CJ Stroud. Quarterback Davis Mills did what he could, completing only 15 passes out of 32 attempts for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Case Keenum was a complete disaster, playing three quarters, going 11 of 17 for 62 yards with two interceptions.
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