FRISCO, Texas _ While there remain some unresolved issues regarding how the Dallas Cowboys handled Amari Cooper on the final offensive play in the 17-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week, the team's No. 1 receiver has no problem processing what happened and has moved on to Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins.
Cooper understands the expectation of the best receiver on the team being on the field in what was the last chance to win the game. But he maintains that it was part of the rotation for the Cowboys to sub backup Tavon Austin in for him on fourth-and-8 before a failed pass to Michael Gallup in the back of the end zone.
Looking back on it, Cooper said the thought crossed his mind that he should have been on the field.
But he is not one to cause a commotion. That's not his personality.
"I mean, I guess I could, if I wanted to cause a ruckus," Cooper said. "If I want to say no, I want to be out here in a critical moment and just cause more confusion when we're trying to go down and score, but I don't want to do that."
Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said the decision on the final play against the Eagles was about a rotation, rather than a referendum on Cooper's play and future with the team.
"Well, I think at the end of the day, we all know what Amari has done for us over the course of a year," Jones said. "He led the team in receptions, receiving yards. You know, he's played really well. The only thing I can tell you is that you have rotations and you have plays. Every now and then, I'm sure it happens on all teams, where certain games, certain players don't get the touches you want them to have. It's happened with other players on the team when you get into some rotations. So, really, that's all I've got to say about it."
Neither Cooper nor the Cowboys have a good explanation for his decline in production.
He caught 53 of 71 passes for 848 yards and seven touchdowns through the first nine games of the season. He has caught 22 of 43 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown over the past six.
"I don't know. If I knew the answer, then I would be able to control it," Cooper said. "I feel like it's always frustrating as a player if you leave the game knowing that you could have accomplished more. You always want to maximize your opportunities. I think I can definitely catch more than 22 balls."
Cooper is a free agent after the season. He made $13.9 million in 2019 and is looking for at least $18 million annually on a new deal.
The Cowboys could hit him with the franchise tag or transition tag to keep him around in 2020.
Cooper has made it clear he wants to remain in Dallas with the environment and quarterback Dak Prescott being the big factors.
"I want to be here," Cooper said. "I like it here. (Prescott) is part of me liking it, my situation on the team, him being the quarterback, the teammates, where I live. Everything."
