article: Pharoh Cooper=best kick returner in NFL this season

[Psycho_X]

I guess based on numbers but his one fumble and several ill advised returns have also cost the team. But I guess he is getting it done the other times. Needs to make smarter choices though.

http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2017/10/04/nfl-los-angeles-rams-pharoh-cooper-kickoff-return-stats/

There’s been no shortage of superlatives for the Los Angeles Rams this season. They have the league’s best offense, one of the top coaches and an elite running back who’s second in yards from scrimmage.

You probably knew all of that, but you may not have realized the Rams also have the NFL’s best kickoff returner.

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Pharoh Cooper has quietly had a very strong season returning kicks this season despite not taking one back for a touchdown. Through four games, Cooper leads the league in just about every relevant kick return category.

He’s No. 1 in attempts (11), yards (300), average (27.3), longest return (66 yards) and returns of at least 20 yards (nine).

Surprisingly, no player in the NFL has returned a kickoff for a touchdown yet this season, and only one punt has been taken back to the house. This is the direct result of the NFL continuously trying to phase out kickoffs, which has resulted in fewer kicks being taken out of the end zone.

Cooper does have one fumble this season, but that hasn’t overshadowed how great he’s been returning kickoffs. He was a big part of the Rams’ win on Sunday, too. His 66-yard return set up a field goal by Greg Zuerlein to pull Los Angeles within four points.

Tavon Austin has been shaky, but the Rams’ special teams have been fantastic this season.

 

[Psycho_X]

Also, I still say he'd have had a touchdown if he kept moving full steam beside his blocker and didn't stop to try and juke the kicker for no reason.

 

[dieterbrock]

I think he didnt want to be "that guy" who got tackled by the other team's kicker....
Made sure that wasnt happening

 

[BonifayRam]

Who did Higbee block?

 

[OldSchool]

Who did Higbee block?

Looked like he had 23 on lock down running him away from Cooper. If Cooper cut back behind Higbee he's free for a score.

 

[99Balloons]

Pharoh Cooper is getting better as a KR since that fumble against the Niners. He's learning the nuances of ST. And the Rams Special Teams are getting better and better. Sooner than later, PC will bust one for a homerun TD.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Pharoh Cooper is the man!

He gives a hundred percent effort to go with his natural talent.

And by the way, you never know it is an "ill-advised return" until you try to return it.

He has a natural positive attitude that makes him think he can take it to the house every time.
I love that.

 

[Karate61]

Well, 27.3 avg per return. Take out the one 66 yarder, and that's a lot of returns less than 25 yards. During the cowgirl game I kept thinking, "just down it and take the ball at the 25 yard line."

And, kickoffs are just not as fun as they used to be. If Cooper leads the league at 27.3 average, there must be a bunch less than 25 yards average. I say just down it and take the 25 yardline every kick, instead of multiple drives starting behind the 20.

 

[bomebadeeda]

I agree w/ Karate61. Unless it's short. If it's not....take that field position at the 25. He has done well.....except for the fumble.......:banghead: but statistics would win out that taking a knee would net you more yards than bringing it out will.

 

[CanadaRam]

That is scary.

If Cooper is the best in the NFL, then each kick that gets to the end zone a knee should be taken.
At 27 yards a pop, on average he gets to the 25.
The fumble means it is a lose proposition even for the best in the league.

With last year's offense the risk might have been worth it, I guess. But that would be desperation.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Also, I still say he'd have had a touchdown if he kept moving full steam beside his blocker and didn't stop to try and juke the kicker for no reason.

I think it was the guy that was running with the kicker, (#23) that he was attempting to avoid moreso.

 

[Farr Be It]

Interesting feedback. I say "Good job, Pharoh!"

He ain't skeered. His efforts will be blessed. He's gonna beak one to the house!

 

[nighttrain]

i'm of the belief that if McVay wanted him to take a knee he would, obviously that's not the case
train

 

[Ram65]

Lot's of KO returners are returning KO from 5+ yards in the endzone. Seems smarter to just take it at the 25 yard line. However, as the weather gets colder the ball will travel less and then returns become a must. It helps to have some game reps early on. I was disappointed as much as anyone on the fumble. PC has to know the situations and protect the ball. He did get some nice yards before the fumble but, fumbling at that time is not an option. He is learning.

 

[Psycho_X]

Also, look how the hell his head bent in slow mo. He was very lucky he's a bendy S.O.B. on that hit.

 

[dieterbrock]

Conversely, if he is averaging 27.3, they are getting near the 25 yard line. So then the risk is mitigated. You cant score a td by taking a knee but can by returning it

 

[OldSchool]

If McVay and Bones didn't want the returner to take the kicks out we'd have somebody with sure hands and no return ability back there. As it is we have a guy with the skills and speed to break one open. Seems silly to me to not want him to take kicks out unless he's 8 or 9 yards deep in the end zone, anywhere short of that and I want him to bring it out. Situational late game ball control obviously over rides that but I'm all for him taking the ball out.

 

[dieterbrock]

If McVay and Bones didn't want the returner to take the kicks out we'd have somebody with sure hands and no return ability back there. As it is we have a guy with the skills and speed to break one open. Seems silly to me to not want him to take kicks out unless he's 8 or 9 yards deep in the end zone, anywhere short of that and I want him to bring it out. Situational late game ball control obviously over rides that but I'm all for him taking the ball out.

Bingo.
Bones made a kick returner out of Bennie Cunningham, and he was near the league lead in KO returns as well.
He also didnt have Cooper's speed or moves.

 

[Corbin]

Stupid question: If a kick returner downs it in the end zone does it count as a 25 yard return? Or is this only when he physically runs it out the end zone?

 

[OldSchool]

Stupid question: If a kick returner downs it in the end zone does it count as a 25 yard return? Or is this only when he physically runs it out the end zone?

It's a no return just like a fair catch.