Now that the New England Patriots have acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints, let's take a look at how Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can maximize the explosive-play ability of the 2014 first-round pick.
Here are three of McDaniels' top routes that cater to the electric speed of Cooks, who will provide even more opportunities for QB Tom Brady to expose opposing defenses. From shallow crossing routes to deep shots outside the numbers, Cooks will make the Patriots even tougher to defend. Here's how:
Shallow crossing route
The Patriots work the ball underneath in McDaniels' system by creating space on shallow crossing routes. The scheme below is a super high-percentage throw for Brady, and it allows the Patriots to generate matchups inside the numbers versus man-coverage teams.
Hi-Lo crossers is a classic Patriots man-coverage beater out of a trips formation with Cooks (W) aligned inside. The backside receiver, Chris Hogan (X), is there simply to pick off the defensive back covering Cooks. And since the defense is without immediate help from the safety playing in the deep middle of the field, Brady can deliver this ball to the speedy Cooks with plenty of room to run. That's an explosive play waiting to happen.
We've seen this route from the Patriots, and we know how productive Julian Edelman can be in McDaniels short-to-intermediate passing game. But with Cooks in the mix -- and a healthy Rob Gronkowski back at tight end -- the Patriots' core route concepts will cause even more stress for opposing defenses.
Combination man coverages, bracket looks and safety rotations that are designed to take Edelman or Gronkowski out of the game will just create more one-on-one matchups for Cooks. And that's money for Brady.
Post-Wheel
The Patriots have deep ball concepts in the game plan, though they aren't a true vertical offense. But with Cooks, Brady will be in a position to take more shots downfield, using the WR on routes designed to beat both zone and man coverage. Check out this example:
This is a post-wheel concept with Chris Hogan (Z) running the post, Cooks (W) breaking on the wheel route, and Edelman (X) running the out route. This is a tough route to stop for zone teams as Hogan can run off the cornerback, opening a window to deliver the ball to Cooks. And it also will create issues versus man-coverage teams, with Cooks selling the out cut before working back up the field. That's a tough spot for a nickel cornerback.
The Patriots run one of the most efficient passing systems in the league and can create matchups at all three levels of the field. However, with Cooks now in the offense, McDaniels can script more deep throws and generate more opportunities to flip the field. That's scary for the Pats' opponents.
Speed in the seam
I believe we will see Cooks aligned all over the field next season. In the slot, outside the numbers, shifted into the backfield -- you name it, McDaniels will draw it up. The Patriots will get the most out of Cooks' formation flexibility to find the best matchups. Here's one example of how they can do that:
The Patriots' smash-seam route was already an issue for opposing defenses with just Gronkowski (Y) and Edelman (Z) because of how it puts stress on the middle of the field. And now that New England gets to slot Cooks into that X position, watch out. Brady can manipulate (or move) the free safety to get the matchup he wants with two seam routes pressing up the numbers. That's a nightmare to defend given the matchup ability of Gronkowski and the speed of Cooks.
The big picture
These are just three concepts I see on tape with the Patriots, but there are plenty more. McDaniels is one of the most innovative playcallers in the game, and getting a player with Cooks' unique skill set will open up a world of possibilities.
McDaniels and Brady can move the WR all over the field to get the matchup they want for Cooks or one of their other weapons. Focus on Cooks? No problem, we'll give you a dose of Gronk. Play it safe and take away the deep ball to Cooks or Gronk? Cool, we'll torch you underneath with Edelman and James White.
Remember, the Patriots won Super Bowl LI without Gronkowski or Cooks on the field. The prospect of adding them both to the fray next season gives the Patriots matchup advantages everywhere you look.