Amari Cooper delivered a stellar performance, amassing 11 receptions, 265 yards, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion during the Cleveland Browns’ decisive 36-22 victory over the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Cooper’s outstanding display included breaking the franchise receiving record previously held by Josh Gordon, who had set a mark of 261 yards in 2013. His record-breaking feat marked a significant contribution to the Browns’ triumph, edging them closer to a coveted playoff berth.
Cooper’s exceptional day began with a 53-yard gain on the opening play, setting the stage for a 4-yard touchdown run by Jerome. His impact persisted throughout the game, culminating in a crucial 13-yard gain on fourth-and-7 as the Browns comfortably secured the win. The wide receiver’s remarkable performance overshadowed the Texans’ defensive efforts, leaving them unable to contain his explosive plays.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans expressed disappointment with his team’s defensive lapses, stating, “We had a good week of preparation. We knew what we had to do to win the game, which was eliminate the explosive passes. For them to come out for the first play and for that to happen, it’s not good enough.” Despite their strategic approach and emphasis on preventing big plays, the Texans struggled to neutralize Cooper’s impact, allowing four of his receptions to go for gains exceeding 20 yards.
Cooper’s longest reception, a 75-yard catch in the second quarter, extended the Browns’ lead by 14 points, further highlighting the defensive challenges faced by the Texans. The decision not to assign specific defenders such as Derek Stingley Jr. or Steven Nelson to shadow Cooper raised questions, but Ryans defended their defensive philosophy, emphasizing the importance of executing coverage effectively.
With this performance, Cooper surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season, becoming the first Cleveland player to achieve this feat in consecutive years. Additionally, he joined the elite company of Hall of Famer Terrell Owens as the only player in league history to record a 200-yard game with three different franchises (49ers, Cowboys, Bengals).
Despite a late offensive surge for the Texans after switching from Case Keenum to Davis Mills, Cooper had already inflicted significant damage on Houston. The Browns’ lead proved insurmountable, and Cooper exited the game early in the fourth quarter. Mills managed to find the end zone twice against a mix of first and second-team defenders, but the gap was too substantial.
As the Browns headed home for the holidays with Cooper’s 265-yard performance as a memorable gift, the Texans, with a combined 250 yards of offense, faced the task of regrouping before their upcoming home finale against Tennessee. Coach Ryans acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the need to refocus for the next game, stating, “We didn’t get the job done today. It’s back to it next week. How are we going to show up next week ready to go? That’s all that matters. You can’t do anything about this game now.”
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