Riley Cooper had his breakout moment against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Prior to the Eagles win on Sunday, the wide receiver had yet to let his performances on the field overshadow his preseason controversy off the field. However, after playing a crucial part in the Eagles' win over the Buccaneers, Cooper could suddenly become a new fantasy football favorite.
Cooper had his first career 100-yard receiving game as he and Nick Foles appeared on the same page throughout the entire game. He caught four passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. He caught a 47-yard score, while adding 44 yards after another catch. It was the first time all season he caught more than two passes in game, while he flashed the talent and potential he displayed when first arriving in Philadelphia. Is this a sign of good things to come?
There is theory that Cooper's lack of impact on the Eagles offense could come at the hands of the quarterback. Vick and Cooper have only connected on 8 of 18 passes this year. They have failed to put up 100 yards together through four games. However, with Foles, the two connected on 4 of 6 passes for the 120 yards.
"I'm very proud of Riley. I love him to death," Foles said, via NJ.com. "I thought he played tremendous near his hometown. I'm really, really proud of him. I really think his character has grown, for sure."
While Vick mainly relies on DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy, Foles spread the ball out a little more on Sunday, giving Cooper a chance to shine. This type of play could become a permanent fixture for the Eagles. The backup quarterback certainly did a good job in proving he is capable of being a starting quarterback after stepping in for the injured Vick. Chip Kelly has yet to announce if this will be a long-term move.
Vick is currently rehabbing a nagging hamstring injury. He claims the road to being healthy again is a long one, yet the head coach has yet to announce anything formal. More and more, NFL sources are believing Foles gives the Eagles the better chance to win games over the veteran. Foles has improved his passing and Vick cannot stay healthy.
Kelly said he will not announce a starting quarterback until the team has determined the status of Vick's health. It seems likely he could sit out at least one more game, making Cooper poised for another big fantasy spread.
