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Fansided

The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a catch for a first down against cornerback Rasul Douglas #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 11, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a catch for a first down against cornerback Rasul Douglas #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 11, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys: Trading for Amari Cooper

Jerry Jones‘ trade for Amari Cooper was like a quarterback throwing the ball into heavy traffic, only to have his receiver come up with a huge reception and take it for a touchdown. You’ve been there, right?

When the ball is in the air, and you’re yelling at the TV, “No, no, no…” and then the receiver catches is, and you explode with joy.

That’s what this trade has been like for the Cowboys. Giving up a first-round pick for Cooper seemed like Jon Gruden had finally pulled one over on somebody, and he did it to a desperate Jerry Jones.

Even in less than half of a season, though, Cooper has proven to be an incredible difference-maker for the Cowboys, who have combined great defensive play with a balanced offensive attack. Cooper is the reason teams have to respect the Cowboys’ passing game now, whereas they did not have that player on the roster before.

The first-round pick now appears poised to be late in round one, and if the Cowboys were going to potentially draft a receiver anyway, why not trade for Cooper? It’s working extremely well.

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