The list of Green Bay Packers fans who believe in the credo “In Gutey We Trust” keeps expanding. GM Brian Gutekunst has proven time and time again that his moves are designed to keep the Packers continuing with their winning ways. Switching kickers mid-season? No sweat. All Brandon McManus has done is kick two walk-off winners in his two games in green and gold. Need a backup quarterback in case QB1 Jordan Love goes down? Got you covered. Malik Willis has steered three Packers victories and may be called upon to assist with more heavy lifting going forward.
However, the draft is where Gutekunst has made his bones, and right now, his 2024 draft class, which includes 2nd-rounder Edgerrin Cooper, is shaping out to be one of his best.
Green Bay Packers’ Edgerrin Cooper Wins NFC Defensive Player of the Week
For his efforts in the 30-27 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper garnered the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
COWBOY COOP!
Everyone say hello to Week 8's NFC Defensive Player of the Week!
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 30, 2024
Cooper’s effort versus the Jaguars was extremely efficient. Playing just 34 defensive snaps in Jacksonville, 60% of the team’s total, Cooper recorded eight tackles as well as a strip-sack and pass defensed that contributed to Green Bay’s victory.
Cooper, who played his college ball at Texas A&M, became the first Packers’ rookie to win this prestigious award since Clay Matthews in week 13 of 2009. Matthews achieved this honor for his play against the Baltimore Ravens.
Also Read: LB Clay Matthews Named NFC Defensive Player Of Week 13
Three Plays from Cooper Crucial to Green Bay Packers’ Win Over Jacksonville
Edgerrin Cooper contributed mightily to the Green Bay Packers’ victory on October 27, and his efforts on three specific plays led to his lofty accolade, and all two of the three occurred in the fourth quarter when the outcome was far from decided. All three plays led to a change of possession.
- In the first quarter, Cooper assisted fellow linebacker Eric Wilson on a tackle for loss of Jaguar running back Tank Bigsby on third-and-2 in the first half, forcing Jacksonville to punt.
- With the Jaguars in possession deep in their own territory and only down three points early in the fourth quarter, Cooper sacked Jaguar quarterback Trevor Lawrence, causing him to fumble. Devonte Wyatt recovered, and the Packers quickly scored to bump their lead to 10.
- Later in the quarter, Cooper bluffed a blitz at the line of scrimmage on 3rd down, then sprinted to cover speedy wide receiver Christian Kirk 40 yards downfield. Cooper broke up the pass, forcing Jacksonville to punt.
Cooper and Other New Faces Leading the Way For Packers’ Defense
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has developed his two standout rookie defenders very nicely and extremely quickly. Fellow rookie Evan Williams went from playing in ZERO defensive snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles in week 1 to playing EVERY snap against the Texans in week 7. Likewise, Cooper participated in just 11 plays against the Eagles, and he has developed under Hafley’s tutelage to become the standout defender of the NFC in week 8.
Based on just these two young budding stars, not to mention the aforementioned transactions, “In Gutey We Trust” may become required propaganda for Cheesehead Nation.