Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper’s passive personality isn’t the problem

Should the Oakland Raiders have a concern with wide receiver Amari Cooper’s passive personality when he plays poorly? Will we see more emotion from him?

As Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper’s slump continues, the pseudo psychologists have questioned whether he’s passionate enough to regain his place as a dynamic component to the offense. Fans have become accustomed to a wideout such as Antonio Brown demand more targets. Even Cooper’s teammate Michael Crabtree wore the “diva wide receiver” label while playing for the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s strange to see those who praised Cooper’s cool, calm personality as maturity now find the same traits as a hindrance to a potential breakout. Winning and losing have completely changed the way some view the 23-year old pass-catcher’s approach to the game.

In some discussion circles, the perspective on Cooper has transitioned from the most composed young receiver in the league to a nonchalant underachiever who doesn’t care enough because he lacks the fire when he’s performing poorly.

Don’t expect a shift in Cooper’s personality any time soon. On Wednesday, he didn’t show much emotion when asked about quarterback EJ Manuel missing him on some open reads. Vic Tafur of the Athletic tweeted the short response:

When asked about his approach going forward, Cooper offered a passive response (per NFL.com):

"“Stay true to who I am, and the ball will find me.”"

Cooper won’t provide any sound bites for headlines, but it’s clear offensive coordinator Todd Downing and quarterback Derek Carr have to feed targets to the stoic receiver.

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However, this doesn’t mean Cooper has to change his personality based on the situation. At the very least, he’s consistent. Furthermore, it doesn’t take a genius to realize the offense reaches optimal levels when No. 89 sees more targets in the passing attack. No one should have to tell Downing or Carr about a receiver that went to consecutive Pro Bowls with more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.

Cooper’s subdued personality isn’t the problem. You can blame him for previous drops, but he can’t redeem himself with two passes thrown in his direction in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.

On Monday, head coach Jack Del Rio said he saw five instances in which Cooper separated from the defender and found open space for an incoming pass, per Tafur:

No, the passive receiver won’t toss a Gatorade cooler on the sideline or step to Carr’s face off the field, but that’s what’s great about him. Though it’s warranted, those traits don’t fit Cooper and would look odd if he tried to become something that’s not suited for his personality.

There’s no excuse for Cooper to finish with six, nine and eight receiving yards over the past three games. His production shouldn’t resemble an area code, and it’s on the quarterback to feed the playmakers on the field. When the signal-caller misses his reads, the offensive coordinator should give a reminder in his ear.

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Finally, Cooper must make the most of his opportunities. However, a low target volume isn’t his fault nor does it solve his drop issues. Even though he doesn’t show emotions either way, it’s something the fans will have to accept—even during a slump. Expect his play to do the talking, but it certainly helps to find creative ways to utilize him in the offensive game plan.