Amari Cooper kickstarted Sunday’s game with a spectacular 53-yard reception, sparking expectations of a remarkable day for the Cleveland Browns star. Little did he know, it would become the most prolific performance by a receiver in the franchise’s history.
Cooper not only set a new team record with an impressive 265 yards receiving but also contributed two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion in the Browns’ 36-22 victory over the Houston Texans, bringing them closer to a coveted playoff berth. This outstanding display catapulted Cooper to the top of the Browns’ record book, surpassing Josh Gordon’s previous mark of 261 yards set on December 1, 2013, against Jacksonville. Moreover, it marked the highest receiving yardage in any NFL game this season.
With a total of 1,250 yards, Cooper achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first receiver in Browns history to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. This extraordinary feat also marked his third 200-yard receiving game, placing him in exclusive company alongside Terrell Owens as the only players to achieve this with three different teams. Cooper had previously notched a 226-yard game with the Cowboys and a 210-yard game while playing for the Raiders.
While the Browns can’t secure a playoff spot this week, their impressive 10-5 record virtually guarantees them just their second postseason appearance since 2002. This achievement represents the third instance since 1999 that the team has reached double-digit wins, following their success in 2007 and 2020. The prospect of clinching a playoff spot looms large, with a potential playoff berth on the line if they secure a win against the New York Jets on Thursday.