It sure sounds like Packers have learned their lesson with Edgerrin Cooper

Edgerrin Cooper had missed the past three games due to a hamstring injury, but he quickly reminded the Green Bay Packers what they were missing during the team’s emphatic win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football.

Packers fans have pleaded with the coaching staff to give Cooper a full-time role. All he does is make plays.

It looks like the Packers have finally learned their lesson. It’s in part due to Quay Walker’s injury that forced him out of the game, and also because Cooper’s production has become undeniable. The rookie featured on 34 defensive snaps, the second-most among Packers linebackers and, notably, considerably more than Isaiah McDuffie’s 25.

And he made a statement, finishing the game with a team-best seven tackles (including six solo), two tackles for loss, one sack, two quarterback hits, two pass defenses, and one interception. It earned him an elite PFF grade of 95.5.

It’s the breakout game Packers fans have seen coming a million miles away. Based on Matt LaFleur’s postgame comments, it’s pretty obvious he understands Cooper’s All-Pro potential.

Matt LaFleur gushes over Edgerrin Cooper after Packers’ win on SNF

LaFleur wasted no time praising Cooper during his postgame interview, namedropping the rookie in his opening statement.

“It was great to have Cooper back. His stat line was pretty impressive and he made some big-time plays,” said LaFleur.

But he wasn’t finished.

“He’s just a hell of a player,” said LaFleur. “It’s been fun to watch and witness his growth … Coop is a hell of an athlete, man. He’s a really good football player. I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he can become in this league.”

LaFleur also praised his coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and linebackers coach Anthony Campanile, for helping bring the best out of him.

The Packers’ head coach wasn’t alone in the praise for Cooper. Jordan Love said he had a “crazy game” and is a “phenomenal player.” Kingsley Enagbare called Cooper “special.”

The rookie has shown star potential throughout his first season but has been held back by injuries. This felt like a turning point. A breakout performance that could launch his Packers career.

He can do a bit of everything, whether it’s blitzing, covering pass-catchers, running sideline-to-sideline, or playing as a quarterback spy, Cooper can do it all. He proved it on Sunday Night Football, making a sack, interception, and two tackles for loss.

It’s over to the Packers to ensure he plays a featured role in Hafley’s defense moving forward, especially if Walker misses time. Cooper is a playmaker with unlimited potential. LaFleur is right in saying he is just “scratching the surface.”

He could be the difference maker the Packers need to take their defense to the next level in the postseason.

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