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Amari Cooper Wins Fox Game Ball After 2-TD Performance in Cowboys Win

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured ColumnistNovember 23, 2018

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) runs in for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Ron Jenkins/Associated Press

Amari Cooper had his biggest game as a member of the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day and was honored in appropriate fashion.

Cooper was the recipient of the Fox Game Ball following Dallas' 31-23 win over the Washington Redskins. He finished with eight receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

FOX Sports: NFL @NFLonFOX

"Ever since I got out here, Dak and I have been on the same page." After the @DallasCowboys' big win, @ErinAndrews caught up with the game's MVP @AmariCooper9 and his QB @Dak Prescott. https://t.co/pqzFqyIW7A

Cooper helped give the Cowboys a 17-13 lead in the third quarter when he broke free for a 40-yard touchdown reception.

NFL @NFL

HE GONE. The @DallasCowboys reCOOP the lead! @AmariCooper9 📺: #WASvsDAL on FOX https://t.co/HWIA7kmHBp

On Dallas' next possession, quarterback Dak Prescott found Cooper despite tight coverage from the Washington secondary. Cooper eluded cornerback Fabian Moreau and then won a footrace against safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix en route to the end zone for a 90-yard score.

NFL @NFL

AMARI COOPER GOES BACK FOR SECONDS. 90-YARD #DALLASCOWBOYS TOUCHDOWN! 📺: #WASvsDAL on FOX https://t.co/qyEuItXvT2

Many NFL fans thought the Cowboys paid too steep a price when they traded a first-round pick to acquire the experienced pass-catcher from the Oakland Raiders.

Prior to Thursday, Cooper didn't provide an overwhelmingly positive return, catching 14 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown in three games. Now, the trade is starting to look much better.

Bobby Carpenter @Bcarp3

That’s why you make the trade ... Cooper turns a 16 yard dig into a TD

mike freeman @mikefreemanNFL

Jerry Jones was right about Amari?

Ben Maller @benmaller

Jerry Jones literally took a bow for the Amari Cooper trade. #DallasCowboys https://t.co/pnjokk7kA0

By beating Washington, Dallas moved into a tie for first place in the NFC East.

Alex Smith's season-ending injury arguably makes the Cowboys the favorites to win the division since the Redskins have to now rely on Colt McCoy at quarterback. Dallas' odds are even stronger if Cooper's Thanksgiving Day performance means he's turning a corner. He can help energize what had been a mediocre Cowboys offense.