Raiders made a mistake in cutting Jarrod Cooper: Oakland Raider Analysis

August 26, 4:34 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

Previous Next

2 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Oakland Raiders Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Jarrod Cooper was a true Raider. Photo by Patrick A. Patterson TFDSsports.com

In a surprise addition to the Oakland Raiders cut list, it was announced today that safety and special teams ace Jarrod Cooper was among those who were let go prior to the first round of cuts. After his release, it is expected that Coop is going to retire. This move is a big surprise as he had just signed a new multi-year deal prior to the season, and had been talking about wanting to play in Oakland for the rest of his career, which sure sounded like he wanted it to be more than just three preseason games.

Jarrod Cooper was the heart and soul of the Oakland Raiders kick coverage units. During his four-game suspension at the outset of the 2007 season and after his injury to close the season, the coverage units were plain bad. Whilst Coop was part of the unit, they were able to hold Devin Hester to insignificance.

As a safety, Coop was a good fill-in as an in-the-box type enforcer, but was not a guy you wanted as a starter. His coverage was suspect, but he could tackle like a beast. He was also a locker room leader, having been named the special teams captian for the 2006 season.

Coop's biggest asset to the team was as a role player. He knew that his main job was special teams and short yardage in-the-box play, and didn't make a scene about wanting more. He left everything on the field with his play.

If this was a matter of Coop just wanting to retire, Al Davis should have talked him out of it like he did Javon Walker. His loss is going to be a major blow to the kick coverage units. If he was released, this was a mistake by the Raider organization considering that Micahel Waddell is still on the team. Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee said it best:

The coverage units looked bad without Cooper last year.

That was actually an understatement. Once Coop and Isaiah Ekejiuba went down to injury, the Raiders gave up the first and second punt return for touchdowns in Shane Lechler's career. Whilst Coop was suspended last season, the Raiders kick coverage teams were dismal.

In addition to his play on the field and his leadership in the locker room, Coop became part of the East Bay community by adopting the Oakland Animal Shelter. He started his Code 597 charity which raises money to support the Oakland Animal Shelter and awareness about cruelty to animals.

Jarrod Cooper will be missed by the Oakland Raiders and the Raider Nation both for his play on the field, and for his contributions to the community off the field. He is a class individual and a guy who truly played his heart out every single down and is a proud Raider. Best of luck to you, Coop, in all of your endeavors.