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NFL midseason awards: Tom Brady takes hardware

By Staff

Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field as sunbeams cut across the field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field as sunbeams cut across the field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) stiff arms Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Tank Carder (59) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) stiff arms Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Tank Carder (59) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Amari Cooper

The Oakland Raiders might make the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and they have the duo of Derek Carr and Amari Cooper to thank for that. Cooper has been tremendous since being the fourth-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, showcasing an elite blend of size, skill and speed. Cooper has already caught 38 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns, continually torching cornerbacks.

Coming out of college, Cooper was thought to be the best receiver in a very strong class for the position. Some said Kevin White would be that man, although White has been out for the season with shin problems. Others believed that DeVante Parker would be the top dog, but Parker has caught just four passes for 49 yards. Cooper has easily been the best of the class, proving general manager Reggie McKenzie correct.

If Oakland can keep Carr and Cooper healthy and together going into the future, it finally has a legitimate offensive combination for the first time in well over a decade. The Raiders are going to put pressure on other teams in the AFC playoff race, something that seems almost unbelievable after so many years of being dormant. Look for Cooper to only improve with each coming game.

Next: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

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