Chris Cooley is talking.
Which means chances are Chris Cooley is probably saying something, well, a bit different.
It starts with his fantasy football team — he had Clinton Portis last season, but helped an opponent with his big game against Dallas. And then it segues to his curly hair and how he plans to eventually grow a mullet. Just like he had when he was a kid.
“That was a cool mullet,” said Cooley, nicknamed Captain Chaos. “I was a Broncos fan and my mom let me spike my hair and go blue-and-orange for the Super Bowl.”
OK.
Since his arrival in Washington, Cooley has been known to be a tad offbeat. He’s also been known as a solid tight end, with 108 receptions in his first two seasons.
With new associate head coach for offense Al Saunders now calling plays, Cooley’s role is expected to again be pivotal. Saunders loved using the tight end in Kansas City. Of course, that tight end was supremely talented Tony Gonzalez.
“Chris might have more downfield speed, so it gives him a little advantage downfield,” said Redskins tight ends coach Rennie Simmons. “We have to get the ball in his hands. We have to get the ball in a lot of people’s hands in this offense. I’m not sure anyone knows how it will unfold.”
But, suffice to say, Cooley figures prominently in the Redskins’ passing attack.
“Chris is tremendously talented,” said Saunders. “He’ll be moved all over. What he does is the essence of what we do.”
Cooley, considered an H-back his first two seasons, is now just a tight end. But he’ll continue to do most of what he’s done in the past: line up in different spots, from tight end, to the slot, to fullback.
What helps Cooley more is having more talent around him, with Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El. In Cooley’s last eight games, he only twice surpassed 70 yards receiving as defenses keyed on he and Pro Bowl wide receiver Santana Moss. Rather than play zone against Cooley, they successfully used man coverage with safety help.
“[Now] I can stretch the field,” Cooley said. “We have threats everywhere and people have to honor that. I’ll be able to get downfield and make bigger plays.”
He also knows his numbers might decrease because of the added talent.
“I would take 40 catches if we win the Super Bowl,” he said. “I don’t care. It’s a lot more fun to win games.”
Chaos ensues
» Cooley’s best game last season came in December against Dallas when he caught six passes for 71 yards and three touchdowns.
» During Saunders’ five seasons in Kansas City, seven-time Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez averaged 77 catches and 954 yards a season.
» Last season, Cooley set a Redskins’ single-season record for catches by a tight end with 71.
