Brandin Cooks' Saints Debut Gets Overblown: Why Criticism Is Premature
The New Orleans Saints have played one game in the 2025 National Football League regular season. That's it.
While this is the case, some of the chatter of the week just a few days after the Arizona Cardinals loss already is getting a bit out of hand. It's easy to overreact when it comes to professional sports. That's arguably especially the case in football. There are just 17 games so each one arguably matters more than a single baseball game in a 162-game season, for example.
On top of that, there's roughly a whole week in between games meaning there are just days to completely dissect each contest to an intense level. If the team wins, there's a lot of positive buzz for a week. And not so much if a team loses. The Saints dropped their first game of the season and so in response, there have been some overreactions. For example, FanSided's Jerry Trotta claimed that Brandin Cooks' Week 1 performance was enough to prove the Dallas Cowboys were smart not to bring him back.
There already are some pretty big takes out there
"Cowboys definitely made the right choice letting Brandin Cooks sign with the Saints," Trotta said. "For a 31-year-old wide receiver, Cooks got a really good deal from New Orleans. He signed a two-year contract worth $13 million, with $7.75 million fully guaranteed and a $4.8 million signing bonus. Not too shabby. Cooks finished his debut with three catches for 26 yards. It's an underwhelming stat line at face value, and it looks even worse when you consider Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler dropped back to pass 46 times. He ranked fourth on the team in targets (four) behind Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson and Rashid Shaheed.
"The Saints would have hoped for a bigger impact from one of their bigger free agent investments. However, what did they really expect? Cooks is clearly on the downswing of his career. While he missed a chunk of time with a knee injury, Cooks was outplayed by Jalen Tolbert last year. Tolbert is a player Cowboys fans would trade tomorrow if the opportunity presented itself. It would not surprise if Cooks is jumped in the Saints' target pecking order by second-year pro DeVaughn Vele before long. The 31-year-old is a fine WR4 at this stage of his career, which begs the question of why the Saints gave him $7.7 million guaranteed to be the fifth or sixth option in their passing attack."
That's a big aggressive for just one game of work. He caught three of his four targets for 26 yards. That's not explosive, by any means. But, Cooks also was voted as a team captain and is a veteran presence in a young receiver room. He was fourth on the team in targets and fourth on a team that had 214 passing yards in total. There are surely questions about the passing offense in general, but a little aggressive to have a take that big after one week. Cooks and the Saints likely will be fine. There are 16 games left.
BREAKING NEWS: Bo Nix Asks Denver Broncos and All NFL Teams to Observe a Minute of Silence in Tribute to Charlie Kirk
In a powerful and emotional statement that has resonated far beyond the football field, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has called on his team, as well as every other NFL franchise, to observe a minute of silence before each game to honor the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk, who was tragically assassinated during a speaking event at a college in Utah, has become a symbol of free expression, civic engagement, and the power of youth in American politics.
A Heartfelt Appeal for Unity
Nix’s request, made in the aftermath of Kirk's assassination, has stirred significant attention. The quarterback’s statement emphasized unity, respect, and patriotism, encouraging all NFL teams to set aside their competitive rivalries for a brief but meaningful moment of reflection. His appeal has rapidly gained momentum, with fans, players, and analysts from across the league rallying behind the call for solidarity.
“Charlie Kirk believed in America and the values that bring us together. I ask the Denver Broncos, and I ask every NFL team, to honor him with one minute of silence before each game. This is about respect and unity, and I believe it is something the entire country can share,” Nix said in his statement.
The Clarity and Sincerity of Nix's Words
The clarity and sincerity of Nix’s words immediately struck a chord with those who saw this as an opportunity to transcend the usual sports focus and engage in something more profound—a call for unity in the face of division. His message has ignited a national conversation about the role of athletes in shaping societal values and fostering a sense of community.
Kirk’s Legacy and Its Impact
Charlie Kirk’s tragic death has deeply impacted his supporters, who have long admired him for his advocacy for free speech, conservative values, and the empowerment of young people. His assassination, which took place during a routine speaking event at a college in Utah, has not only left a void in the political landscape but also prompted widespread reflection on the state of public discourse in America.
Kirk’s influence extended beyond his work with Turning Point USA, where he championed the voices of young conservatives. He embodied a vision of America where civic engagement was a core part of everyday life. His sudden and violent death has left many searching for ways to honor his legacy and continue his work, and Nix’s call for a tribute at NFL games has become a focal point for that effort.
A Movement Spreads Across the League
As word of Nix’s request spread, it quickly found support from players and fans alike. At Denver Broncos practices, fans arrived with banners reading “One Minute for America,” and the hashtag #OneMinuteForAmerica began trending on social media. Supporters from other teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers, voiced their agreement with Nix’s plea, expressing a shared sense of patriotism and respect for Kirk’s contributions to American dialogue.
The idea quickly transcended the confines of the Broncos’ fan base, with multiple NFL teams expressing openness to participating in the tribute. Some fans took to social media to organize local watch parties and pre-game moments of silence at stadiums across the country, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of Nix’s words.
The NFL’s Response
Although the NFL has historically maintained a cautious stance on political and cultural matters, Nix’s request has placed the league in a position where it must consider how to respond. Reports suggest that NFL executives are considering a flexible approach, allowing individual teams to decide whether or not to participate in the tribute. Several teams have shown openness to the idea, while others remain cautious about publicly aligning the league with a specific political figure.
No official decision has been announced, but the sheer level of public engagement with the movement makes it unlikely that the NFL will ignore the growing support for the tribute.
The Power of Athletes to Inspire Change
Nix’s leadership in this moment highlights the potential for professional athletes to serve as catalysts for social change. In a year when national divisions have been pronounced, his call for a moment of reflection has reminded Americans that sports can transcend the playing field and inspire unity. This call to action aligns with the tradition of athletes using their platforms for broader cultural and social movements.
Baseball has long been called America’s pastime, and the NFL, as the most popular sport in the country, has the unique opportunity to bring the nation together through a simple, yet profound act of tribute. Whether or not the tribute becomes a widespread tradition across all NFL teams, Nix’s words have already left a lasting mark on the American consciousness.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on how the league responds to Nix’s request. Will more teams join in and make the minute of silence a part of their pre-game rituals? Or will the NFL choose to leave it as an individual team decision? Regardless of the outcome, Bo Nix’s leadership has sparked a movement that goes far beyond football, uniting fans in honor of a fallen figure and reminding everyone of the unifying power of sports.
Conclusion
Bo Nix’s request for NFL teams to observe a minute of silence for Charlie Kirk has ignited a patriotic movement that is reverberating across the country. His call for unity in the wake of a national tragedy has given fans the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the values that bring Americans together. Whether it becomes a lasting tradition in the NFL or remains a one-time tribute, Nix’s statement has proven that even in times of division, sports can serve as a powerful force for good.
