Cooper's pylon route execution in Kubiak's system created explosive plays vs. Alabama.

Cooper ran a pylon route—a staple in Kubiak's playbook—against Alabama's Cover 0 defense in the Rose Bowl. He executed a hard inside release to sell a vertical route before breaking toward the sideline at a 45-degree angle, getting the nickel cornerback to open his hips to the middle. Mendoza recognized the coverage breakdown and hit Cooper in stride on the run for an explosive play, suggesting Cooper's fit in Kubiak's system.