Jared Cook Has Been Exactly What We Hoped He Would Be

Way back in July, we discussed what Jared Cook needed to do to be a success in Green Bay. This passage jumps out to me (emphasis added):

I don't think there are really any fair expectations for Jared Cook other than just asking him to be the same Jared Cook that he's been to this point in his career. He just has to be what he is: a tight end. A big, fast, field stretching tight end.

So how did Mr. Cook stack up to those admittedly vague expectations? Pretty well, I’d say.

In the 12 games he’s played for the Packers this year (counting playoffs), Cook has amassed 41 catches for 481 yards and two touchdowns. That puts him on pace for 51 catches, 601 yards, and (rounding up) three touchdowns for a full 16 game season.

During the seven years before Cook joined the Packers, he averaged 39 catches, 500 yards, and two touchdowns per season. In his three year statistical peak, from 2012 to 2014, Cook averaged 49 catches for 609 yards and four touchdowns.

In other words, Cook has just been himself this year in Green Bay, and with a 10-2 record with the big tight end in the lineup, that seems to be exactly what the Packers hoped he could be.