Amari Cooper Says Cowboys Coaches Pulled Him Before Crucial Failed 4th Down vs Eagles

Amari Cooper is supposed to be one of the difference makers for the Dallas Cowboys on offense. Yet, in a game in which the Cowboys had a chance to clinch the NFC East, Cooper finished with just four receptions for 24 yards.

He wasn't much of a factor, but his most notable moment came during the final offensive play of the game, during which he was nowhere to be seen. Instead of lining up for the pivotal play, Cooper was off to the sideline.

Well, after the game, Cooper revealed that he had been pulled by coaches ahead of the final play.

The Cowboys had the ball with 1:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. Their fourth down pass to Michael Gallup -- a 50-50 ball -- fell incomplete and essentially ended the game. Cooper was targeted on third down, but was apparently pulled and not allowed to redeem himself on fourth down.

Pulling Cooper is a confusing move and the fact he discussed it postgame is just another knock against Jason Garrett as the Cowboys head coach.

The best players need to be on the field when the game is on the line. There is simply no excuse for the star wide receiver to not at least have been ON THE FIELD for the play. That's not to say that Prescott had to target him, but simply having his presence on the field would draw significant attention from the Eagles' secondary.

It was a humbling loss for the Cowboys, and Cooper's absence from the last play will certainly be examined in the aftermath.