Marcus Cooper Is Unsung Hero of Tamba Hali’s Touchdown

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

When you check the box score of Kansas City’s 23-13 win over the Buffalo Bills, you’ll see that outside linebacker Tamba Hali played a huge role in the win.

Hali, one of the best outside linebackers in the game, was able to scoop up a Buffalo fumble deep in the Bill’s zone and run it back for an easy Chiefs’ touchdown. At the time of Hali’s touchdown, the Chiefs and Bills were tied 13-13.

Hali’s defensive score put the Chiefs up by seven (after Ryan Succop’s kick) with about 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter, and the Bills were never able to recover.

While Hali will get all the credit for the huge defensive play, and probably much of the credit for the win, notice the unsung hero who actually makes this play happen for Kansas City:

If you notice, it’s actually #31 Marcus Cooper who was able bring his hand over the top and knock the ball loose away from Buffalo wide receiver T.J. Graham.

Hali will get the credit for the huge score, and deservedly so, but it’s Cooper’s forced fumble that really made this play for the Chiefs’ defense.

Cooper has been a revelation this season since entering the cornerback rotation because of injuries. In eight games so far, he has two interceptions and one fumble recovery.

You can now add this forced fumble to his rookie resume as well.

Note: GIF via GIFD Sports.