Nice Post.
A difference can be seen on a simple stick route.
Let's say the play calls for you to run a stick 10 yards out.
But you pre-read the defense and know they are zoning to exactly where you need to go.
Most receivers will just run that route as is. Run right to the defender and turn around. Basically giving up.
Cooper will try to get a defender off that mark instead by creating looks in his route that says it's not going to be a stick.
Watch the overhead cams and you can see the difference.
It's not just at the top of his route... it's knowing the coverage before, to know what changes he needs to make to disguise the route inflight.
