Packers' Edgerrin Cooper is off to insane start to 2025 NFL season 2 Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) sneaks a peak into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Packers’ highest graded defender was nearly perfect vs. Steelers

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 9:56 PM ET

Micah Parsons stole the show late for the Packers, in Sunday’s 35-25 victory over Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he wasn’t the only Green Bay game-wrecker wreaking havoc.

While Aaron Rodgers struggled to get much consistent momentum going for the Steelers’ passing game, and cornerback Carrington Valentine had several big pass breakups in the secondary, it was one of the Packers’ top front-seven defenders who made his presence known early and often under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football.

Packers’ Edgerrin Cooper dominates in win over Steelers

Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper’s breakout performance came last season in a prime time clash in Seattle against the Steelers, and his strongest showing to date in the 2025 campaign was when he became a catalyst for Green Bay’s defensive dominance over Pittsburgh in Week 8.

Sunday night, according to Pro Football Focus, Cooper was the Packers’ highest-graded defensive player on the field, registering an elite and nearly flawless 92.1 overall grade over his 62 snaps against the Steelers.

Packers' so-called weak link is locked in and locking down, opponent passing stats suggest through 3 games 3 Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) celebrates with cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) after Cooper intercepted the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Cooper is an ascending talent in the Packers’ front-seven and one of the most dominant players on coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense, who posted five total tackles against Pittsburgh while adding his first forced fumble of the season.

As edge defenders such as Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness continue to see opportunities in the backfield thanks to the attention Parsons commands, Cooper is heating up and beginning to make his presence felt, all over the field, as well.

Packers' Micah Parsons is all-in on Edgerrin Cooper 1 Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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