LANDOVER, Md. — Amari Cooper expressed “frustrated” and its variations multiple times after the Cleveland Browns suffered a 34-13 defeat to the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

“It’s always tough to lose,” Cooper stated. “Losing the way we did is even harder. So we need to regroup, keep improving, and turn things around.”

For the fifth time this year, the Browns’ offense struggled to score at least 20 points. They went almost 53 minutes without a touchdown. Cooper recorded the day’s longest reception, which was a 19-yard catch during the second quarter’s opening play.

He ended the game with four receptions for 60 yards on 10 targets. From the game’s beginning, there seemed to be a disconnect between Cooper and quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson attempted a deep pass to Cooper on the third play, but it fell incomplete. They tried another long throw from deep in their territory, but it sailed over Cooper’s head, leaving him visibly disappointed. Later in the first half, Cooper also couldn’t catch a pass from Watson that was directed toward the sideline.

“If I had all the solutions, we wouldn’t be in this situation,” Cooper remarked. “I can’t really provide a proper answer.”

In the season’s first two games, Cooper recorded just five catches for 27 yards. He bounced back with two touchdown catches in a win over the New York Giants; however, he hasn’t surpassed 24 yards on any play this season as a key player in an offense seeking big plays.

Entering Sunday, Cooper had a league-high eight dropped passes. He expressed regret over allowing a pass to bounce off his chest last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, which was intercepted and turned into a touchdown, contributing to a narrow four-point loss.

“I’ve been working on my mistakes these past weeks, especially regarding my performance,” said the five-time Pro Bowl receiver on Sunday.

As teams like the Kansas City Chiefs look to strengthen their receiving corps, Cooper’s name is likely to surface in trade discussions. Reports from ESPN mentioned that teams will likely inquire about him as the Nov. 5 trade deadline approaches. However, Cooper brushed aside those speculations as mere rumors during the week. The Browns restructured Cooper’s contract in the offseason, reducing his base salary to $1.2 million, making it more appealing for other teams to take on during the season. This marks the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal originally signed with the Cowboys.

What keeps Cooper optimistic about the Browns is the possibility of a turnaround, reminiscent of past stories of redemption – “like the narratives people tell.” He likened the current situation to the success Cleveland experienced last season with Joe Flacco leading the offense to the top of the AFC wild-card standings.

“Teams often start poorly. There are typically two directions you can go from here. Hopefully, we can be one of those teams that turns it around,” Cooper said. “That’s what we’re aiming for. Without hope, there’s not much to hold onto. So yes, I remain very hopeful.”