Raiders receiver Amari Cooper has been as good as advertised in this early season. The No. 4 overall pick is a dynamic playmaker using precise footwork to make big, evasive plays after the catch.

He has handled increased physicality, some bracket and shadowing from top cornerbacks like Cleveland’s Joe Haden. Cooper has had some down periods.

He didn’t have a catch in the second half of Week 4’s loss to Chicago. He only had two receptions for 13 yards in the second half against Denver.

Those numbers show the rule, not the exception.

Check out Cooper’s numbers by half:

First half: 18 rec., 331 yards (17.3 avg.), 2 TDs, 6 rec. of 20-plus yards

Second half: 10 rec., 75 yards (7.5 avg.), 0 TDs, 0 rec. of 20-plus yards

The Raiders are better when Cooper is creating problems, and that’s something offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave’s unit has examined during the bye.

“That’s really been something we’ve worked on this week,” Musgrave said. “We want to keep Amari being a threat throughout the game. At times, we’ve had some plays designed for Amari and the ball has just gone the other way, just due to coverage or protection, things like that.

“We want to do a better job of making sure that his production stays consistent and doesn’t taper off like we’ve been witnessing.”

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The Raiders aren’t going to force feed Cooper the football.

“If you start thinking that way that you need to force it, that’s when really bad things start to happen,” Carr said. “As long as I continue to make sure on my grade sheet I’m making the right read and the right throw, that’s what I’m continuing to do to help this team.”

The Raiders are best when Cooper is active in the offense.

Musgrave shuffles him around the formation and knows each receiver position in attempt to keep opponents off balance. Many of Cooper’s receptions come from short throws, designed to get him possession in stride, with an ability to make things happen after the catch. Despite averaging 13.8 yards per catch, only seven of his receptions have travelled more than 10 yards through the air.

Musgrave uses scheme to get Cooper the football. Carr tries to get his playmaker possession with room get creative. Cooper, a quiet sort in public and private, offers feedback about what he sees and how he’s being defended.

“He’s becoming more comfortable with his teammates, more comfortable in the system,” Musgrave said. “Amari gives us good feedback, both during the week and during the game about what he’s seeing coverage-wise. There’s a good rapport there.”