Randall Cobb's Production Lacking For Packers

Nestled high up in Soldier Field’s section 433 in the cloud level 31st row I watched the Green Bay Packers offense move the ball with relative consistency, but with one player noticeably missing. Randall Cobb was held without a catch, and seemed to be eliminated from the game plan entirely. He failed to even receive a target in the passing game despite playing 51 (84%) of the snaps, only nine less than teammates Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams. This stat is even more concerning with him lined up opposite of Chicago Bears nickel back Demontre Hurst where it seemed like he would be a targeted matchup against the backup nickel back. 

With the increased utilization of Ty Montgomery and Jared Cook, the return of Jordy Nelson and the improved production from Davante Adams, it seems that Cobb’s role has diminished significantly from a season ago and even more so in the past few weeks. It seems plausible that over the course of the season Cobb’s injuries have caught up with him and effected his play.

Over the past three games, Cobb has only been targeted 6 times hauling in 6 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. He is on pace to haul in 69 passes for 704 yards and 5 touchdowns. This would be a step back from last season in which he caught 79 receptions amassing 829 yards and 6 touchdowns. While his presence as the number one receiver last season was scrutinized, Aaron Rodgers played a role in his lower stats in 2015. While re-watching game film during the 2015 campaign, Cobb was often seen breaking open and Rodgers looking in another direction. It’s no secret that Packers struggled with their offensive identity for 2015 and much of this season as well.

The feel of his presence the past 3 games is different, however, as it seems that the Packers don’t consider Cobb a priority when it comes to the game plan. Last week against Chicago would have been a prime opportunity to expose a backup nickel back, but instead they chose to attack with Nelson, Adams and Cook as the primary targets. Adams arguably had his worst game of 2016, but it still didn’t push Rodgers towards Cobb. It makes me wonder if Cobb is hurt in a way similar to Clay Matthews in which his production is lacking.

All players are banged up this late in the season, but it is feasible to wonder if Cobb’s hamstring injury in the middle of the season coupled with his current ankle injury are affecting his play negatively. He doesn’t seem like the same player the last few weeks, and it almost seems like the offense isn’t counting on him as a major performer. I don’t question his desire, he still brings a hard-nosed approach as shown in his battles against Seattle last week. He torched coverage linebacker, K.J. Wright, on a 25-yard gain and was involved looking for contact on multiple occasions.

It’s also possible that coach Mike McCarthy has found recent success incorporating Cook and Ty Montgomery more into the offensive attack, and Cobb has been the odd man out. When you have a lot of playmakers on offense, it is easy for guys to disappear or feel left out. Green Bay has the luxury of spreading the wealth on offense with multiple players, but it makes them all the better if Cobb is functioning at a high level. Hopefully he can return to form and add another weapon to the Packers offensive arsenal.

 

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Comments (15)

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Norm's picture

December 23, 2016 at 10:08 am

I was wondering the same thing last week, and while I wasn't aware that Cobb didn't even have a single target, it dawned on me near the end of the game to question whether he was even playing. Looking back, he was open on a few plays and could have been targeted, and I'm curious why not. I'm not one of those that wonders what he did to piss off Rodgers as I can't imagine anything like that goes into QB1's thinking as he drops back to pass.

I'm hoping it's just a matter of having an abundance of weapons on offense and just one football to go around. If he's injured, than just don't play him and let him get better. If he's well enough to play and getting open, then just throw him the damn ball. I suppose game planning and down and distance comes into play a lot but hard to believe a whole game goes by and Cobb isn't targeted once. Assuming he's not injured I wouldn't be surprised to see him featured this week.

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Jean Mitchell's picture

December 23, 2016 at 10:59 am

We know Cobb can catch and run. Throw him in the mix when the Vikings least expect it.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 23, 2016 at 02:57 pm

Cobb was open several times last week but Rodgers choose to throw the ball elsewhere. Maybe it was a timing thing who knows.

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Since'61's picture

December 23, 2016 at 11:28 am

I think it may be a combination of Cobb's injury plus a conscious decision by the Packers to use him as a decoy against the Bears, for whatever reason. In any case I hope that he is closer to 100% this week and is more involved with the offense. Over his career Cobb has made some big plays for the Packers when they needed him the most. He is a productive player when healthy. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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Tundraboy's picture

December 23, 2016 at 04:29 pm

Decoy was first thought that crossed my mind, especially against the bears. That and there are only so plays to spread around with Adams and Cook as new targets.

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Lphill's picture

December 23, 2016 at 12:44 pm

I just think Rodgers had plenty of other targets last week , I think tomorrow we may see more short slants to Cobb against a better defense.

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zoellner25's picture

December 23, 2016 at 01:11 pm

You gotta target a guy for him to get touches

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

December 23, 2016 at 02:39 pm

Cobb has been hurt but maybe they are giving the Vikings something to think about.

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bears suck forever's picture

December 23, 2016 at 06:58 pm

mixing it up is another good offensive strategy.

Mix it up and look for 1 on 1 matchups that favor your side. You cant set new records every week.

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Allan Murphy's picture

December 23, 2016 at 10:50 pm

D.T need to step up make a play show them why they picked you tackles too Kenny Clark has been quit ...

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Allan Murphy's picture

December 23, 2016 at 10:52 pm

Hope Jayrone Elliott can play with club next week .

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Allan Murphy's picture

December 24, 2016 at 01:33 am

Cobb ankle but not on injury report ?

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Allan Murphy's picture

December 24, 2016 at 01:35 am

More Hide be nice too.

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Allan Murphy's picture

December 24, 2016 at 01:36 am

Ha ha a pic 6 or Morgan ...

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al bundy's picture

December 24, 2016 at 06:41 pm

I watched Cobb in the last game and he was covered like a blanket. Rogers could not think of throwing to the guy. Cobb could not shake the defender no matter how hard he tried.
We've seen the best of him, its geronimo's time now. Taller, faster, good hands, good route running, its a not brainer

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