Will Randall Cobb Help Or Hinder The Packers Offense?

Randall Cobb is back and everyone is excited... but will it be a good thing for the Packers offense?

Randall Cobb is coming home.

He'll turn 31 during training camp. Age and injuries have taken their toll and, by football player standards, he is over the hill.

However, he has an uncanny rapport with Aaron Rodgers - maybe stronger than any other receiver the quarterback has ever had.

Sure, Aaron Rodgers has a great rapport with Davante Adams in goal line situations.

And of course Rodgers had an incredible rapport with Jordy Nelson on sideline routes and back shoulder throws.

But his rapport with Randall Cobb is something different. The link Rodgers had with Adams and Jordy came from scripted plays that took advantage of their incredible skills and timing. With Cobb, the connection shows up in the scramble drill when things break down into unscripted chaos.

Throughout his career, Randall Cobb has made huge plays by going off script. From switching to a deep route on "4th and Great" to breaking off to a soft spot as Rodgers bought time in "It's Randall Cobb Again," the shifty receiver has come up big when plays break down and draw out.

A receiver doesn't need prime speed or athletic traits to get open in the scramble drill. He needs to have a feel for the game and an unspoken bond with the quarterback.

Randall Cobb has both of those things - he has a way of finding space in a place where his quarterback innately knows to look for him in.

Last year, that could have came in very handy.

Every time it felt like Rodgers was locked in to Adams, Cobb could have been another receiver with the full trust of the quarterback, which could have opened up another option.

That's great. Having a security blanket with an unspoken bond is a wonderful weapon.

However... it comes with a potential downside in this particular situation.

A big part of Aaron Rodgers's return to MVP form last year was his rhythm passing. He looked incredibly sharp dropping back and throwing in rhythm in the LaFleur offense.

Recall, not long ago, how Rodgers looked at the end of Mike McCarthy's tenure. He was not trusting the system. He was not dropping back in rhythm and and hitting receivers in stride.

Instead, he was dancing around, waiting for guys like Cobb or Jordy to get open.

The security and trust he had with those guys was great, but it led him to playing off script too much. It led him to playing sandlot passing to the detriment of the team. It led to losing seasons.

If Rodgers regresses to simply holding onto the ball and waiting for Cobb or Adams to get open, the season could be a huge disappointment.

However, if he can play within LaFleur's system - a system that helps receivers get open - and he can throw in rhythm and on-script while throwing to receivers that he has full, unspoken, mental connection with... look out.

The return of Randall Cobb is an exciting idea, but how the quarterback uses him will determine if the move was a success or not.  

 

 

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__________________________

Bruce Irons has played, coached, and studied football for decades. Best-selling author of books such as A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Draft, A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Salary Cap, and A Fan's Guide To NFL Free Agency Hits And Misses, Bruce contributes to CheeseHeadTV and PackersForTheWin.com.

Follow Bruce Irons on Twitter at @BruceIronsNFL.

__________________________

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12 points
 

Comments (101)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Archie's picture

August 01, 2021 at 11:17 am

Excellent analysis.

5 points
7
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Savage57's picture

August 02, 2021 at 05:53 am

Agree, and we'll just have to wait and see how Rodgers handles Cobb's return within the context of LaFleur's offense.

As the only Generalmanagerback in the league, he certainly has a high degree of latitude to do as he sees fit and wants.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 11:39 am

It depends on questions that we can not yet answer:
1) is Cobb fully over his injury and can he stay healthy?
2) How ready is Amari? He has looked much more ready than I thought he might so far, but it is early.
3) How good is the player he replaces and how much future upside down they have? Thus far Winfree is looking like a keeper and Gaither is showing up, for example.
4) Can LaFleur find a role and snap percentage that both he and Rodgers will accept?
5) Will he get targets on merit or will Rodgers shift targets away from other catchers or runners?
6) Just how much speed/suddenness has Cobb lost when healthy? Some presumably, but it’s been health that’s limited him mostly.
7) This one may not be offense, but what would the Packers have wanted to do with that cap money had he not been a requirement to sign?

Some we will see as camp roles on, some may take longer to emerge and a few may never be known for certain, but all are valid considerations in my view.

Your scramble drill contention concerns me. Firstly, I think that it is overstating things by some way. Cobb was certainly a help on occasion but not the the extent portrayed. If he were he’d have had a lot more yards. Slots are often the beneficiaries of breakdowns because they are more able to work into holes than guys on the perimeter. Secondly, to be a help in break downs, you have to be on the field. In an MM offense, Cobb usually was. In this O, 3 receivers are out there far less and personnel vary and that’s key to the O. A slot is going to get a much smaller percentage of snaps under LaFleur than MM. So, the chance to help in scrambles should be proportionately less. If it is not, the O philosophy has been diluted.

12 points
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3
Bure9620's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:51 pm

You again hit the proverbial nail on the head. If we end up in "11" many times that is due to Jones being motioned to exploit a matchup. The best slot receiver on the Green Bay Packers is Aaron Jones...

2 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

August 01, 2021 at 04:48 pm

Too long

-4 points
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jurp's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:30 pm

Learn how to read.

4 points
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BruceIrons's picture

August 02, 2021 at 11:55 am

It's hard to know what's going on in the quarterback's head, but I felt like at the end McCarthy's tenure, Rodgers spent a lot of time waiting for his guys to run around and get open.

I feel like LaFleur's scheme removed a lot of that behavior. I just hope Cobb doesn't bring us back to those days.

0 points
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HawkPacker's picture

August 01, 2021 at 11:23 am

I was not a huge fan of Randall Cobb but do admit that it should help the offense. The offense was pretty good last year and not sure how much better adding Cobb will make it. I would rather they add someone to the DL or possibly IL as the defense has a lot of room for improvement.

The good thing about adding Cobb is that it makes Aaron happy, he is really good when the defense steps offside and the Packers get a free play and finally I think the best thing is he can work with Amari Rodgers and make him better in the offense and now we have two of those types of players so the special teams should improve as well.

Overall, I am satisfied with the addition of Cobb.

1 points
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Thegravedigger's picture

August 01, 2021 at 10:49 pm

These people are so blinded by there hate for rodgers. If none of this rodgers drama happened and gute traded for cobb these same fans would love the signing. I like the signing too. What these clowns seem to forget is that cobbs rookie year he was the 5th wr as well. And he was productive. Double d and james jones didnt stunt his growth. My point is that amari rodgers will be the 5th wr on the depth chart just like cobb was. So R EL A X people. We got one of our guys back. And he knows his role.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 02, 2021 at 12:01 am

I was very happy for Cobb when he got the contract from Houston, he’s a good guy, but no, I would not have traded for him or supported Gute doing it. The reasons have been rehearsed at length. Cobb was let go at the right time after an injury riddled second contract. As an in season emergency replacement free agent maybe. If Amari is that good early (possible) it makes even less sense to trade for Cobb. JJ and DD were very different players to Cobb, Amari is not.

1 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 02, 2021 at 02:24 am

Gute would not have traded for Cobb that is the point...He even said so..Player/ GM did
Let your GM be your GM

3 points
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BruceIrons's picture

August 02, 2021 at 11:57 am

I feel the same way. I think Cobb was a move to make Rodgers happy more that it was to improve the offense - which was #1 in the league last year.

Rodgers's rapport and trust with him can be a silver lining, but I think defensive line help could have had a bigger impact.

0 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

August 01, 2021 at 11:24 am

The return of Cobb is a good thing because:
1) It appeased #12 and if he’s happy I’m happy.
2) It is a one and done Super Bowl or bust signing and more than likely they ride off in the sunset together.
3) Cobb has been and will be a great mentor to “AmRodg”
4) Cobb is an articulate and respected leader in the locker room
5) Cobb is a sure handed punt returner although now as a backup and is very good as a hands guy on onside kicks
6) Cobb has a knack for breaking Bears fans hearts

Will a young receiver with potential not make the squad because of this signing? Yes
However that young guy most likely makes the practice squad and will apprentice under a longtime veteran who practices and prepares himself as a professional should.
All this for a low 6th rounder?
Winning!

4 points
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KKB's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:11 pm

If for no other reason - Cobbs salary will bounce Funchess off the roster.

-1 points
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GregC's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:36 pm

Yeah, I suspect that Funchess is the big loser in the Cobb signing. His best chance to make the team was due to his experience, which Cobb has more of, and although Funchess's body type is much different from Cobb's, they are both mainly short to intermediate route receivers. With Cobb on the team, it will be hard for Funchess to carve out a niche in the offense.

0 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:45 pm

This is too bad if that is the case. Funchess is ideal for 12 personnel sets as he can throw some nasty crack blocks. This is of huge value. Cobb can't block really at all....

7 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:08 pm

With Sternberger going to suspension for a couple weeks, Funchess makes the roster as a TE/WR.

Funchess is making next to nothing.

2 points
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GregC's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:24 pm

Makes sense, but does he stick when Sternberger comes back? The depth at tight end also hurts Funchess.

0 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:33 pm

Hard to say...in all likelihood, there will be an IR candidate by the time Sternberger comes back. Maybe not a WR or TE per se, but an opportunity for Funchess to stick a little longer if he's playing an important role.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 05:50 pm

If we are in it to win it I’d say yes. I’d take Funchess this year over Sternberger.

2 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

August 01, 2021 at 11:34 am

That's the big unknown for me as well - how much will Rodgers play within the LaFleur system - with his 2 buddies on the field - knowing that this is probably his last season with the Packers. So as much as we anticipate progression with this offense - there is also the possibility of regression due to receiver(s) bias.

As for Cobb, I think that he'll initially have a positive on-field impact because of his relationship with Rodgers. However at some point there is a high probability that he'll end up on the IR - which will then see Amari take over the slot position. So overall, I can see how Cobb can be a positive contributor - but more so in relation to Amari Rodgers and with the assumption that Aaron Rodgers will play within the LaFleur system.

8 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:56 pm

Agree completely. I fully expect Rodgers to completely disregard Lefleur on many occasions. He can now that he is GM too. This was not just a McCarthy thing, this is a Rodgers thing.

4 points
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Stroh's picture

August 01, 2021 at 12:24 pm

Excited Cobb is back? Not hardly! He's old and injury prone. Hell for all the games missed on his 4 yr 40M contract he should play for free.

Only reason He's in GB is to kiss Rodgers azz. He won't make the offense appreciably better. If Rodgers wanted to improve the team he should have recruited a DL, not an old crony WR!

-2 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:32 pm

In his desire to teach the Packers front office a lesson, ARod demonstrated exactly why he shouldn't have much input into personnel.

15 points
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Stroh's picture

August 01, 2021 at 05:11 pm

Damn right!

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 05:56 pm

Yet I just got off APC reading people convinced Rodgers is a savant oppressed by the ignorant masses in Lambeau who leaked everything. Amazing how many willfully blind reactions to this there are. I’d forgotten the power over people BLF exercised without knowing it. Deja vu. Disagree all you like but at least be aware of what is tangible and in front of you people!

0 points
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jurp's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:34 pm

This is one reason I got off of APC.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:55 pm

I’m considering it.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:55 pm

I’m considering it.

0 points
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Bearmeat's picture

August 01, 2021 at 07:30 pm

I'm an APC lurker. The writing is generally good there, which makes sense, as it pays something fo the bloggers.

But the football IQ of the fans, which at times is in question here, is undeniable over there. It ain't worth getting into arguments with fools.

3 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 07:51 pm

This is why my wife just smiles and nods...

2 points
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Bearmeat's picture

August 02, 2021 at 01:13 pm

Yours too? lol

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

August 02, 2021 at 10:26 am

Me too. The PC police at APC warned me to stop using the term "Vyqueens". Meanwhile other commentators, fans from other teams, use inappropriate terms for the Packers all the time.

0 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 01, 2021 at 08:19 pm

Yes he did

0 points
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Pistolero's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:36 pm

After the success Rodgers had playing within the system last year, there's no reason to think he would revert to his old ways just because a previous receiver is around. He has the same chemistry with Adams and stayed within the system last year. Cobb won't change that.

Also, as you say, LaFleur's system is much better at getting receivers open, even older slower ones. Cobb will reap the benefits just like Rodgers did when he went all in.

Also slot receivers get a lot of touches and a lot catches in traffic. If nothing else Cobb is solid depth. If the rookie picks up the system and shines, Lafleur has shown no hesitancy to start the best player, even if he's a rookie. Cobb will be solid backup.

He won't complain about it either; he knows he's 31 and that's not his style.

You raise a legitimate concern, but overall I don't think it will be a problem after last year. This offense is picking up right where it left off, it's clicking, and there's absolutely no reason to turn back the clock now.

6 points
7
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jurp's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:35 pm

He reverted to his old ways in the second half of the NFCCG. So yes, there's an immense chance that he'll do the same thing during this season. What's MLF going to do? Bench him? Hardly. AR is in the catbird seat this year.

3 points
4
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Thegravedigger's picture

August 01, 2021 at 10:54 pm

Yeah. But cobb catches that 2 point conversion.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 02, 2021 at 12:03 am

Cobb has never been a great red zone threat or a high percentage catcher.

0 points
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Rebecca's picture

August 02, 2021 at 08:06 am

According to PFR Cobb has a career catching rate of 69.9 %. In 2014 he had 12 tds, which is an outlier for him. So, he wasn’t really a red zone threat like you said. Comparing his availability to Adams, from 2014 through 2020 Adams missed 12 games and through the same seasons Cobb missed 18 games of which 6 were last year for Houston, which appears to be his washed up year. Perhaps in a very limited, specialized role he’ll be of some use, betting on his potential benefit to us is risky.

0 points
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geronamaker's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:02 pm

One of the few flaws in Rodger's game is his tendency to lock onto his trusted receivers too much, especially in crunch time situations. In a way this reflects Davante's 115 catches last year in a different light.

Brady has long been known for spreading balls around. In the NFCCG no Buc had more than 9 targets.

Adams had 15 and several of those in the 4th quarter were basically throw aways by Rodgers, most notably the two from the 8 yard line on the poorly executed final drive.

To the extent Rodgers has another trusted target should prove helpful this year. Cobb is only 31 and still played at a high level as recently as 2019. The MLF scheme should also favor him in the slot.

I like this move by GM Rodgers.

2 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:57 pm

I do believe Randall Cobb will not add any new dynamic to the offense and he could potentially hinder it. Due to Rodgers "trust" issues I see player/GM forcing to Cobb in some instances. Not like Adams, as Adams is simply just open that often and must be force fed.

Cobb also forces MLF into 11 personnel situations....This offense is a run first offense. This is NOT McCarthy's offense!! 12 personnel is the base personel...MLF's vision is to be a run first team...so all this "true slot" talk just loses me. I don't see what Cobb adds to that philosophical change at all and he will actually slow the progression of the offense. I also don't buy the "well he can mentor" thing. Cobb steals reps from other players...he doesn't coach. Lewis isn't there to mentor either, he is there to block and be an asset in the run game...as we are a run first offense....Cobb is a waste of a roster spot Imo

4 points
12
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PhantomII's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:24 pm

Cobb is now our #2 WR we did not have. ML schemes WR's open which is a huge plus. AR trusts him which is also huge. What we are getting is a savy vet slot guy. I like the move because unlike last year when swerve went down, we lost a part of our offense game plan.
With having Cobb/Amari we have (2) slot receivers and returners in case one is out. I could see us using one of the depth RB's in return game also. I think having 2 vet WR's is a plus. Jones, will also see some slot time. Key things, we have added more offensive weapons , ML has even more options on how to attack other teams defenses. Our OL is beefier than last year and I would say overall better early in the season with even more depth at key positions. We could still use a vet CB and DT, addition. I like the overall fit of the team and competition. MVS will take a step as well as Tonyan. I'm not worried about Cobb taking a younger player off the team as this is the year to hoist a trophy. This is it. GPG

-6 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:29 pm

How is Cobb the #2 receiver????
So you want him on outside in 12 personnel???

2 points
3
1
PhantomII's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:04 pm

Not the traditional 2, but will get the most targets besides Adams and a lot of chain moving first downs. We didn't really have a slot guy. It's gonna get worked this year. ML is on this upgraded position....and it needed addressed badly. GPG

0 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:08 pm

There is no slot in 12 personnel..

3 points
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jurp's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:38 pm

They addressed the slot in the draft. His name is Amari Rodgers. Cobb is unneeded, although he could be a good bet-hedger in case of injury.

0 points
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1
Oppy's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:56 pm

Not directed at you per se, but Packers fans in general:

I keep on seeing people talk about the loss of Ervin.
There was no significant role played by Tyler Ervin in the passing game.

Evrin played 8 games. Ervin had 2 games where he got more than 2 targets. Ervin had only one game where he had more than single-digits reception yards, and in that game he had 5 of his 15 total targets on the year, and racked up 48 yards.

A. Single. Game.

8 points
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PhantomII's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:13 pm

ST were horrific. Swerve was acquired for primary return duty. Since ML didn't have a jet sweep guy he used swerve behind the line and a little passing. ML tried to use him for multiple things and he got hurt and cut out a lot of those things from the offense. I like that we now have more folks to do those same things. Any time you can throw options at a defense, they have to spend time preparing for them. They can't prepare enough to stop them all.

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:27 pm

Ervin's role on offense was mostly in pre-snap motion to make defenders move, allow the QB to read those adjustments, and to create opportunities for other players.

7 points
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PhantomII's picture

August 01, 2021 at 04:43 pm

Now we have healthy players that can do it.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:00 pm

He was just credible enough to make that work and elusive and sudden enough from returns to get taken seriously. Maybe Cobb still is, but I will need to see it. Amari is.

1 points
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BruceIrons's picture

August 02, 2021 at 12:06 pm

I see where you're coming from. I always thought of special teams to be Ervin's most productive position. On offense, I thought his impact came from the threat of a motion sweep. Even when he didn't get the ball, I thought his presence opened things up because the defense had to respect him.

0 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:31 pm

Adams was dynamite out of the slot last year, and putting just about any other receiver on the field in that role is a step back. Tonyan ran a lot of slot routes, too, as did the RBs. The number of true slot routes available to Cobb and AmRod will not be as high as we think. I won't argue about depth and injuries, but I feel that just based on the number of snaps played, the #2 receiver on this team will either be the deep threat (MVS) or the primo blocker (Lazard).

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:02 pm

There is no number 2. It’s Adams and play specific. If there were, the point of the O design is undermined

3 points
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mbpacker's picture

August 01, 2021 at 01:38 pm

I got his music streaming in my head: "You're my best friend" and " You got a friend in me". Let's hope that it leads to a SB.

4 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:28 pm

In many ways, I feel bad for Cobb. One of the legit good guys in the NFL getting drawn into this mess. It's very possible that #12's power play saved him from getting cut by the Texans, but his career will always be tagged by his being drawn into the ARod/Packers spat.

It would be awesome if he plays well and is a key contributor on this team. I just don't see it.

5 points
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mbpacker's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:00 pm

Yep- good point- all we can do is watch and hope for the best!

3 points
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mbpacker's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:00 pm

Yep- good point- all we can do is watch and hope for the best!

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:21 pm

He’s not been bad if healthy and used as a true slot. If Rodgers tries to use him too broadly and too often it won’t help Cobb or the team. Use him for what he’s best at and, barring injuries, don’t over use him.

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:12 pm

"Happiness is a warm gun" and Rodgers believes he now has his ammo. Let's wait and see if it backfires first by which WR (of real value) loses their roster spot, and how soon the new ammo is a blank by injury or lack of production.

2 points
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2
Tedlyflyfisher's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:36 pm

If AR wants him, I trust his judgment. The only downside is the reps that rookies might miss. That’s why I’m hoping the starting 53 includes 7 WR’s. For me they would be: Adams, MVS, Lazard, Amari, Cobb, Funchess (due to his experience and this being an all-in year) and either Winfree or Gaithers, with the other going to the PS. I think it’s doable since Bahktiari and Patrick Taylor will start the year on the PUP and Sternberger will start on the Suspended list.

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 02:45 pm

Don't be surprised if Winfree or Gaithers doesn't develop a freak, late pre-season injury, and end up on IR.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:27 pm

Winfree is looking too good to lose. It’s way too early but he may be a player we won’t keep on the PS. He may actually be the nearest thing to an Adams type on this roster in terms of ability to move all over. There, I’m well out in front of prudence, but he just looks like the light has come on. Gaither will probably make the PS.

1 points
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jurp's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:43 pm

It would absolutely suck if we try and fail to put Winfree on the PS and someone like the Bears picks him up - and then Winfree becomes the second coming of Davatae.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:58 pm

It’s easy to fall in love with a PS receiver, but he’s really looking sharp.

0 points
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dobber's picture

August 01, 2021 at 07:57 pm

Prudence who?

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 10:37 pm

“Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play
Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day“

3 points
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stockholder's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:06 pm

You guys only see Rodgers. Instead; why don't you see Cobb? He's here to help the Club. He's HOME! Thats what you need to see. You keep coming up with assumptions, in hope this is Rodger's last year. BECAUSE You only see the Cap hit. Not that Cobb wants to play for you! The TEAM! And be part of a super-bowl contender. He isn't playing for BIG money. He's here to win. The packers gave him his chance. Why don't you blast GUte? He signed him. Because the second thing you see, is the friction between your beloved Gute and Rodgers. And as soon as Rodgers does leave. You'll turn on GUTE. Just for a thumbs up. The whole NFL smells what you don't. Without Rodgers; this team won't win. And they will make sure of that during Free Agency.

-4 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:33 pm

Those mushrooms ... maybe pick the better tasting ones next time. Either that or tie a stout rope around your ankle before posting. I’d hate to lose your distinctively different take on all things Packer.

-1 points
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jurp's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:44 pm

I think he picked the "magic" mushrooms...

0 points
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SpikeHyzer's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:09 pm

Huge mistake, like the Bucks signing Thanassis.
He can't get open any more, even in this system.
It is going to cost us a better player and slow the development of Amari Rodgers (who would be better in the role if given the reps in camp).
Our best hope is that he gets injured early and often and retires.

-6 points
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PhantomII's picture

August 01, 2021 at 05:08 pm

The more weapons on the field the more diluted Adams coverage will be. Cobb has a high catch rate. ML schemes players open. Cobb is a chain mover. Health...that is the question. Nice to have a rook slot guy built like a RB to back him up. No Worries....either way. GPG

1 points
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splitpea1's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:17 pm

Who knows? It could provide a benefit, but the Packers had the #1 scoring/#5 yardage offense, Aaron won the MVP, and the team won 14 games. We possibly could have won at least 15 if Aaron had decided to throw to the open man (Lazard) slanting toward the end zone in the NFCCG. "Trust" is fine as long as it doesn't override more sensible options.

It's a definite bonus that Amari and Cobb have been friends for a while, but that doesn't mean there is a need for any mentoring. Amari had a fine college career and the Packers thought enough of him to trade up....There shouldn't be any need to bring him along slowly or have him sit behind a veteran--and we shall see how much Cobb has left in the tank. Probably no worries he'll be taking special teams opportunities away from Amari, though.

6 points
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PhantomII's picture

August 01, 2021 at 04:55 pm

It's gonna be a 17 game season. It's a good rotation. A better chance of players being fresh or sit and heal a little instead of feeling the team needs them out there on every play. Hopefully AR does not get tunnel vision. I'm sure he sees the plays he wanted back like we all can.

0 points
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jhtobias's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:19 pm

The only thing that matters is that having cobb back makes Rodgers happy and without Rodgers I can guarantee you that the offense would take 3 steps back so I think the wrong question is being asked .

-2 points
4
6
jont's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:28 pm

Rodgers won an MVP in MLF's system so that's one reason he might be a team player.
Another reason is that sabotaging the offense by focusing on Devante and Cobb would be self-defeating, and as all good Rodgers haters know, his plan is to win it all, be an MVP, and then turn his back on the FO, right?
There is no need to worry about 12's play this year.

4 points
5
1
PhantomII's picture

August 01, 2021 at 05:03 pm

I also like the bigger OL they are building. I always thought if you have to rely on TE's so much, there is a problem up front. I think it's a good mix now. I don't think we get our passing or run game shut down this year. We shouldn't have to abandon either with this group. If ML wants to get run happy I think we have the horses to get it done now.

5 points
5
0
Johnblood27's picture

August 02, 2021 at 06:57 am

New horses?

Myers for linsley is all that has changed.

Myers is bigger, but linsley was all-pro. not a slouch and a really good second level guy.

There is no "better horses' thing happening this year. Maybe in the future when Partick and Bakh and Turner are replaced by bigger stronger guys, but then lets see what happens to the pass pro.

0 points
0
0
PhantomII's picture

August 02, 2021 at 09:43 am

Linsley was all pro 1 year, which means everyone around him was doing their job as well. Myers is a gamer and a big boy. I wanted to see Jenkins at LT which they did not do in the NFCC game (MISTAKE). I also like the new RT just picked up from Titans 6-8 huge guy who ML knew. Our depth on OL is as good as we could hope for and Bak will be back also.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

August 02, 2021 at 12:41 pm

With Bakhtiari out, we're guaranteed two new regulars on the OL and it could be 3 if they decide to play Kelly on the right side and bump Turner inside to RG....it could happen.

1 points
1
0
Packers0808's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:55 pm

One thing I would think over looked in this column was also the great connection that Rodgers got to have with Tonyan as well. One downside is will someone be let go with a great future as WR because room needed to be made for Cobb?

-3 points
1
4
PhantomII's picture

August 01, 2021 at 04:39 pm

It's about winning a SB....... right now.

0 points
0
0
Packers0808's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:29 pm

And that fits here how exactly?

-1 points
1
2
Packers0808's picture

August 01, 2021 at 03:55 pm

One thing I would think over looked in this column was also the great connection that Rodgers got to have with Tonyan as well. One downside is will someone be let go with a great future as WR because room needed to be made for Cobb?

-4 points
1
5
WestWi_Packfan's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:33 pm

If Cobb does a decent job for us this year and we get a Lombardi Trophy out of the deal then who cares. And who would this WR that gets cut then be anyway, ESB, Funchess? Any of the others either weren't going to make the final 53 and some may end up on the practice squad, so what would be the great loss here?

2 points
3
1
Packers0808's picture

August 01, 2021 at 07:06 pm

Who knows but another if could happen like an injury season ender for Adams and WR lost maybe who was needed! And just a guess but the guy out the door would sure feel the difference. Sorry you don't put any worth on someone or their job!

-1 points
1
2
LayingTheLawe's picture

August 01, 2021 at 05:48 pm

Keeping Rodgers happy is a good thing I suppose. But to me, Cobb is the epitome of the old Packer offense. That offense where Rodgers runs around in circles and weaves in and out of the charging defenders until he finally finds a receiver breaking free. Cobb is good in those situations, but hopefully this offense doesn't HAVE those situations.

He can mentor the other A. Rodgers and maybe make a big play or two but there's a reason this guy hasn't had a 1000 yard season since 2014.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:44 pm

I’ve always thought Cobb is a player who would have really benefitted from this type of offense had it been around a decade ago. I think Rodgers will, but it’s a situational role now. If Cobb’s used as any other in that role will be then he may stay healthier because his workload is lighter and he will be schemed into gaps a lot of the time. Will he kick a potentially more useful type off the roster? Perhaps since we have Amari and we aren’t cutting him. Will it slow Amari? I don’t know, Amari’s speed of development is key. Thus far he’s looked ahead of expectations. Cobb isn’t bad, he’s just older and fragile and probably a duplicate where there wouldn’t have been one on the active roster.

1 points
1
0
ReaganRulz's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:03 pm

Well, if you are a “last dance” believer than Cobb is going to have an excellent year!! If not, then he’ll be good. Also, Amari is not a qb, he is a wr. Many rookie wr’s these days adapt to the NFL pretty quickly. So In the end. I think adding Cobb was an excellent decision. I may even draft him myself :). Now let’s put on the pads Boys!!

3 points
3
0
jurp's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:29 pm

I am so sick of hearing about this "trust" bullshit. If the man is open, throw it to him. That's the QB's job on a passing play. End. Of. Story.

5 points
6
1
Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 06:48 pm

Yes, after the press conference I look at that issue somewhat differently.

2 points
3
1
Jgilmor08's picture

August 01, 2021 at 11:24 pm

Hard to throw it to that open guy when he’s dropped it the 10 other times ‘he was open and the quarterback does his job’.

With a game like football relying on so many men at one time there’s nothing more beneficial to a teammate than belief or trust. Knowing the other guy will do their job is somewhat important. Let’s say for example, a gap control defensive lineman who shoots in for his ‘tackle for a loss’ instead of playing his gap and occupying the linemen in front of him. No big deal. But the next run play the linebacker over plays since he doesn’t TRUST that his linemen will occupy the linemen but rather leave him out to dry. Now since he over played on the run play he now occupies the same fill lane as the safety. It’s a domino affect because the very Next run play that safety doesn’t flow down hill and is caught flat footed by a receiver cracking down and that ends up being the big gain or long touchdown. All that happens because the defensive linemen can’t be trusted to do what he’s supposed to.

That’s just one example with dozens of others that can impact the level of play on any given down every single game. Not sure how bullshit it is if the wideout drops a perfectly thrown ball on third and 10, forcing a punt with 5:00 left in the game. Only the defense doesn’t stop the run meaning the offender doesn’t get another chance. So yeah most players probably want to trust the same people who are directly affecting their pay checks and the outcome of the game. So that trust bullshit is the difference between .500 and the one or two seed

3 points
3
0
jurp's picture

August 02, 2021 at 07:54 am

So, the QB shouldn't throw to the open WR because he MIGHT drop the pass? Because that same WR has done that one or two times before during a game? And in consequence, the QB should then, what, take a sack? Try to force the pass to a receiver he trusts but who is covered so that the pass is either incomplete or intercepted? Try to scramble to advance the ball?

News to you: all WRs drop passes. I remember Adams dropping a tough catch at the end of the NFCCG last year. Should AR not throw to him again if he's open because he dropped a potential game-tying pass?

Your logic is incredibly faulty.

1 points
1
0
BruceIrons's picture

August 02, 2021 at 12:19 pm

Sometimes the receiver drops it. On the really bad plays, he miscommunicates or misreads the defense and makes the wrong route adjustment, leading to an interception.

0 points
0
0
BruceIrons's picture

August 02, 2021 at 12:17 pm

Like it or not, that's how our quarterback works.

0 points
0
0
Bearmeat's picture

August 01, 2021 at 07:34 pm

The very fact that this question is even being seriously asked tells you all you need to know about the wisdom of signing a 31 year old, slow, small, frequently injured, slot WR.

It was a bad move. It was especially egregious to trade for him and take on even a penny of that terrible contract.

Now, IF (big if) he stays healthy and IF MLF can keep ARod from freelancing via mandating personnel usage (please, very littlte 11 personnel!), then yes, it will help the team this year.

It was still a bad deal.

3 points
4
1
oceanstrength's picture

August 01, 2021 at 09:48 pm

Very good point!
Rodgers kryptonite has always been holding the ball too long. The temptation is to make the spectacular plays he has been so long idolized for. But when playing against the best competition at the end of the year, the great teams will have his number. The best defensive players can run Rodgers down and crush him. That is part of the reason he has not played his best football in the biggest games. If he sticks with LaFluer's scheme he should be fine. Cobb should see this and understand it too. If not, Rodgers has merely made his own life harder. Will Rodgers appear as the scapegoating prima donna, or the brilliant mastermind of influence and change?
Prediction: Packers handed crushing loss to Chiefs in SB LVI, Rodgers last game ever played for the Green Bay Packers.

0 points
0
0
oceanstrength's picture

August 01, 2021 at 10:03 pm

Its funny how with all the speculation going on all summer long, Cobb's name never came up once. Hmmm...

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

August 01, 2021 at 10:15 pm

If Cobb is used as a situational player he will help the offense. Cobb should be used against defenses which rush the passer effectively. He gives Rodgers someone who knows the scramble drill, gets open and has reliable hands. there are also down and distance situations where Cobb should be utilized to keep the chains moving.

I don't expect nor do I think that Cobb should a majority of offensive snaps. Maybe he gets in one or two series a game and maybe more against a good pass rushing team like Tampa who can also stuff the run game.

MLF's offense is built around Aaron Jones. The key is to get him the ball preferably 15-20 times a game and then use play action when the defense reacts to stopping Jones. Then we hit Adams, Lazard, Tonyan or Amari Rodgers with quick passes and/or medium range passes. If the offense is run properly and our OL is winning the LOS then we should only use Cobb in 3rd down situations because of his connection with Rodgers and his ability to get open.

Cobb cannot be helpful as an every down player any longer but he can still be effective on a limited basis. He can mentor Amari Rodgers and he can speak to Rodgers on the sidelines about what he sees the opposing defense doing against the Packers. He does not need to be on the field to help the team.

MLF needs to stick to his guns and send in the personnel packages that he wants to use. All of that should be worked out during the game planning sessions during the week. Rodgers is smart enough to know that Cobb is not there to play a full time role. It would be a mistake to overuse Cobb at this point in his career.
as many have previously pointed out here he would be probably be injured pretty quickly in that scenario and that would be a loss because Cobb's experience could be a key during a late season playoff run and/or during the playoffs.

MLF and Rodgers are both smart people, it will work out. If not then MLF is not as good of an HC as I think he has been up to this point. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

August 01, 2021 at 10:46 pm

I think that is what needs to happen ‘61. Let’s hope it does. I think LaFleur may have a very difficult path to navigate.

3 points
3
0
Johnblood27's picture

August 02, 2021 at 07:10 am

Rogers is still a problem.

61 just laid the groundwork to blame MLF for Rogers continues to go rogue and upsets the scheme.

I simply do not believe that AR should be leading this team. He is a great talent, but he thinks he knows better than the coaches and GM and cannot be trusted to "Do Your(His) Job' and in a team sport that spells disaster. The passes will be crisp, the play action will be mesmerizing, the offense will hum along nicely until... a defense gets stiff and takes one thing away, then AR will revert, go his own way with play calls and tunnel vision on DA and RC and the team will stall and sputter. That will bring friction on all levels, management,, coaching, the locker room and with the fans.

He should have been traded back in March. This will not end well, AR was and still is, "The Problem".

0 points
0
0