Thoughts on Randall Cobb?

[Forget Favre]

I would love to see him score another receiving TD.

 

[Wildcatk23]

Me 2, I want him to get a TD in both of these games.

 

[Wildcatk23]

I hope he comes up big tomorrow. Excited for the game hopefully he gets targeted a few more times than usual.

 

[FrankRizzo]

I love Randall Cobb....

Here's the problem though: Our schitty defense rarely forces punts where it's not from around midfield. We always allow some first downs. If we could force some punts where it's inside their own 30-yard line, Cobb would get more chances, and more good stuff would happen.

Good story on him here, possibly being the X-FACTOR Sunday.

http://packersinsider.com/?p=4004

 

[G0PackG0]

A solid rookie. Behind some of the best receivers in the game.

 

[FrankRizzo]

A solid rookie. Behind some of the best receivers in the game.

I just wish our damn defense would give him more chances and force more punts.
Cobb is ELECTRIC back there..... if we could force the Giants to punt a few times back at their own 10, 20, 30 area, they'll drive them hard and low, and give Randall some space..... I LIKE RANDALL with SOME SPACE.

 

[TJV]

Cobb has had a great rookie season. He averaged 11.3 yards per punt return which placed him seventh in the league in that category. His 27.7 average on KORs puts him at #2 in the league. As someone posted, it’s been a very long time since the Packers have had a threat returning punts and KOs. And of course he’s contributed as a WR on a team extremely deep at that position. His greatest attribute IMO is his football smarts and instincts, he just knows how to play the game (yes, in spite of some mistakes on returns). He is also very strong and “solid” for his size; I see him as more shifty and quick than straight line fast but he’s plenty fast enough. What I like most about his returning kicks is his ability to plant his foot and get vertical in a hurry.

My biggest concern about Cobb is his groin injury. On Thursday, McCarthy said he’s getting better and better throughout the week. While that’s encouraging it means he’s not 100%. But as McCarthy said, he’s had and will have about 50 hours to get ready. He’ll play, I just hope his injury doesn’t affect his play.

The next concern is of course fumbling, but while he fumbled the ball 3 times this season he hasn’t fumbled since week 10 so you’ve got to like that trend.

 

[YouFrgotPoland]

I just wish our damn defense would give him more chances and force more punts.
Cobb is ELECTRIC back there..... if we could force the Giants to punt a few times back at their own 10, 20, 30 area, they'll drive them hard and low, and give Randall some space..... I LIKE RANDALL with SOME SPACE.

This. Get Cobb the ball in space, good things will happen.

 

[FrankRizzo]

Yeah the groin injuries are bad..... they linger, and they affect explosiveness.
His fumbles are worrisome.
I think one of them led to Alex Green's torn ACL injury IIRC.

I just wish our defense could be tough early and give this kid 2, 3 chances at early punt returns.
I can see him taking one to the house.

Would love us to get up 21-0 early.

 

[TJV]

IMO if the D can force 2 or 3 punts early Cobb can fair-catch ‘em and that’ll be enough for the Packers to win.

 

[MidwestMenace]

2 weeks ago i predicted cobb would have a kr or pr to the house and stand by my word. And just think if somehow we could set him up for a screen or something of that nature..... Hmmmm......

 

[MidwestMenace]

And i meant 2 weeks ago i said he'll take a kr or pr to the house this game

 

[Pat4DaPack]

Plain and simple, Cobb is a playmaker. I didnt know who he was when we drafted him but it was an awesome pick up.

 

[FrankRizzo]

IMO if the D can force 2 or 3 punts early.

Big "IF" isn't it!
IMO if the D can force 2 or 3 punts early.

 

[TJV]

You missed the point, FrankRizzo:

I just wish our defense could be tough early and give this kid 2, 3 chances at early punt returns. I can see him taking one to the house.

You introduced the idea of the D coming up big early as a wish. (BIG "WISH" isn't it?) My point is the Packers just need the D to make some stops, they aren’t impaired on offense so that they would need returns for TDs.

 

[JTheGreat]

I think Cobb will make a huge impact in our offense some day soon. I dont think well be able to keep our whole entire core of wr's so whoever leaves he will take there place in a more significent role in the offense. I know driver will be done soon, but out of the 5 premium players in our passing attack (Jennings,Nelson,James Jones,Finley,Driver) I think 2 will be gone withen the next 3 years. Driver due to retirement and the other striking a big deal with somebody else. I believe Finley will be franchised tagged, so it will be one of our top 3 wrs. These things do happen to every team, we just have to take granted for who we have now and how great of football were playing now(and by that im not implying were going to drop off, because I think were going to be a dynasty for 7+ years)

 

[FrankRizzo]

You're not the only one who seems to love Cobb's prospects this year:


JUNE 8, 2012 ESPN INSIDER

Top 10 NFC breakout players

Randall Cobb, Kyle Rudolph among players who could have big seasons

Originally Published: June 8, 2012
By Gary Horton | Scouts Inc.

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AP PhotoRandall Cobb is another explosive player in the Green Bay Packers' offense.

Every year in the NFL, there are players who take their games to the next level. They go from role players to difference-makers, consistent players to stars. They become players their teams can count on to make the difference in a close game.

Below is my list of 10 NFC players, both offensive and defensive, who I think will break out this coming season.

NFC breakout players


1. Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers
He was a dynamic return specialist as a rookie and showed a lot of explosiveness in the open field. He caught 25 passes in 2011, and his quickness and yards-after-catch ability are off the charts. But more importantly for a young player, he had few drops. With so many weapons in this spread passing game, it will be tough to give Cobb any more than single coverage from the opposition's third- or fourth-best corner.

2. Sean Lee, ILB, Dallas Cowboys
Lee made a bit of a name for himself in 2011, and surprised everyone by leading the team in tackles (105), tackles for loss (10) and even interceptions (four). By the end of 2012, everyone will know about him because I believe he can get even better. For a young player, he showed a lot of consistency. He is a terrific athlete with great range and a real nose for the ball. While a lot of people see him as a finesse player, he has more physicality at the point of attack than you might think. He has terrific composure and is capable of making the defensive calls.

3. Jason Kelce, C, Philadelphia Eagles
He was a sixth-round pick in 2011 and started every game as a rookie but played like a veteran. His guru offensive line coach, Howard Mudd, developed longtime center Jeff Saturday at Indianapolis, and Kelce's skill set is similar. He doesn't have great size, but he is very savvy and he can get to the second level and block in space. Best of all, the coaches trust him to make the line calls and adjustments, which is a huge help to QB Michael Vick. He can become an anchor of a vastly improved unit.

4. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings
This offense really wants to utilize its tight ends more in the passing game and will show a lot of two-TE sets. Rudolph is a huge target (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) who has excellent hands and should be a good red zone jump ball target. He also can be effective on those seam routes inside the hashes. He isn't an overpowering blocker, but that's why the Vikings acquired John Carlson. Rudolph won't dazzle you with explosiveness, but he should become a comfortable target for QB Christian Ponder.

5. Gabe Carimi, OT, Chicago Bears
He is the best player of this much-maligned unit, but he gives this O-line hope for the future. His 2011 season was cut short by knee problems, but he should be fine in 2012. He has good feet and athletic ability, and his long arms give him good separation from the defender. He is also mentally and physically tough. While he seems to be most comfortable at right tackle, there is talk he could move to left tackle to protect QB Jay Cutler's blind side. Carimi and this entire unit will benefit from a shorter passing game in which the ball comes out quicker.

6. Rob Housler, TE, Arizona Cardinals
He might be the ultimate sleeper to the outside world, but not within this organization. The coaches really like his skill set, and they have high hopes for him as a pass-catcher. He has the size (6-5, 250) and speed (4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash) to be a tough matchup for opposing defenses. The TE position is a little crowded at Arizona, but Housler will play at least in the spread receiver packages, and if veteran Todd Heap isn't healthy, he will step right into the lineup. Look for the coaches to motion and flex him to put him in the best position to make plays.

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Dennis Wierzbicki/US Presswire -Gabe Carimi needs to stay healthy for the Bears.

7. Titus Young, WR, Detroit Lions
If he can stay out of fights with his teammates and learn to control his temper, he can become a special player. His statistics were solid in 2011, with 48 catches for 607 yards and six TDs as the No. 3 receiver. With WRs Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson on the outside, he can be very effective out of the slot, especially on third down. He has really good speed and vertical skills, usually versus a No. 3 corner, but he must play with more discipline and avoid the nine penalties he committed in 2011.

 

[UCSB616]

I went to practice the other day (in GB visiting family). Pretty much every offensive play went through Cobb and he looked spectacular. Unstoppable in space, all over the field, ready to take a huge step fw in the offense. Granted, Jennings and Finley didn't practice so he got a lot more balls than usual but still looked absolutely fantastic. Was by far the standout of the day.

 

[Vltrophy]

I expect Cobb will get at least 500 yrds this year & at least 5 TDs. THis doesn't include what he's going to get in kick returns

 

[TheStone]

I'm excited about his potential, but there are a lot of "if's" involved:
If...
..he stays healthy
..our other guys on special teams are doing their job blocking
..he continues to develop mentally
..and physically
..he gets the playing time he needs (We are still CROWDED!!)

His career still might resemble either of the following WRs career:
(1)Donald Driver, (2)Terrence Murphy, (3)Robert Ferguson, (4)Javon Walker or (5)Ruvell Martin
(1) All Time Great
(2) Stricken by injury
(3) Eternal talent & slow progression
(4) We can't show him the money he demands
(5) Why in the world can't he use his physical advantages?

I really like this kid and keep my fingers crossed for option No. (1)

 

[FrankRizzo]

I expect Cobb will get at least 1500 yrds this year & at least 15 TDs. This doesn't include what he's going to get in kick returns

^ Adjusted ^

How long until Thrill Cobb becomes too valuable as a reciever to let him return kicks and punts?

 

[GreenBlood]

^ Adjusted ^

How long until Thrill Cobb becomes too valuable as a reciever to let him return kicks and punts?

I think Cobb will jump ahead of Driver in the rotation. He's a prototypical slot receiver and will probably be the first guy off the bench on 3 WR sets very early. I think most of Driver's minutes will likely come in more crucial situations, like third and long and when Cobb needs a breather. But you can't hold a talent like Cobb back just to get Driver more reps. JMHO

 

[Vltrophy]

Driver will probably play mostly on 3rd downs & an occasional red zone. Cobb & Gurly will be fighting for the # 3 WR spot. Jones is good but I need to see more from him.


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[GreenBlood]

Driver will probably play mostly on 3rd downs & an occasional red zone. Cobb & Gurly will be fighting for the # 3 WR spot. Jones is good but I need to see more from him.

While I do think Gurley has a great shot at securing what will likely be the last of 6 WR spots, don't count out Dale Moss. A lot of people think he might be the steal of the rookie class. He has a nice size/speed combo being 6-4" and running in the 4.38-4.45 range. I don't think he would last on our practice squad. Even if we keep six receivers, it is within the realm of possibility that Moss and Gurley could push Driver completely off the roster if they both perform anywhere near their potentials. I don't really think Borel has much of a shot at the roster. Same for Shakey. But who knows?

Either way, Gurley and Cobb won't really be competing against each other. Gurley is an outside receiver. Cobb is a slot/flanker guy. Gurley will be mainly competing for Jone's spot backing up Nelson and Cobb will compete with Driver backing up Jennings.

 

[FrankRizzo]

I love Dale Moss but he's a little green yet to be expecting anything from him so soon, IMO. Love him in a year or two though....
Gurley is ready now though.