Green Bay Packers keys to victory: Divisional round playoffs
Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers X-Factor: Randall Cobb
The more positions Randall Cobb lines up from on Sunday, the better. Expect to see Cobb out wide on both sides of the formation, in the slot, out of the backfield and possibly even returning kicks.
Green Bay has leaned on Cobb’s versatility whenever they meet adversity against a strong defensive unit like the Cowboys, and his abilities will allow for Aaron Rodgers to get the football out quickly and avoid pressure. Cobb has had a career year receiving for the Packers and has a knack for showing up when a big first down is needed, and I feel confident that he can exploit the Cowboys’ coverage in one-on-one.
Moving Cobb around the formation allows the Packers to match him up against favourable defenders, especially Linebackers. Beginning Cobb in the backfield and either motioning him out prior to the snap or having him run a direct route from the Running Back position can force a much slower Linebacker to cover Cobb. In those situations, Rodgers will be looking his way as quickly as he can.
As Packers fans know, Cobb is also a threat to run the football from the backfield. Cobb ran 11 times for 37 yards in 2014, but has a career yards-per-carry of 9.3. If there is a time for Mike McCarthy to dust off a play he’s been saving, it’s this Sunday, and Randall Cobb is his man.