Cobb proved to be a tough matchup for the 49ers in week one.
If there was one positive thing that the Green Bay Packers took away from week one on the offensive side of the ball it was the production and effectiveness of second-year wide receiver Randall Cobb.
Cobb, who was a second round draft pick of the Packers out of Kentucky in 2011, showed his versatility by lining up all over the field against a stout 49ers defense and consistently making plays, including a controversial punt return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Cobb was target nine times by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and posted a perfect 100 percent catch rate, hauling in 9 receptions for 77 yards. With his punt return for a touchdown included, the former second-rounder notched an impressive 22 fantasy points in Point Per Reception formats.
This week, the Packers square off against the Bears, who per usual will be using their classic Tampa-2 defense, which is designed to keep things in front of them, while also limiting big plays.
This defensive strategy has normally been very effective in containing the Packers prolific passing game but that was before Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy found a way to get Cobb more involved in the offense.
Last week, Cobb routinely lineup up in the backfield, which is normal for him, as he played wide receiver, quarterback and running back throughout this college career at the University of Kentucky and with him lineup up back there, it opened up a Darren Sproles type of role that will give the Green Bay offense match ups it will now be able to exploit.
With the news that Pro Bowl wide receiver Greg Jennings is questionable for Thursday Night’s NFC North showdown, Cobb will certainly see more opportunities and against a defense that forces quarterbacks to throw checkdowns, it would not be surprising to see the shifty do-it-all playmaker haul in at least ten passes for 100 yards against the Monsters of the Midway.
Therefore, if Cobb is available in your leagues waiver wire, it would be a wise move to add him and insert him in your lineup this week, particularly if Jennings is unable to go. Someone will need to fill that void and the best option the Packers have right now is Cobb, who can kill the Bears defense with speed and versatility.
