Just over 10 years ago, rookie Randall Cobb and the Packers opened the 2011 season with a rousing victory over the Saints as a first step in re-pursuing the Lombardi Trophy they captured nine months prior.
Fast-forward a decade: they are yet to return to the game's greatest stage and fresh off an embarrassing Week 1 loss to the now-Drew Brees-less Saints. Many of the Packers' problems start up front, where losses in trenches had rippling effects on the broader offensive and defensive units. But, a more subtle deficiency that I expect to grow more apparent in the coming weeks is the lack of intuitive, versatile receivers capable of igniting a stagnant offense.
It may be time to turn to one of the three remaining members from that 2011 team.
When the Packers traded for Cobb in late July, it wasn't the first time they brought back a familiar face at wide receiver. After losing Jordy Nelson to a preseason torn ACL in 2015, the Packers added former third-round pick James Jones after his brief stint with the Raiders. The connection with Rodgers was instantly renewed as Jones and his GameDay hoodies went on to have a renaissance-type of season.
But, the acquisition of Cobb this summer was less of a front office perusal and more of a demand by Rodgers - all happening on the heels of the Packers drafting Clemson's Amari Rodgers, a tailor-made slot talent. Even at age 31, Cobb was still the more appealing option for Rodgers, underscoring the importance that the reigning MVP places on the trust and relationship aspects of the game.
Having spent the past two seasons in Houston, you can be sure that Cobb is ready to dive in and provide the same kind of lift to the offense that Jones delivered in 2015.
While I would argue that the Packers are more equipped at wide receiver than three-quarters of the NFL, it's also safe to say that Rodgers hasn't had a dependable No.2 receiver since Cobb himself in 2018. In Week 11 of last season, we watched Marquez Valdes-Scantling fumble away a screen pass that gave the Colts an overtime win over the Packers. In the NFC Title game, Allen Lazard let Bucs corner Sean Murphy-Bunting get in front of him to snag what ended up being a game-changing interception before half.
Of the the many elite wide receivers that have come through Green Bay during the Rodgers era - Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Jones, Adams - Cobb's chemistry with the future Hall of Famer just might top all of them. He's been able to create separation and find Rodgers' eyes during a number of late-game scoring drives that includes a pair of daggers versus the Bears. The trust between 12 and 18 is unparalleled.
Against the Saints this past week, Cobb was nearly invisible, failing to register a single target from his offseason advocate. Like the rest of the receiving corps., he was ineffective at finding space within a Saints secondary that simply blanketed the Packers' passing game. But, consider Cobb's 15 snaps - tied for the fewest amongst active receivers - to be the main reason for his lack of Week 1 contributions.
Knowing full well that defenses will begin doubling Davante Adams more often this season, having another reliable outlet for Rodgers is crucial. While I believe the Packers could have gotten by with further growth from MVS and Lazard, the sense of trust that Rodgers has with his receiving corps. should not be discounted. And, in dire, postseason circumstances, that factor becomes even more amplified.
The presence of No.18 just may be the difference in tight games down the stretch.
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