Randall Cobb

Dynamic second-year receiver Randall Cobb is in line for more opportunities on offense with the Green Bay Packers this season, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be returning kicks and punts for the team.

After catching 25 passes for 375 yards in limited opportunities as a rookie, Cobb figures to be the Packers No. 3 receiver in 2012. Despite his increased offensive role, special teams coach Shawn Slocum told Jason Wilde Cobb will retain his role as the Packers No. 1 returner.

“It’s all in the perspective, of how you look at the return game. It is the first play of the offense?” Slocum said. “It’s vitally important to setting up field position, the potential to score, things of that nature. When we start with the ball outside the 20 or an explosive return outside the 40, or punt returns for big gains, it really enhances our offensive production. So I think he’s a vital part of that, and as we move forward, we’ll always consider each players’ role in terms of play time.”

So the question is whether Cobb’s role as a returner will limit his effectiveness on offense. I say, who cares?

The guy returned both a kick and a punt for a touchdown in 2011 and the Packers have one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL. Plus, it’s not like Cobb is 35 years old.

We’re pretty sure he’ll be just fine and the return game is better with him back there.

Related Posts: