Packers 2016 Recap: WR Randall Cobb
2016 Stats
- 60 catches, 610 yards, 4 touchdowns
- 10 carries, 33 yards
- Pro Football Focus: 81/100 (22nd out of 115 qualified wide receivers)
Expectations going into the season: High
Expectations were: Not met
Analysis: Cobb in decline? Depends on the stats
Your opinion of Randall Cobb’s 2016 probably depends largely on the stats you choose to believe. His raw numbers are among the worst of his career. His 60 catches are the lowest he’s had in any full season other than his rookie year, as are his four touchdowns.
His 10.2 yards per reception are the lowest of any season, and they mark the third consecutive year in which his numbers have declined in that area.
But according to Pro Football Focus, Cobb’s 2016 season was his second best as a pro, and he finished the year as the Packers’ second rated receiver. And according to Pro Football Reference, Cobb also converted more passes thrown his way to first downs or touchdowns than Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, or Jared Cook. 42.4 percent of the time, the Packers got a first down or a touchdown when they threw the ball to Randall Cobb.
Cobb’s biggest ally is also very important to note: no one is a bigger fan of Randall Cobb than Aaron Rodgers. He expressed frustration during the season when Cobb’s role was limited, and he consistently looks Cobb’s way in clutch situations.
The Packers will reveal which version of the Cobb narrative they prefer this offseason. Cobb is due to count nearly $13 million against the cap each of the next two seasons, and if they believe their receiver is in decline, it’s hard to see them shelling out that kind of money for his services.