Green Bay Packers: Returning players will help offense roll in 2015
Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates his first quarter touchdown catch with Jody Nelson against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Cobb ensures depth at wide receiver
Randall Cobb was the priority re-signing for the Packers in the free agency period. Without any other moves as of yet, this unit is looking strong with plenty of depth.
Sep 22, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Cobb and Jordy Nelson are the stars in the group, and they combined for 2,806 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2014.
Behind them, Davante Adams will be looking to breakout in his second year as the WR3. Adams flashed potential in 2014, catching 38 passes for 446 yards and three touchdowns.
A positive sign for Adams was in the games that he stepped up. In Week 13 against the New England Patriots, Cobb and Nelson were constantly covered well by the likes of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. Adams would catch six passes for 121 yards and was a crucial part of the victory.
In the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Dallas Cowboys, he was needed to step up once again.
He did.
Adams caught seven passes for 117 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown.
Back in October, Rodgers spoke of Adams’ potential:
"“The more film you watch of us, the more times you’re seeing No. 17 being open,” Rodgers said. “He’s just got to know that this might not be his year to catch 100 passes around here, but at some point he’s going to be one of the top options and get some more balls coming his way.”"
Returning from injury is Jared Abbrederis, a fifth-round draft pick last year. Abbrederis, along with the developing Jeff Janis, can add something extra to the passing game in 2015.
The Packers won’t splash out on free agents from elsewhere, but the way Thompson manages his own free agents is admirable.
With Cobb, Bulaga and Barclay all returning to Green Bay, the Packers’ offense is almost untouched and will once again be a force in 2015.
If they can stay healthy, they will be looking to pick up where they left off last season. If they can, the Packers could be heading to Santa Clara in February for Super Bowl 50.