Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings: Key matchups

Randall Cobb Versis the Vikings secondary

The fact that Xavier Rhodes’ availability is up in the air after he reportedly felt something “pop” in his knee while stretching before the Titans game makes it difficult to determine who Randall Cobb will primarily see in coverage.

The Vikings corner best suited to shadow the shifty Cobb would be Captain Munnerlyn given his proficiency in defending quick throws and screens.

Someone like Trae Waynes, for example, would be a better fit to cover outside receivers Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams since Minnesota’s 2015 first-round pick is a speedy straight-line runner with limited lateral agility to cover smaller slot guys in the middle of the field.

Cobb is Rodgers’ favorite target who utilizes quick-twitch moves to create separation on underneath routes. If the defensive back responsible for keeping No. 18 in check fails to get his hands on him at the line of scrimmage to disrupt his timing, the versatile pass catcher becomes nearly impossible to stop.

Zimmer’s defense may have held the sixth-year pro to a combined 61 yards and one touchdown in two games last season, but the 2015 version of Cobb was one that was constantly fighting through a debilitating shoulder injury.

Minnesota must prevent Rodgers and Cobb from hooking up on the chain-moving connections that often took place on third down versus Jacksonville if they hope to win the time-of-possession battle and keep their opponent’s point total to a minimum.

Next: Linval Joseph versus Lane Taylor