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Green Bay Packers: Five players who must step up vs. Seahawks

By Freddie Boston

Sep 20, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) was charged with pass interference on a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Ty Montgomery (88) as safety Earl Thomas (29) watches in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) was charged with pass interference on a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Ty Montgomery (88) as safety Earl Thomas (29) watches in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) scores a touchdown on a reception during the first quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) scores a touchdown on a reception during the first quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports /

Randall Cobb

Earl Thomas’ absence is a significant blow to the Seattle defense, and could open up opportunities in the middle of the field for the Packers.

The Seahawks boast corners able to blanket Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams on the outside. Jared Cook may draw a tough matchup with linebacker K.J. Wright, who excels covering tight ends.

Randall Cobb may be best positioned to create mismatches. He led the Packers in receiving (eight catches for 116 yards) in last year’s meeting with the Seahawks. Everyone knows Cobb’s big-play ability. He’s a menace in the slot who thrives after the catch.

Cobb can also create matchup problems out of the backfield. Using him creatively along with Ty Montgomery might offer the Packers their best opportunity of attacking the middle of the field. Shifting Jordy Nelson in the slot regularly is also in play, moving him out of Richard Sherman’s shadow.

Don’t mistake Cobb’s lack of production this year with poor play. Aaron Rodgers has many mouths to feed, but the sixth-year slot receiver has plenty to offer on Sunday.

Next: Five reasons why the Packers will still make playoffs

Cobb has two receiving touchdowns in four career games against Seattle. Rodgers may look his way in the red zone again this week.

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