Yeah, I'm just not very convinced that the net gain of having Randall Cobb returning kicks is worth the net loss that would occur should he get injured on special teams. Just like we often hear about managing running backs carries to not wear them out over the course of the season, the same logic should apply to Randall Cobb, imo. Even if the logic of taking him off of special teams isn't to minimize injury opportunities (which is solid reasoning), simply limiting his touches is an important management decision for the coaching staff to consider. Cobb needs to be fresh and healthy late in the season, and special teams isn't going to help that. I think I would rather POTENTIALLY (but not definitely) lose a little explosion from my kick returner and maintain the explosion that Cobb provides on offense. Sure, keeping him as the returner doesn't necessarily mean he would lose any explosion on offense, but it's definitely not going to help. I feel as if someone such as J. Ross et al. could still provide a solid returner option so Cobb could focus on becoming a dominating offensive weapon. Cobb is going to help the Packers the most on offense anyway, so it would be tough to convince me that anything that potentially hinders his offensive contributions is worth it.

The exact same reasoning could be applied to Clay Mathews (or several other starters). I think it's safe to assume that CM3 would be a better special teams contributor than some of the young guys. However, it seems to be recognized that the added repetitions on his body isn't worth the perceived slight increase in special team production.

I do agree with the argument that if Cobb truly is SUBSTANTIALLY better than any other returner option (and I mean it isn't even remotely close), then it should be strongly considered. I would still probably choose to have him focus on offense though, simply because I think that's the way he contributes the most to the Green Bay Packers.

I don't want blue chippers on ST, period.

Yes, Johnathan Franklin is a rookie. ST is a way to get him on the field. But I still, just don't like it.

Let a marginal player make the team via ST. You hate to think of certain players as disposable, but the fact is, some players have proven themselves more than others. Even if it was college production.

Let somebody who has potential, use that spot to prove themselves.

That said, I still don't like a rookie on PR in the playoffs.

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Unless everyone else fails as a return man, I don't see Cobb on special teams anymore.

Good arguments for and against. This shows how important it is to have a dangerous return man back there at all times. I hope we find another in our group of players as good as Cobb. Worst case scenario, we still have Cobb to use back there in a pinch.

How many top skill position players in NFL history were also exceptional returners?

Tim Brown comes to mind. Hershel Walker. Deon Sanders... Didn't stop them from returning kicks.

I thought of Brown as well but a quick search showed that he didn't return many punts in his last 5 years. I'm not sure if this is because of his value as the Raiders #1 receiver or if they had found someone else who was as capable. Still, from 1993 through 1996 when he came into the forefront as a raiders receiver he was their main return guy as well.

Like I said, I hope someone, Ross perhaps or Franklin, or anyone, steps up and takes the return duties away from Cobb. If no one can do the job as well as he can however I still think he should be the guy back there.

The answer you are looking for is "yes".

There is very little difference between the stats for the leading return men and the average returners.

Dodd said it, as much or more than injuries is the wear and tear he would face on ST. I don't want to see him sit out a play or two in order to catch his breath because he had to return the ball first.

There were 22 players that had 20 or more returns. Jacoby Jones lead the group with a 30.7 average. The lowest was 21.3 by Stefan Logan. The middle was around 25.4 which was Cobb's average. He was 11th out 22. We are probably only looking at a 5 yard difference between Cobb and who ever his replacement is. It really isn't that significant. All 22 players only accounted for 8 tds all year.

punt returns will have an even smaller difference in return yards.

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I've always said about Cobb that he is an extremely vaulauble WR. As many of you have already pointed out... But to me, even more, he is a valuable FOOTBALL player. He's the type of guy who can have so many demensions. I have always been a fan of keeping him on special teams. Part of what makes Cobb special is that he can play WR and return and he doesn't help the team out in 1 spot, but two. I have never wanted that aspect of his overall value taken away. That being said, there is no point in keeping him on if Ross can do the job. Most of my thoughts on Cobb were before Ross came along. If he can do it, then by all means.

I'll vote Yes. Hopefully we can find someone who can catch the ball.

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