Cobb: Packers know what's at stake
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin’s Brett Christopherson caught up with Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb, who shared his thoughts on Sunday’s 30-27 victory over the Chicago Bears. This Q&A is presented by Tundraland:
You’re dealing with an ankle injury. How is that progressing? And are there any concerns about the injury as you prepare to play the Vikings?
Cobb: I’m progressing. Definitely was a tough one to play through this past week, but I don’t think I had any setbacks.
Can you explain how spectacular that 60-yard throw was from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson in the waning moments that set up Mason Crosby’s game-winning field goal — especially when you consider the frigid conditions and the hamstring and calf injuries Rodgers is nursing?
Cobb: It was definitely a great ball and a great catch. Jordy was able to beat his guy down the middle of the field. Normally, there should have been a safety back there, but the safety was peeking at Davante (Adams) going across the middle. So Jordy was able to get behind everybody, Aaron just made a great throw and Jordy made a great catch. I thought it was overthrown at first, but Jordy was able to catch up to it.
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Ty Montgomery rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. What are your thoughts on his transformation from receiver to running back? Why is this working for him?
Cobb: Unbelievable. I think it’s his approach to it. Ty’s got the build of a running back. He’s able to take that punishment, able to take those hits. But he’s able to break those tackles, too, which is huge. But I think the biggest thing with his progression as a running back has been understanding the protection. He’s able to be in there and pick up blitzes and be on the same page with the offensive line and Aaron.
You were three-of-10 in third downs against the Bears, and you're just 33 percent (11-of-33) in third down conversions over the past three weeks. What’s the key to improving in that area?
Cobb: Just execute on third downs is what it comes down to. This game is all about being where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there. And whenever we do that, we make the play that’s there and that’s the one thing that’s going to continue drives for us. We were good with that for a lot of the season, but we definitely have to be better than that down the stretch.
You’ve praised the team's ability to handle adversity this season. What challenges do you now face in handling success?
Cobb: It’s all about understanding what we are and understanding who we are. I think we’re all in tune with what’s at stake and that time is running out. We’re definitely in a position now to where we can control what happens. But at the end of the day, it’s about handling our business. We can’t really rely on anybody else to do that for us.
Brett Christopherson: 920-993-7117, or bchristopherson@gannett.com; on Twitter @PCBrettC