Randall Cobb doesn’t pay attention to what those outside of One Jets Drive have said: That he was brought in as a favor to Aaron Rodgers, that he doesn’t have much left in the tank after 12 NFL seasons.
Cobb knows his body.
He knows his ability.
He plans to show it starting on Sept. 11 when the games begin to count.
“I know what I can do, I know what I’m capable of,” the 33-year-old wideout said this week. “It’s just a matter of getting [an] opportunity and going out there and proving it.
“The only thing over my career has been health. As long as I’m healthy, I’ve been out there and I’ve been able to produce. It’s just about staying healthy and doing everything I can to make sure my body is ready for 17-plus games.”
Cobb did consider calling it quits at one point this offseason, after catching just 62 passes the previous two seasons with the Packers.
Preparing for games was difficult, a chore as he was dealing with bone spurs in his ankle that wouldn’t go away.
But Cobb opted to keep going, wanting to give it one more shot after undergoing surgery to clean out the back of the ankle.
He’s glad he did.
This is the best he’s felt in several years.
“I definitely think watching ‘Hard Knocks’ would’ve definitely made me wish that I was still playing,” Cobb said. “I’m glad I made the decision to come back. When you love the game the way I do, and I think a lot of players will say this, it’s hard to go into that next phase of life. I know at some point that time will come, but luckily it’s not right now.”
When the Jets signed Cobb in early May, he wasn’t supposed to be a major piece to the offense.
But Corey Davis retired recently and Cobb has shown more than expected this summer.
Having spent most of his career playing with Rodgers, there is a trust factor between the two that can’t be minimized.
Cobb obviously knows the offense because he has spent almost his entire career in it.
Coach Robert Saleh has repeatedly gushed about the veteran, saying on Tuesday that, “he’s a stud,” and the leadership qualities he brings are “priceless.”
One play in particular in the preseason stood out, last Saturday against the Giants, even if it did result in a penalty.
Cobb ran across the field to drill safety Bobby McCain, drawing a flag for a blindside hit.
Saleh loved the mindset of the receiver looking to make a block, even if the hit is now illegal.
“I get why [Rodgers] loves him so much,” Saleh said.
At worst, Cobb is the Jets’ No. 4 receiver, behind Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, though he frequently took first team reps through training camp, a sign he may be higher on the depth chart than that.
There are questions about the group after Wilson, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
It is imperative that others produce.
Otherwise, teams will swarm Wilson, and do everything possible to limit his touches.
“That’s huge. He’s a gifted talent,” Cobb said. “When you have a guy of his caliber on your roster, on your team, defenses are going to go that way. It’s important for the rest of us to step up and make plays, to give him opportunities to get one-on-ones, and not have safety help on every single play when he’s running.”
With that in mind, Cobb could figure prominently for the Jets’ offense.
He’s excited for the chance he has, particularly now that the ankle isn’t giving him problems any more.
“I wanted to give it another chance, to see what it would be like not having to deal with that anymore. Obviously I started out on PUP and I’ve worked my way back and I feel great,” Cobb said. “It’s the best I’ve felt in a couple of years. I’m going to do everything I can to play at a high level and give everything to this team.”