Remember when everyone was whining about the NFL kick return rule change? Well, those people aren't exactly wrong, but Packers' rookie Randall Cobb just proved that return specialists are still relevant, running back a kickoff for a 108-yard touchdown, tying Ellis Hobbs' NFL record.
VIDEO: Randall Cobb’s 2nd TD Ties NFL Record For Kickoff Yards in NFL Debut
Cobb’s return is infinitely more impressive than Hobbs’ (coincidence that they have such similar names? No, I say) for two reasons: obviously, the rule change that has kickoffs coming form the 35 yard line instead of the 30, and the fact the he was pretty much freaking tackled.
At one point, in fact, Cobb was pretty much tackled. He was spun down to the ground, but John Kuhn caught him, held him up, and pushed him along. Once that happened, Cobb was off to the races, showcasing the speed that made him such a dangerous receiver last year at Kentucky.
Kickoffs should be fewer and farther between this season, but that doesn't mean their potential for spectacular plays has dipped significantly. Anytime someone can bring it out of the endzone — which will happen with speedsters like Cobb and Darren Sproles, who has a punt return TD in this game — they can still bring it to the house.
h/t bubbaprog
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