Rodgers-Cobb connection helps Packers beat Steelers

GREEN BAY, WIS. » Randall Cobb demonstrated why Aaron Rodgers wanted the veteran receiver back in Green Bay.

Rodgers connected with Cobb for two touchdowns and ran for another score as the Packers won their third straight, 27-17 over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Cobb began his career in Green Bay and played for the Packers from 2011-18 before landing in Dallas in 2019 and Houston last year. The Packers reacquired Cobb at the start of training camp at Rodgers’ request.

“He’s still a really good player,” Rodgers said.

Cobb caught a 23-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to put the Packers (3-1) ahead for good and scored again on a 1-yard reception that made it 2710 in the third period. That short throw was the 420th TD pass of Rodgers’ career, tying Dan Marino for sixth all-time.

Cobb said it didn’t take long for him to adapt to playing alongside Rodgers again.

“He understands how I move, so whenever I’m getting ready to break on my route, he knows,” Cobb said. “It’s muscle memory. It’s been a couple of years, but it’s kind of like when you get back around your friends and you remember things that you hadn’t even thought about in so long. It’s kind of that connection that we have.”

Through the first three games, Cobb had four catches for 58 yards. He caught five passes for 69 yards Sunday.

Rodgers and Cobb connected on two third-down completions that set up Green Bay’s touchdown. Cobb’s go-ahead score also came on third down.

“I pride myself in being the third-down guy,” Cobb said.

Rodgers went 20 of 36 for 248 yards and scored the Packers’ first points on a 4-yard rush in his first

home start against the Steelers, the only team he hadn’t faced at Lambeau Field.

After falling behind 7-0, Green Bay scored 27 of the next 30 points to seize control.

The list of Packers unable to play Sunday included linebacker Krys Barnes, offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins,

cornerback Kevin King and receiver Marquez ValdesScantling. Green Bay has been missing All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari all season and hasn’t had outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith since the opening week.

“I thought that was a mature win,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “Just our whole

mentality all week, it was very workmanlike. Guys came in very focused. I felt the energy was great.”

Pittsburgh (1-3) has lost three straight, failing to top 17 points in each game, after a surprising season-opening win at Buffalo. Since opening the 2020 season with 11 straight wins, the Steelers have lost eight of 10.