Ex-Packers Cornerback Shines, But Nate Hobbs Remains a Contender
The Green Bay Packers have made significant changes to their cornerback lineup this offseason. Their decisions have raised eyebrows as they prepare for their Sunday night match against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Among the most impactful changes was the release of All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander due to ongoing injury issues. Additionally, the team opted not to re-sign former first-round pick Eric Stokes along with veterans Robert Rochell and Corey Ballentine.
As a replacement, the Packers engaged cornerback Nate Hobbs in free agency, signing him to a four-year, $48 million contract. However, Hobbs faced challenges early in his tenure. He suffered a knee injury during training camp and underwent surgery, which delayed his return. Although he has started in the last five games, his performance has been inconsistent, raising concerns.
Nate Hobbs’ Performance Statistics
According to Pro Football Focus, Hobbs ranks near the bottom among 101 cornerbacks with a minimum of 100 coverage snaps:
- Completion Percentage Allowed: 65.0% (57th)
- Yards Per Catch: 13.8 (74th)
- Passer Rating Against: 127.1 (89th)
In contrast, Eric Stokes, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, is thriving. He ranks significantly higher among the same group of cornerbacks:
- Completion Rate: 52.6% (16th)
- Passer Rating: 72.9 (21st)
- Snaps Per Catch Allowed: 22.4 (1st)
Support for Nate Hobbs
Despite his struggles, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley expressed confidence in Hobbs’ abilities. He emphasized the importance of having a short memory and continuing to coach players for improvement. Hafley noted the necessity of nurturing confidence in Hobbs moving forward. He stated, “He is hard on himself, he’s extremely competitive, he’s talented.”
Hafley’s optimism is shared by head coach Matt LaFleur, who believes that Hobbs will rebound from his uneven performances. Coach LaFleur remarked on Hobbs’ competitive spirit and commitment to his role, suggesting that resilience is key for success in the NFL. LaFleur expressed confidence in Hobbs’ potential to improve and overcome setbacks.
Looking Ahead
As the Packers prepare to face the Steelers, the performance of Nate Hobbs will be under scrutiny. His ability to contain top receiver D.K. Metcalf will be crucial for the team’s defense. While Hobbs has missed tackles and allowed significant yardage, both coaches are hopeful for a turnaround.
The Packers will need Hobbs to regain his earlier form. His early-season performance included allowing only one catch on four targets for just seven yards against Washington and Cleveland. The upcoming game presents a vital opportunity for Hobbs to demonstrate his growth and resilience.
In summary, while Hobbs has faced challenges since joining the Packers, both the coaching staff and fans hold hope for his development. The team has invested heavily in Hobbs, and a rebound performance is essential as they continue their season.
