Cobb expands role in Commanders' offense
By Cole Thompson / The Alliance
SAN ANTONIO -- David Cobb has just needed a chance to prove his worth. A former top running back for the University of Minnesota, the Killeen, Texas, native never found his footing in the NFL.
With a fresh start to regroup in The Alliance, Cobb has transitioned into a quality third-down back for the San Antonio Commanders. But during Sunday’s 23-6 loss to the Arizona Hotshots, Cobb’s skills were used more than just on third-and-short calls.
In fact, he could have been considered a feature part of the Commanders’ offense. Still, no matter the outcome of his performance, Cobb is disappointed with the team's outcome.
The Commanders face off against the Memphis Express on Saturday, April 6, at 12 p.m. (11 a.m. local) in a game televised on CBS. For tickets to that and all Commanders games, click here.
“Arizona was just the better team tonight,” Cobb said.
While Kenneth Farrow II and Trey Williams found success as pass catchers, it was Cobb who led the way on the ground. On his first snap in the second quarter, the burly running back just needed to pick up a yard to extend the drive. He would bulldoze his way forward for 20.
At the start of the third quarter, once again Cobb would need just a few yards to keep the drive alive. Thanks to a key block from quarterback Marquise Williams, he would gain 17 extra yards on the run. When the dust cleared, Cobb finished with a team high 59 yards on the ground off nine carries.
But in Cobb’s mind, mental mistakes cost the Commanders a chance to clinch home field advantage for the Alliance playoffs.
“We just made too many mistakes,” Cobb said. “A lot of drive killers. I could have done a better job and you can point the finger but we lost as a unit.”
Cobb’s night was a key highlight for the Commanders' offense. Heading into Sunday’s game, the former Golden Gopher had struggled to find his role with the offense. After his personal best, Cobb now has collected 137 yards on the season and is averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
With a chance to clinch a playoff spot this weekend against the Express, Cobb knows the importance of what will go into preparation. While Memphis has been eliminated from playoff contention, they still could spoil the fun in the Commanders’ final home game.
Cobb, like many of the Commanders, knows a win can go far in preparing for the playoffs. But a win Saturday in front of the largest crowd in the league would be the perfect palate cleanser before a date with the postseason.
“We have a chance to get that bad taste out of our mouths,” Cobb said. “We just have to come in, rest up, heal up and get some guys back. We have to go back to work.”
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Cole Thompson covers the San Antonio Commanders for The Alliance of American Football. Follow him on Twitter @MrColeThompson.