The Green Bay Packers entered the game against the Lions down number one receiver Davante Adams for the second straight game. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has stepped up as has Geronimo Allison. However, the situation appeared to get very grim at wide receiver when Allison was knocked out cold on the first play of the second half on a hit by Detroit defensive back Tracy Walker.
In an important divisional game at home in week six, the Packers were now extremely thin at wide receiver. Next man up was 23-year old Allen Lazard, who was not targeted all season and had only a single reception last season for seven yards. The second-year man out of Iowa State stepped up in a big way, significantly helping the Packers escape with a victory.
In this game, at least for this half, he became a primary target for Rodgers. Down by nine in the fourth quarter, Rodgers went deep to Lazard for a potential touchdown, but the pass fell incomplete. Not hesitating to go back to him, Rodgers fired a 35-yarder to Lazard for a touchdown, to cut the lead to two.
On the final drive of the game, Rodgers again looked for his young receiver, hitting him three times. The last of which was the most important on 2nd -and-8 from the Detroit 37. Rodgers hit Lazard with a 15-yard strike to the 22 to put the Packers in short field goal range. Crosby nailed the short attempt as the clock struck zero for a 23-22 win.
Lazard led the Packers with 65 yards and tied with the most receptions with four, on five targets. Adams and Allison are both questionable for this week, which means Lazard could see significant playing time. When Adams and Allison return, Lazard’s playing time at receiver will likely diminish significantly. However, the Packers now know they can depend on Lazard, so don’t be surprised to see more and more of him as time goes by. At least for one week, Lazard was an unlikely hero.
After the game, Aaron Rodgers was keen to mention that he lobbied for Lazard to be on the field in the 4th quarter. We’ll likely see more of him in the future, but we shouldn’t get too excited about him until he’s shown he can be healthy and consistent.
You guys need to ask JEFF JANIS to come out of retirement when he was there for the Packers he made positive things happen for their passing attack.
Stay in school kids.
Thanks! I was one of the few that felt he had some value. I also agree that when out there he made the majority of his catches, while at the same time added positive YAC . It can also be noted that some of his catches were game winning clutch catches. :)
It could also be noted that none of the other 31 teams felt he could help their team. Which might be why he’s currently selling tires. “Would you like to include the tire hazard warranty Sir?”
Aaand one again we overvalue our talent at WR, to the point of thinking other teams would be eager to poach our cut WRs or PS come the season start.
I was really rooting for Kume to make a decent impact and establish himself as WR3 behind Adams and MVS.
We have a lucky horseshoe up our ass again, as we will not have to face Mahomes. Sort of disappointing as it would possibly be the only matchup between Mahomes and Rodgers, who knows if Rodgers is playing for the Packers four years from now.
Also, the athletic published a pretty eye opening piece regarding Rodgers and his regression since 2015. Pretty eye opening. Basically concludes he is still a good QB, but his accuracy has basically gone from the 90th percentile to basically average.
Some of you may have heard the name Rob Reischel, He’s a local guy and Packer fan who currently writes for Forbes. He has written about the Packers with various outlets for over 2 decades. He’s highly respected and rarely gets blinded by homerism.
I’m usually on board with him 90% of the time. He’s well worth the read or listen. depending on his emotion he will either try to be somewhat “team correct”. but most of the time he will write like i do, straight between the eyes.
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He came to mind because he was just on The Fan talking about the need for a tight end, and/or receiver. He doesn’t blast the team, but at least he’ll be honest about the teams problems, and how much Jimmy G is worth to this team.
How much is Jimmy G worth to this team, honestly? Lol
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Is there a link to that segment?
https://1057fmthefan.radio.com/articles/feature-article/packers-rumors-could-tight-end-trade-be-next
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Look on the page for Rob Reischel conversation
Well…not what he’s worth, more like what he thinks of his production and contributions.
Interesting. He said Graham is not a good football player and Green Bay needs to get rid of him at the end of the year. You don’t hear many talking heads say that about the vaunted Jimmy Graham, despite how obvious it has been for a year and a half.