The Packers Finally Used Christian Watson As He Should Be
Watson had three touchdowns in four catches against Dallas
For the first time all season, Christian Watson was properly used for the Green Bay Packers. On Sunday, the rookie second-round receiver was an integral part of the 31-28 overtime win over Mike McCarthy's Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Number 9 had four receptions for 107 yards and three touchdowns, three big plays that showed his speed and vertical ability to attack defenses.
Watson is raw, too, and this is undeniable. His skill set is still limited, and he had two drops to start the game that hurt the offense. And that's the kind of prospect he was: talented, fast, but without ideal ball security — he had the highest drop rate among top receiving prospects in the class.
The Packers season was always going to be challenging offensively because of the lack of receiving options. Without Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the receiving room was rebuilt. Even if Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb had previous experience with Aaron Rodgers and Sammy Watkins has plenty of NFL experience, the highest level of talent is with the rookies, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. So the best possible scenario for this unit moving forward is to extract what the young receivers can offer now, while they develop into more complete players. And that's exactly what they did on Sunday against the Cowboys.
Christian Watson isn't supposed to be a volume receiver, at least for now. But his ability as a deep threat hadn't been properly explored — maybe for lack of confidence since his early drop against the Minnesota Vikings in week 1.
For most of the first nine weeks, Watson had been delegated to a Tyler Ervin-esque kind of role, but the Packers need much more from him, and he has the talent to offer much more.
"It feels amazing just to have guys rallying around me, picking me up," Watson said right after the game. "Obviously, not the way I wanted to start. Had guys in my ear all game, it's not about how you start, it's how you finish."
On Sunday, Christian Watson had four receptions. That's what he might offer this season. But two of those four receptions were big-play touchdowns. Without MVS on the roster, Watson is the Packers best — and maybe only — option to stretch defenses. This is important for Watson himself, but also to open up underneath zones and to keep defenses more honest with what Green Bay wants to do offensively.
Christian Watson is a raw and talented player. He showed all those things on Sunday. The Packers need his talent, so they have to handle his rawness. Against the Cowboys, they did it, and Watson made them look smart.
Other considerations…
The Packers coaching staff has been a little hesitant to make changes. Sometimes, analysts and fans ask for alterations, the staff does it weeks later… and it works. Let’s recap some decisions, besides Christian Watson as a deep threat, that could have been made earlier:
- Kaiseon Nixon (or anybody else) returning punts instead of Amari Rodgers.
- Rudy Ford at safety
- Darnell Savage at nickel
- Jaire Alexander's role/aggressiveness at the line of scrimmage
- Rasul Douglas as a boundary cornerback
- Yosh Nijman at RT, with Elgton Jenkins going back to LG
- Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry with more playing time than Devonte Wyatt
Sometimes, the obvious is enough.
Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Wendell Ferreira covers the Green Bay Packers for Zone Coverage and Cheesehead TV. He is a Brazilian journalist with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, soccer, NBA, and MMA. Follow him on twitter at @wendellfp
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Comments (116)
Packerpasty
November 14, 2022 at 10:04 am
Perhaps Watson started playing how he was expected to play...he had the "drops" early and early in this game also..he was also injured...a lot...I think Packers were using him as well as could be expected...
Guam
November 14, 2022 at 10:47 am
The biggest issue with Watson was/is availability. You can't use him "how he is supposed to be used" when he is the trainer's room and not on the field. Between knee surgery, a hamstring pull and a concussion, he simply hasn't been available. Hopefully the injuries are behind him and he can play consistently.
He is a better version of MVS for this season and has the potential to be a star #1 WR if he can stay healthy.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 12:00 pm
The other issue is understanding that he will have drops, particularly till he perfects his tracking and hands technique. We are just going to have to keep going to him regardless. They did finally use him on deep crossers, which he’s more used to. Now they need to do the same with Toure and Doubs when he comes back. Play the talent, use the talent and stick at it, not just the safe but ineffective. It should have been that way from day one.
mnbadger
November 14, 2022 at 12:13 pm
CW, about his tracking - look at the photo, his eyes are 10 yards or more back toward the qb, not watching the ball in to his hands. Hopefully somebody smarter than this old HS offensive Tackle sees this and is busy putting together training/corrective drills for him to overcome this obvious flaw.
Man, he does run like a gazelle though! We haven't had that type of body in the WR room since James Lofton.
GPG!
Packerlifer
November 14, 2022 at 01:49 pm
On his third td catch he showed the way he needs to track and catch the ball with his hands. He and Rodgers need to work more together on figuring out just how fast he is/can be. He seems to have to be pulling up as he’s outrunning the throw. Aaron may develop with him to throw deeper than he has been previously able to do.
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 03:37 pm
I just watched his first TD on the replay. Caught the ball with his mitts and brought it to his body for the 5 points of contact and ball security. The way his coaches taught him...
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 04:25 pm
It’s easy to see why Gute wanted him from a longer term perspective. He’s a freakish athlete for his body even at the NFL level, there’s no doubt about it. If he can improve technically, including his catching techniques (he appears to have the ability) then he’s a pick for the decade. An odd pick for us this year, under the circumstances, but one that doesn’t come around in many years. He’s got a lot of learning to do still, but if you persist we just saw what he’s capable of physically.
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 10:11 am
This is our team.
The OL, finally has Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, and Nijman on the field together.
The WR group has both Lazard and Watson on the field.
Jones is our RB, Dillon is his very good backup.
We scored 28 points in regulation, a season high. 39 Rushes, 20 passes. I'm going to say that again. 39 rushes, 20 passes, FOURTEEN completions, most of them short. Christian Watson caught 4 balls, more than anybody else on the team.
I've said these things a million times, so this will be 1,000,001:
You can have a very good offense that scores points without throwing the ball 35-40 times. Run More, Pass Less.
It is stupid to return punts. The things that go wrong, like fumbles, penalties, and injuries, are not nearly offset by the occasional good return. You aren't going to fix this with better returners, special teams defense, or a fire-breathing coach. All over the league, every Sunday, there are misadventures on punt returns. Fair catch and give it to the offense.
T7Steve
November 14, 2022 at 10:27 am
Yes. Amari has had 5 muffs or fumbles returning punts this year. So just catching the punts is hard for him. We have to keep asking why it takes so long for the staff to see what everyone on the outside sees?
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 11:45 am
It's not just him. All over the league, every week, there are problems. Catching the ball is hard enough. Catching it while people are thundering towards you is harder. Fair catch.
Packerlifer
November 14, 2022 at 01:52 pm
Unless you’ve got Devin Hester sure hands fair catch is the way to do punts nowadays.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 12:01 pm
You are forgetting the horrible leaves as well. Hopefully Rodgers as a returner is now over and we can use someone with more offensive upside on O too.
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 12:56 pm
I would suggest that if Watson and Lazard are healthy, they'll get the WR snaps. Toure and Watkins will be the rest of the WR group.
We threw 20 passes. 8 to Watson. 4 to Lazard. 3 to Watkins. We don't need anybody else in place of Amari Rodgers, but I'm sure we'll get somebody.
I've been as patient with Amari Rodgers as anybody, but it's time to part company, IMO.
NoNonsense
November 14, 2022 at 03:21 pm
Well Coldworld, I must admit you were right all along about Amari and I was wrong. A bunch of people on here were on point in their analysis of him but I gave you some hell for it and so I thought I would eat my crow for you specifically.
Muffing the punts is one thing but his hands and ball security make him a risk to use in any capacity at this point. I would swap him out in favor of Tyler Goodson right now if I could. Not much of a believer in Winfree but 12 seems to like him so he's a better option than 8 at this juncture. Wouldn't mind seeing what Fulgham could do in this offense if they chose to bring him up instead.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 04:32 pm
Winfree is a classic 4/5 I think. He does everything pretty well but just not quite well enough to break through as a starter. I think he’s a guy teams need. If there is an injury, he can step in and do the job, any job. Ideal 5th active WR type. Given a run, those guys can surprise too once in a while. I think Fulgham is cover for the X role. If Rodgers is cut, I’d replace him with Winfree and have him active behind Watson, Lazard, Watkins and Toure if Cobb isn’t back next week.
At this point, without Doubs, I want to see Toure given more chances and targets. Those 2 with Watson are part of our future and have all shown the ability to make splash plays. Use them. We get nowhere through caution, which I think has been Rodgers point the last 2 weeks.
dblbogey
November 14, 2022 at 03:08 pm
Especially considering he offers nothing special when he does catch a punt, and he's offered nothing as a WR. It's time to admit he's another busted #3 draft pick and move on.
Guam
November 14, 2022 at 10:50 am
I was watching a college game about a week ago (MIchigan??) and they fair caught every punt. The announcer indicated that they have not returned a single punt all season. Someone is taking your advice Leatherhead!
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 11:47 am
When I was in high school about a million years ago, we dropped two guys back on punt returns. The first guy was supposed to catch the punt. The second guy was supposed to be ready to fix the first guy's mistake.
It drives me crazy. You have a $40 million QB, and a star RB, and rather than just give them the ball, we turn it over trying to get an 8 yard return.
Minniman
November 14, 2022 at 04:49 pm
Agree - it’s a low percentage play that you wouldn’t expect an NFL franchise to continue making.
mnbadger
November 14, 2022 at 12:17 pm
I'm starting to agree with you LH about the stupidity of returning punts in general.
It's downright asinine to let amari rodgers return punts. Long before yesterday, he's shown us exactly what he brings to the table in that role.
NOTHING Positive, a world of petential NEGATIVE plays.
If it was rbasichia that allowed him to return punts again this week I want some of his money back.
If it was mlf or BG, I'd like to see them fired. JMO
GPG!
UPDATE: 11/15/22 - Packers cut Amari Rodgers! I sincerely wish him nothing but the best as a human being. But this is indeed over due news. This move says "All In!" to me more than any other.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2022/11/15/packers-rel...
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 01:23 pm
And yet, prior to yesterday, he had lost exactly one fumble in about 50 punts. Lots of guys aren't any better. The problem isn't Amari Rodgers, it isn't the coaches. The problem is that it's a very low percentage gamble on a return that will offset the turnovers, injuries, and penalties that you're going to get trying.
T7Steve
November 14, 2022 at 02:36 pm
LH you crack me up. I was catching up on the late posts last week and you wrote " it's going to be uglier than the love child of Lyle Lovett and Janet Reno."
You keep coming up with stuff that makes this worthwhile. THANKS!
At least there're a few of us that still won't give up before a game is even played.
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 06:29 pm
I'm glad you appreciate it.
Yeah, I was pretty unhappy when people in the gameday thread were giving up in the third quarter and then invoking Lombardi....who would have NEVER, EVER given up like that.
Bottom line: The offense moved the ball and scored points and we won. Let's try to do that again next week.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Semi-related: I'm listening to sportsradio in Cowboy Country. They think their run defense is horrible because we got over 200 yards. Here's a question: How many yards should Jones and Dillon get at home? 100? 130? I think if those big eaters keep pushing people out of the way, we're going to gain yards on the ground.
Also, the host was just obsessed with our 4.8 yards/rush average... I suppose he'd rather have us throw, where we're only averaging 10 yards per throw.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 08:00 pm
With both over 5 ypc on that many runs, I think they are right to be worried.
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 08:12 pm
So you'd rather give up 10 yards per throw than 5 yards per run?
Coldworld
November 15, 2022 at 09:31 am
That’s a dilemma often debated. Typically, teams running for over 5 yards per carry consistently have opportunities to pass for big yardage if they chose to. The exception is when I don’t think you can pass, and I do think I can put score you, particularly if I think your post catch threat is minimal.
Given the game on Sunday, I think that it showed a team trying to stop the run and unable to. I don’t think they took our passing threat seriously until too late. Reasonably given Watson’s prior contribution and LaFleur calling his usual short routes for the most part. Had they stopped the run, we may have been out if this in the first half or forced into a similar joke as the one we found ourselves in in Detroit.
Starrbrite
November 14, 2022 at 04:12 pm
Puleeaazee don’t not agree with LH concerning do nothing but fair catch only.
I love LH but vehemently disagree on this point.
NFL punt returners must and should be able to return punts 10yds—that’s generally the average.
Moreover, no NFL team is coaching and/wants a PR that does nothing but fair catch.
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 06:21 pm
The average is 8 yards, on probably 2 or 3 returns a game. And for that, you're willing to pay the price in turnovers, injuries, and penalties. I am not.
That fumbled punt damn near cost us a game If he had simply taken the fair catch, our offense would have been in business near midfield. But no, we have to fight for those 8 yards at all costs.
Returning punts is a low percentage bet and will cost you more games than it will win for you.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 08:02 pm
Muffing a fair catch is a thing too. Fumbles are only part of the issue.
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 08:10 pm
Of course. But do you truly not see that if it's a fair catch, it improves your odds? If everybody on the team, including the returner, knows there's no return ? If it's straight up fair catch every time? You wouldn't get those penalties, you wouldn't get guys hurt, and you wouldn't turn it over nearly as often.
Nothing is foolproof, if you have a big enough fool, but simply fair catching every one really improves your odds.
Coldworld
November 15, 2022 at 09:49 am
Fair catching depends on where it is. A fair catch is not always a good option and it’s been known to fail too. As with most things, the absolutist position sounds good at first but suffers when you look at it in practice. Most teams fair catch much more than used to be the case and so do we, in fact more than the majority. We consistently are at the back end of field positions post punts and yet up there in errors. That doesn’t sit well with your view that just fair catching makes it better.
The answer is 1) decide whether leave or catch. 2) decide to fair catch. 3) catch it. 4) if you didn’t call, hold on tight and get either a yard diving or head north fast. Good returners get that right about 9 in 10. That’s actually higher than the best catch rates per target for receivers.
Do that and I won’t fuss about yards per return too much. However, fact remains that Rodgers has not been good at the leave decision, at catching it or at gaining yards with possession maintained by league averages. Thus he’s just not very good at returning or as a fair catcher prospect.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 08:18 pm
Actually, that’s a figure that included fair catches I believe. The average for a good returner on ones returned is 11 to 12, with elite being around 15 average. Amari last year was a little over 8. The problem with fumble stats is it doesn’t always include drops/muffs.
MooPack
November 14, 2022 at 10:25 am
Amen. Too bad circumstances and not enough trust in Watson may well have kept this team from a couple to a few more wins. It’s possible. After game interviews revealed that He was told by Rodgers and MLF that ‘we are coming back to you’. Hand was most likely forced this time, but seriously, why not in prior games? Why not give the kid a boost in confidence earlier? Maybe something was said, but we didn’t hear of it. Just keep healthy kid.
Amari shouldn’t see the football field. Complete, total stubbornness by the coaches and/or GM. Everyone sees it but you.
Savage should have seen less a while ago, but at least their is some hope with safety additions.
Barry is the problem. Solve it.
OL is finally in the grouping many of us have been saying for weeks. Not 100%, but better than what was. Again, stubborn slowness of decision keeps this team back. Off and on the field.
If CHTV fans were running the show, maybe this season would be vastly different so far. LOL!
T7Steve
November 14, 2022 at 10:30 am
CHTV should be required reading for the staff.
Geezzzhead
November 14, 2022 at 12:45 pm
I agree on all that.
If I see Olson show Watsons first drop I'm going to go off,lol, I wish they would of went right back to Watson after that drop.same play.watson runs like a deer,Nixon looks so much better at punt returns.i agree on fair catches. They throw flags on them plays too.
A shout out to Rudy
THANK YOU ,
Go Pack Go
stockholder
November 14, 2022 at 10:37 am
Watson should have been a #1 choice. Three TDs are a big deal. And he'll only get better. Just keep the kid from running into a wall.
Fubared
November 14, 2022 at 11:26 am
He might have been had he had a gloried career playing in Div 1. Most people in his league unless they are extremely talented are later round picks or un drafteds. Quality of league play matters for firtst rounds
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 03:34 pm
Tell Andre Reed and Johnny Randall...toss in Jerry Rice for the trifecta.
PhantomII
November 14, 2022 at 11:54 am
Chris Simms had him as possible Offensive Rookie of Year. If AR was a little less demanding and harsh with Rooks he might be further along. I won't dwell there. Kid has made them all eat a little crow Sunday. Just maybe AR does not know everything about how to get the most out of team mates. Tear down when they get cocky and build up when they're low.
WestCoastPackerBacker
November 14, 2022 at 02:48 pm
This line of thinking is ridiculous to me. Watson was hurt in training camp and hurt much of the season. Is that on Aaron Rodgers? You think Tom Brady isn't demanding on his teammates? How about Peyton Manning? You bet they are/were. If you don't have a WR that knows what routes he's running, you end up with interceptions. Look at the production of the WRs that have developed with Rodgers at the helm. He must know something. Watson was always known to be raw. You can't blame the QB that his being raw and being injured left him not very product so far as a rookie.
PhantomII
November 15, 2022 at 01:07 pm
I would agree if EVERYONE ON THE PLANET...BUT YOU...did not know AR. After the bomb with Watsons big drop. AR and ML should have said we're coming right back at you THEN. These are the reasons the team is so often weeks behind in improvement. The absolute OBVIOUS correct next step happens weeks later. Not a lot of brain power coming out of those 2 sometimes. He has been hurt a bunch, but that doesn't change THE moment it should have changed. This 3 TD night could have been before this Sunday. He has the measurable of Megatron from Detroit. If ML get's the right play designs look out.
BirdDogUni
November 14, 2022 at 06:39 pm
Depending on how the season plays out, he could still be the OFOY. If he keeps lighting up defenses and AR keeps throwing dimes, it's not impossible.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 12:05 pm
So you are praising Gute. He got him for less than you suggest, though he did try to get up to snag him at the end of the first.
Let’s be realistic with him though, he’s got a lot to perfect.
PhantomII
November 15, 2022 at 06:03 pm
I say moving back into the first round and getting him a 5th year option on the cheap. You can't teach that speed. plus, we could have swapped a 2023#1 pick and more than likely kept both our 2nd rounders for a WR and TE or Safety we need.. Time will tell...but I'll assume i'm right about this kid. He needs work but what he really needs is ML crew to design plays that allow him to change games on a play to play basis.
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 12:06 pm
I pushed him as the #22, Gutedkunst rolled the dice on Walker. Lucky he made the move back up in the 2nd round. I'm sticking with my mock. Abe Lucas with the two pick and we wouldn't have seen the disfunction with the O line from game one. He solidified Pete Carroll's RT spot. The Pack can keep rolling if the Lines stay healthy. More 4-2/4-3 fronts. Get this guy Barry under control. When he went light up front, the Cowboys let Pollard control the game..
MooPack
November 14, 2022 at 12:38 pm
Absolutely, pretty much same as me. Defense at 22. Watson at 28. Lucas in the 2nd. Was high on Lucas.
PatrickGB
November 14, 2022 at 11:16 am
“The Packers Finally Used Christian Watson As He Should Be “ Yes! Ya think! 🙄
Starrbrite
November 14, 2022 at 08:33 pm
Ha—good one Pat.
Fubared
November 14, 2022 at 11:30 am
Cant beleive all the long term season ending injuries on this team.
What is really scary is watching the talent on the Vikes. They have playmakers on both sides the ball and yet, they are a young team with very few injuries playing indoors?
I dont know about our draft picks injury history and our conditioning program.
Its still a long season ahead and the playoffs are not in sight. at some point you do have to blame things on too many injuries.
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 12:10 pm
They were very lucky in a few games, or they would have three more losses in the column.
Packerlifer
November 14, 2022 at 02:00 pm
👹 There’s a deal with the devil to get this many lucky breaks and bounces this much.
Starrbrite
November 14, 2022 at 08:13 pm
I agree jannes. The Vikings have been living on the edge. For now they are reaping prosperity rather than disaster.
They stumbled to a win against the Bills; should have lost to the Saints; flimsy wins against the Lions and Bears.
packer132
November 14, 2022 at 01:53 pm
Packers have only 6 players on injured reserve and last season they lost more key players. Arizona has 14 on IR while 3 teams have 13 players out. Why does everyone say the Packers have injury problems or poor conditioning. Its the NFL and a very physical sport. Injuries can happen just in practice. For your information, the Vikings have 8 players on IR.
Packerlifer
November 14, 2022 at 02:03 pm
It’s not the number it’s who’s on the list that matters.
BirdDogUni
November 14, 2022 at 11:34 am
Ahhhh - They used him just as they should the first play of the season. It was just unfortunate he happened to drop that 75 yard bomb.
There are few CBs in the league who can actually keep up with CW9, so putting him in a position to out-run them is paramount. They finally did it Sunday.
Rodgers kept going to him even after a couple early drops.
If I could go back and find my comments in May, I predicted it would take Watson some time to develop, but I felt sure by mid-season he could be a juggernaut in this offense. How soon people forget it took James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Davante Adams 2 - 3 years apiece to start making a significant difference for this team. Yes, it took 10 weeks for Watson to break out, but I would suggest 10 weeks is much better than 2 or 3 years.
Now, if MaLF can keep finding ways to scheme him into the open or a significant miss-match, then CW9 can keep terrorizing opposing defenses. In the open field, he's tough or near impossible to catch up to!
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 12:07 pm
So was MVS. Beware going too far too soon
Swisch
November 14, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Beware, too, of overlooking a player like MVS and letting him leave just as he is reaching his prime.
Yesterday, he had three catches for 60 yards and a touchdown.
He is part of a well-balanced passing attack from the most potent offense in the NFL.
The high-flying Chiefs thought MVS worthy of a good contract; the mostly stagnant Packers let him go without ado.
If we still had MVS to go along with Lazard, and then added in the gradual growth of our trio of promising rookies, the Packers would have a much more consistent and effective receiving corps this season to go with their $50 million quarterback.
To me, it was a major mistake to not value MVS.
Packerlifer
November 14, 2022 at 02:07 pm
The sal cap and that $50 million qb on it hadsomething to do with MVS leaving.
stockholder
November 14, 2022 at 02:12 pm
When a WR gets 10 mil. a year. And you're the #3 WR. You take it.
WestCoastPackerBacker
November 14, 2022 at 02:54 pm
They just didn't have the money to keep MVS and he really was pretty much a one-trick-pony. I cared more that they keep Campbell and Douglas. And now GB has a much cheaper, more talented version of MVS, while MVS will be 29 and 30 for the last two years of his deal at $11M and $14M cap hits for the Chiefs.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 04:52 pm
If Watson gets 600 yards this year as a 2nd rounder, he will just out gain MVS as a late 5th round rookie. He has the potential to be a lot more than MVS, but MVS was a good pick and, if healthy, is on track for his most yards in a season quite comfortably. He gets a lot of stick, but we missed his speed.
LeotisHarris
November 14, 2022 at 03:00 pm
Great to hear MVS finally got into the endzone for his first TD of the season! His three catches yesterday ballooned his season total to 26 in 40 targets. Pretty darn shrewd of the Chiefs to get that kind of production for only $10 million per season.
WestCoastPackerBacker
November 14, 2022 at 03:19 pm
Yes, thank you. My thoughts, too. MVS was hurt last year and missed 6 games, so I wasn't unhappy at all they didn't pay him a chunk of money. And yes, that was his first TD of the year. Last week he caught 1 pass for 12 yards. He's averaging under 3 catches per game. When Doubs was in, he averaged over 3 receptions per game and already has 3 TDs and almost as many yards as MVS. Younger, cheaper, and with more of a future than MVS.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 04:46 pm
He’s on target for 900-1000 ish yards at 17 ypc. I think they’d take that. He’s only missed one game I think.
WestCoastPackerBacker
November 14, 2022 at 05:33 pm
Clearly they didn't take it. So far GB has more product from Doubs and Watson (4 TDs to MVS having 1) and more yards. Younger, cheaper, faster.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 08:57 pm
Not my point. I wasn’t arguing to keep him or that Watson doesn’t have more upside at all
BirdDogUni
November 14, 2022 at 05:07 pm
You and I both know MVS was fast, but little to no agility. He dropped a ton of balls too. Watson has the ability to be a real difference maker in the NFL. Yes, he isn't fully there yet, but barring significant injury, he truly could be Moss-like.
I want us to get him the ball in space. (Not just 9 routes!)
Christian Watson does have a long way to go to become a dominate WR in the league, but there is no doubt he has the talent.
Let's hope he has the luck and work ethic to with it.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 12:07 pm
duplicate
Leatherhead
November 14, 2022 at 06:38 pm
I remember your comments on Watson and Pierce and it got me looking at those two.
Here's the deal: We lined up Lazard and Watson on damn near every play last week. So when we go to 3 WRs, our opponent is almost going to have to play nickel, which is going to leave six run defenders in the box, going against Marcedes Lewis and the O-line. This math works for me.
If you decide you have to commit a 7th rundefender, you're guarding 3 WRs with 4 guys. Again, I like the math on that, too.
Starrbrite
November 14, 2022 at 08:35 pm
Spoken like a former coach—good call.
PhantomII
November 14, 2022 at 11:42 am
Let me just say...I have never seen more passes dropped from any packer WR than from a young Davante Adams. It was Bad, really bad. He was given the time to get it together and he is today a top 3 WR in the NFL.
He has great hands. Watson will get better and better. He cares, he wants to be great. We will surely have some down plays or even games but like Sunday...The kid made everyone guarding him look BAD. I believe his long strides make him faster the further he runs. Our OL is finally the right group getting it done. We just inherited another Weapon. Jones and Watson are above the confinement of RB and WR...They are WEAPONS. Get used to seeing 3-5 plus yard separation from this kid. If he can stay healthy and QB-1 can build him up a bit, he'll be a super-star WR in no time. I loved the run game and shot calling in this game. I liked the INT's from the secondary..What a difference. GPG
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Lazard is a long strider; Watson has fast feet and 4.36 speed to go along with it. He is healthy now and it takes practice to get the timing down with the QB and NFL speed. Work on his arm and hand strength.
Tingham
November 14, 2022 at 11:42 am
Agree completely on the things this team has been slow to adapt too. Let me add one more that we saw yesterday that I have been clamoring for all year. More Rodgers under center with less RPO's and more designed runs. Yes we know Rodgers doesn't like this since he has to turn his back to the defense for a moment but here are the plusses.
+Running back gets the handoff with some forward moving steam instead of a dead start in the shotgun.
+Offensive line is more committed to run blocking. On RPO's maybe they run maybe they don't. Gets more push.
+Much better faking opportunity. Yeah the QB has his back turned but the ball is not in plain view and they need to hold for a split second.
+If you commit to the run game while under center you will get shot plays.
Now if we could only get Rodgers to just once or twice a game get the ball snapped with less than 1 second on the clock we might actually generate some more big plays.
beerandbrats
November 14, 2022 at 02:19 pm
Well said Tingham! All eyes are on the QB in the shotgun and the ball is easier to follow when it is snapped. It's much more difficult for the defense to keep an eye on the ball when the QB is under center and turns his back to hand off, or fake a hand off.
Packer_Fan
November 14, 2022 at 11:50 am
The end of your article with the list is so very important. Watson sure is a threat for long passes, but the two other TD's came from bunch formations where Watson could get a free release and then the defense can't keep up with his speed. The commentator noted the second TD was a play selected just this week. Hopefully look for more of this Thursday.
And your list is right on. Lafleur and his staff has been slow to change. And it has cost a lot of losses.
Even with all of the injuries, this team is dangerous with a chance to make a run. Because they have the best lineup and most effective so far.
PhantomII
November 14, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Watson gets up to speed very fast...great burst for a very tall WR. He has RB vision also..sets people up ahead of him. Look up the "freak show Christian Watson on you tube". I've been waiting on a game like this all season. Ridiculous upside...
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Huge upside. Let’s not forget that he still has a lot to do to teach it. Let’s also get other young talent involved.
BirdDogUni
November 14, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Was hoping we could draft Quentin Johnston to put opposite Watson and Doubs... Add a good TE and this offense could be dangerous!
My biggest fear right now is they've righted the ship and we're stuck with Murphy, Gutey, MaLF, and Barry long term.
I can't see the future, so maybe MaLF has grown up during this losing streak we were on and now he takes the next step in his development? IDK, but if the Packers were to make a run, and get a Wild Card birth, anything is possible.
*This seems so much like 2010 it's eerie.
Coldworld
November 14, 2022 at 02:25 pm
We won despite LaFleur. This one was on Rodgers. The problems remain
BirdDogUni
November 14, 2022 at 05:22 pm
Probably.
If we come out and kick the crap out of the Titans, I could become a believer.
We also both know that the NFL is all about match-ups, so if MaLF indeed puts in the work and starts exploiting match-ups the rest of the year, just about anything is possible.
We also know injuries are a thing. If we can stay relatively healthy going forward and other teams aren't so lucky, we can makeup ground awful quickly in the NFL.
I'm no good at predicting the future, so I will have to watch every game. Granted, I am feeling much better about the rest of the season than I did a week ago. At least our arrow isn't pointing straight to hell anymore and it is possible we're getting our pieces in place just in time to actually make a run.
Only time will tell, but if we keep running the damn ball and AR stays focused, and our young guys keep competing, we have a chance. Maybe not a good chance, but a chance.
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 03:22 pm
Missed on the TEs from the 4th round this draft. They bagged Rhyan in the third, worried about Jenkins. Doubs and Tom in the fourth were solid. This was a year to bag a guy.
Swisch
November 14, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Was there one fan at CHTV, or any of the staff writers, who was openly singing the praises of Christian Watson before Sunday and lauding our GM for trading up to take him in the second round?
How were you feeling about Watson at the end of the first quarter?
Even at age 60, the fickleness of fans astounds me, and is unsettling.
It's not that I'm not ecstatic at the fantastic performance of Christian Watson against the Cowboys; it's that I caution fans to go slow in writing off other players such as Amari Rodgers.
Please, let's not coronate a player one game, then stage a coup against him the next game. (The king is dead. Long live the king!)
Give these guys a fair shot if they show a good measure of potential and true effort. Not too high and not too low from the fans, but steady encouragement.
As loyal and intelligent and experienced fans of the Packers, let's not let our passion of the moment override our reason gained over years, even decades, of observing the ups and downs of NFL football.
MooPack
November 14, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Yes, I was actually. I mocked him in 1st round. I thought he could be the best WR in the draft. He has that much athletic talent. I'm sticking with that assessment. Injuries were unfortunate. But even more so was the lack of trust, shortened rookie training, scheming him on the right routes, and lack of confidence after the season opening play. I can't imagine the amount of pressure he had that day, pretty much knowing he was getting the first play of the season on a go route. He couldn't overcome it. After that, I blame the coaches and maybe QB for not going back to him on some deeper crossers like we saw. Instead we get a bunch of jet sweeps, that he was also known for, but eventually sniffed out by defenses that are better than college. It's really too bad it took this long to recognize it. I will stick with that opinion of him even as he will likely have some drive killing drops.
Amari, I write off, Sorry, I see what I see.
Swisch
November 14, 2022 at 03:43 pm
You deserve kudos, MooPack, for picking Watson, and especially for sticking with him.
I read a lot of fan comments here at CHTV, but not most of them, so I miss a lot; with that said, I'm wondering how many fans stuck up for Watson (and for Gute in drafting him) over the past two or three weeks when he was seemingly being written off as a big mistake (at least for this season).
Those who are downvoting this comment, for example, please cite your advocacy of Watson with date, time, and title of article. Stand up proud for defending Watson publicly in his hard times -- boldly proclaiming that he would burst forth into stardom any game now -- so that we may applaud you for your football acumen and courage to go against the crowd.
T7Steve
November 15, 2022 at 08:13 am
Didn't downvote you Swisch. I was hopeful for the pick to work out and made the comment "What would have happened to this season had he caught that first pass?"
I think most people here were frustrated about his health and how he was being used. After the first game he was only used for jet sweeps and stuff around the LOS. I think it was mostly complaints about coaching.
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 07:20 pm
Thank you, MMMMMOOOOO
PhantomII
November 14, 2022 at 03:14 pm
I would trade Amari to the Jags and reunite him with his QB and RB from College in a player swap or late round pick. He may be a decent slot guy some day but AR will not throw to him anytime soon. He's not a returner.
Swisch
November 14, 2022 at 03:32 pm
That may be the best way to go for Amari, a fresh start, especially with college teammates.
PhantomII
November 14, 2022 at 03:50 pm
Yes, the trust thing will not be an issue. He's a hard worker. Best for both. I was a big Watson fan. Like I wrote check out" Freak show Christian Watson" on you tube. If he stays healthy..he's a game wrecker...and he is raw. Doubs needs to get healthy and use Toure more. Next season should really be a coming out party for all 3. We may be back to old days with multiple WR's who can hurt you.
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 07:24 pm
His father was a CB in the NFL(drafted by the Pack). I believe he worked his son through the route trees ,many a day.
Tedlyflyfisher
November 14, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Has anyone else noticed Rodgers has had no success at getting our opponents to jump offside this year? IMHO it’s because he is always waiting until the last second to call for the snap. He needs to mix it up so that the timing of the snap isn’t so predictable.
It was a relief to see better OL play, better DB play and of course #9 getting in a groove. But I can’t help but wonder if he wouldn’t have been helped out by Rodgers throwing to him more after his drop on the first play of the season. Cripes, we need this weapon! Don’t penalize a kid for one mistake! Try to build his confidence rather than tearing it down!
And yeah, if we all can see that Amari doesn’t deserve to be on the field, WHY CAN’T THE COACHES SEE IT???
MooPack
November 14, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Yep, just writing exactly that.
barutanseijin
November 14, 2022 at 09:34 pm
Defenses figured that out years ago. It’s been ages since he drew anyone offside. It seems like the only one who hasn’t figured it out is Rodgers himself.
T7Steve
November 15, 2022 at 08:18 am
You can't make them jump if you use the whole play clock to get the play set and get under center with under 3 seconds left. They're even doing that in the hurry-up.
Coldworld
November 15, 2022 at 10:02 am
Jumping is also more likely if you are defending against a team that’s a big play threat and has a good OL. If a team knows it has to get to the QB and the O line is stout then that’s when you get them twitching. When you expect a run or a throw in 5 yards, then teams are far less likely to jump.
The pre-punt/kick in 4th down thing now teams just don’t expect him to snap it because we don’t call that bluff, that’s just coaching.
mbpacker
November 14, 2022 at 02:15 pm
Watson's development has also been hampered by missing parts of training camp and preseason due to injury and off season knee injury. Has also been injured during parts of the regular season. His unavailability is one big reason they haven't used him more in the vertical passing game. Hope his injuries are behind him so he can develop a more complete game.
croatpackfan
November 14, 2022 at 02:51 pm
I'm happy that Packers were not humiliated in this game of week. I was jumping at my home when Mason kicked that FG and Packers won.
Today, I'm calm and I was not able to watch the game again. I will and than I will come with less extatic opinion.
I still thinking that Packers may play much better. I do not why, but Cowboys did not play their best game. At least not on D.
Mason missed that FG from 50sch yards. It is obvios that he lost his leg strength. Packers should look for replacement. This is sad part. I like Mason.
I'm also concerned that there is open receivers not seen by ACR. For one situation I'm sure. Because they presented on tv Toure alone deep in Dallas territory as the last living person on the planet. Yet, ACR was sacked on that play. On the other hand, there was not much throws from ACR from back leg or jumping in the air.
Heck, even Watkins played OK.
I was calling for Ford to be plaxed at safety. He has that need in himself to prove he is very good. And he knows how to tackle and how to avoid blocks at the line of scrimmage.
Not much notice on Savage, except on the Lamb TD. He tried hard to catch Lamb after Lamb juked Alexander for open catch. At the moment I'm not sure who was wrong. Jaire or Savage.
Hey, that is the football about. Right? Other teams also play to win, fight and sometimes are successful at that.
I'm sure that Packers were fired. Not sure that this win is the product of good game plan. Also, I believe that Cowboy's players underestimate Packers. When they find that mistake, it was to late.
Anyhow, I'm excited for Packers future (not talking about this season). They surely have good young WR group to develop and bring a lot of joy to the Packers fans (me included).
Coaches? For me still on the dark side of the force...
WestCoastPackerBacker
November 14, 2022 at 03:03 pm
NFL quarterbacks miss seeing open players all day long on Sundays. Just b/c a fan can see an open player in hindsight on one play where the QB was about to be knocked to the turf. Sorry, but some complaints against Rodgers are just ridiculous. And b/c a tremendous talent on the opposing team makes a great play (Lamb) you don't have to blame it on anybody.
Why not be excited about the future of the Packers yet this season? There's a lot of great football to watch whether they make the post season or not. Those 3 TDs by Watson and his back flip will continue to make me smile all season, as will the Rudy Ford picks.
Even if they don't end up making the wild card, they can win some games and give the fans some good football to watch. They're not giving up on the season, why should you? People's needs to see the negative can keep them from enjoying the positives.
croatpackfan
November 14, 2022 at 03:51 pm
Who said I gave up of the season. I just stated that I do not want to be brought by this victory. I want to calm down from joy Packers finally won a game after so many dissapoitments.
That is all. And I hope Packers will play next season to and more wins and enjoyment. That is all I stated.
WestCoastPackerBacker
November 14, 2022 at 05:25 pm
Croat, you said this, "Anyhow, I'm excited for Packers future (not talking about this season)" which made it sound like you are giving up on this season.
barutanseijin
November 14, 2022 at 09:39 pm
It doesn’t sound that way to me. Not at all.
croatpackfan
November 15, 2022 at 02:57 am
I said that, because we'll see this season some rookie pains, I'm sure. That does not mean they are busts. Not even Amari Rodgers. We have to be patient and let the player develop. Btw, Washington win over Eagles, that means that it may be the all 4 teams from NFC east may occupy wild card. DO not forget 2 of them had tie breakers vs Packers and Dallas has 2 games in advance of Packers. So, dreams about play offs are still alive, but not likely.
It depends, by my opinion on every game Packers will play till the end of the season. No game will be easy ion the schedule, not even LAR game. It looks like they are in deeper hole that Packers was. Many of us makes joke about Lions, but they are improving from game to game. We should be aware of that. Bears are up and down (mostly down). That is what I have when we are talking about reality of entering post season this year. And that is why I put the note about next season. I'm excited about Watson potential. He really need to have complete off season program and TC. He should be huge weapon for the Packers. Doubs is already, but he will have his share of rookie mistakes this season. Next season I expect him to improve significantly. Toure already proved himself to be on the right page with the game. He knows how to run the routes and stay open. He just need to be more instinctive in what he is doing. That will come with experience.
That is why I'm so excited for the future seasons. Can you accept that?
Coldworld
November 15, 2022 at 10:11 am
That view lasts as long as we keep winning. That’s why we don’t go into next season mode till we are out of it. It doesn’t mean that the future health of this franchise isn’t a legitimate question or concern. One game is good but doesn’t change things. Feels good, but it’s not salvation. Keep doing it and it might be, which is why mathematical elimination remains the threshold. This was a must win season. That meant overall not one game. Perspective works both ways.
nygary
November 14, 2022 at 03:26 pm
I have been complaining all year about this team. But yesterday they played with so much heart. Great to see Watson show his talent. Hope MLF will play the younger guys more so they can gain experience for next year. Just when I thought after 63 years of being a fan I was done, they pulled me back in.
croatpackfan
November 14, 2022 at 03:53 pm
I understand the sentiment nygary. That is what I just wrote in my previos post. Keep well my fellow fan.
PackyCheese500
November 14, 2022 at 04:00 pm
I think that this victory could serve as a spring-board into a potential playoff run. Whatever MLF said to the Packers last week worked, because they looked like they wanted to play and wanted to win for the first time since Week 3.
What scares me, though, is the absence of pass-rushers. In Gary's absence, we only have 3 OLBs on our active roster - Garvin, Enagbare, and P. Smith. That isn't enough. Our pass-rush was not good on Sunday (although the Cowboys have an incredible O-line), and we need more depth. I think that the Packers should use their roughly 5.6 million of cap space to sign free-agent EDGE Benson Mayowa. He is by far the best option on the FA market, and he had 13 sacks, 37 pressures, and 5 forced fumbles from 2019-2020. In 2021, he was mis-utilized by the Seahawks and played ILB, not his natural position. I think that it would be a low-risk, high reward move that, at worst, would add some stability and another man to the pass-rush. Of course, it would just be a band-aid on the deep cut that is the loss of Gary, but I think that it's better to do something than nothing.
Starrbrite
November 14, 2022 at 04:21 pm
I’m with you for trying Mayowa—do it!
PackyCheese500
November 14, 2022 at 04:28 pm
We were thin at OLB before, but now we're REALLY thin. I think we need to do it!
jannesbjornson
November 14, 2022 at 07:28 pm
Walker and Tipa will have to join the club Garvin is improving.
PackyCheese500
November 14, 2022 at 09:14 pm
Tipa is on IR. I think it's a good idea to try Walker on some pass-rush downs
Coldworld
November 15, 2022 at 10:18 am
I think he came off it last week. He’d be an option as a pure pass rush type. Not been impressive this year though, away from STs anyway.
PackyCheese500
November 15, 2022 at 01:36 pm
Idk about Tipa. He’s pretty small for an OLB. Walker we could try as a pure pass rusher, though
Starrbrite
November 14, 2022 at 04:40 pm
Drove in from western SD for the game and spent more than the national debt on food, lodging, and tickets…and a Packer stocking cap at the Pro Shop.
It was great to see Watson show-out talent for something besides the jet sweep; he’s good at that too. I believe we are in good shape moving forward with Watson, Doubs, and Toure.
Is Tonyan still a threat?
It was great to see the numerous Cowboy fans depart Lambeau Field as we Packer fans chanted “Go Pack Go!!!
Priceless
relleum61
November 14, 2022 at 05:47 pm
Thanks for the onsite report! I am glad you got your moneys worth with the OT!
stockholder
November 14, 2022 at 06:05 pm
We Finally did find that. Now how about Toure in the slot.
Starrbrite
November 14, 2022 at 07:49 pm
Indeed