During the past two weeks, Packers fans, players and coaches have been witnesses of Jordan Love’s best games as the starting quarterback in Green Bay.
Whether that is due to Love’s progression as a passer, Green Bay’s pass catchers stepping up in big spots or the game plan as a whole, the offense is clicking in Green Bay right now.
That hadn’t been exemplified more than in Green Bay’s win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. It seems that the team has found a core weapon in Jayden Reed, as the rookie has shown his athleticism and skill both as a receiver and runner. Romeo Doubs has also been a solid, reliable target to whom Love has been completing passes in big spots. On Thanksgiving though, it was Christian Watson who was the best out of the three.
Now Watson was projected to take a big jump from year one last year to year two this year, but early injuries and inconsistent play quickly hampered those expectations. That seemed to change though, as Watson gashed the Detroit Lions for 94 yards on seven catches and one touchdown.
It was obvious that the game plan was to get Watson involved early, as on the very first play of the game, Love threw a 53-yard bomb downfield, which Watson won on a jump ball. That play was quickly followed up by an eight-yard completion to Watson. On the next drive, Watson saw two targets for two catches and 17 yards.
Getting Watson involved early was not the main reason why the Packers won this game, but it was definitely a winning factor. With Watson’s speed and athleticism, he should be able to command two defenders every time he steps on the field. There is not a corner in this league who can run deep with him, so defenses are going to have to give him safety attention. Once the defense gives him that attention, that opens up so much more for guys like Doubs and Reed to work the middle of the field, something that Packers have been successful doing in the past month.
“We continue to put that work in every week and build that chemistry,” said Love. “Obviously Christian’s got trust, and he is just going out there and making plays right now. It was a big-time performance by him.”
That trust is exactly what is going to continue to keep Watson engaged and effective in games. All year long, Love has talked about how he thinks Watson can beat anyone in one-on-one situations, but from a fan’s perspective, that was looking dicey. Now, it is no secret that Watson has the talent to take over a game, something that he is probably going to need to do against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs have been stingy against the pass this year, as they have given up just 1,708 yards through the air, which is good for second in the NFL. For Green Bay to break that pass defense, the offensive line is going to need to give Love time to set up deep shots to Watson. Once again, Love does not need to throw those bombs to Watson and can settle for other receivers replacing the spot of those safeties and corners who are running with Watson.
That is why it is so important to have your “speed” receivers produce. The No. 1 key in football is to stop the long play, and if that can’t be done, it is going to be a long day for the defense.
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