For Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, he has no choice but to make the most of each and every opportunity. As a first-round pick, he’s learning on the fly at the professional level. Golden pretty much had a redshirt year in the regular season, with few targets and little yardage. Injury aside, he remains positive about what he can still bring to the team moving forward. Injuries have kept other talented teammates like Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft on the sidelines. This creates an opportunity for Golden to make his case in the next few weeks.
In a recent game against the Washington Commanders, Golden ran 11 of 14 routes from the slot position. He demonstrated that elite speed with a 4.29 second 40-yard dash at the combine. To his credit, he’s been unable to turn that speed into game-altering plays on the gridiron. Golden has run a total of 35 routes this season but he’s been targeted a mere four times. He finished the season with only two catches for 16 yards, all of which came in the season opener.
The Packers’ head coach, Matt LaFleur, was effusive in his praise of Golden’s skills at the podium during last week’s press conference. He highlighted the fact that a shot play was called for Golden in the second quarter against the Commanders. On his deep ball attempt, quarterback Jordan Love overthrew him.
“That was one I kind of got back to him late,” – Jordan Love
Love knew he had to put more air under the throw. Their timing, he is certain, will become more sharp with deepening knowledge of each other’s games.
“We thought there was 12 [defenders] on the field, so kind of free-play mindset and I couldn’t even tell where the post safety was at at that time when I got back to him. So I wish I would’ve put that one out there a little bit more, but definitely that was super underthrown.” – Jordan Love
LaFleur explained that young guys like Golden tend to get jumpy and speed up their routes looking for a good result right now.
“I thought M.G. did a great job running this route.” – Matt LaFleur
Golden’s playing time has increased tremendously, as he played over half of the offensive snaps in the last three contests — 63 of 116 snaps. He’s cool, calm and collected and just waiting for a second act.
“What happens so many times for young players, they just rush the routes because they want the end result. [If] your route’s supposed to be 18-20 [yards] and if you cut it at 14, you might be open, but the quarterback’s not always ready to throw. That’s the biggest growth for guys as they get into the league, just seeing the big picture.” – Jason Vrable
The outlook for the Packers’ receiving corps is changing, particularly after the injuries to two of their top stars. Reed will be released with an injury designation, as he’s undergoing surgeries for a broken collarbone and a Jones fracture in his left foot. Though his recovery will be a long process. Meanwhile, Kraft suffered a knee injury Friday at practice and is expected to be out.
“We’ve got a long season. There’s going to be a lot of plays to be made. It just goes back to whenever my number is called, I’ve got to be ready. I’m not pressing for anything. I’m just happy to be on a winning team. We’re 2-0, and there’s nothing much more to ask for.” – Matthew Golden
As Green Bay gets ready to face the Cleveland Browns in a must-win game, Golden’s role may increase even further. He needs to change, adjust to the moment and pick up a few new opportunities. This will be key for him to produce at a higher level and help his team succeed.
As the Packers prepare for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, Golden’s role could expand significantly. His ability to adapt and capitalize on additional opportunities will be crucial as he seeks to contribute more effectively to the team’s success.
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