Packers rookie Matthew Golden emerging as explosive threat … all over the field
It didn’t take long for Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden to make his presence felt.
In an offense predicated on speed, timing, and creating mismatches downfield, Golden has quickly become one of Jordan Love’s most trusted big-play targets.
But, five games into the first round pick out of Texas’ role is beginning to come into focus for Golden as he continues to climb Love’s target hierarchy.
What Packers learned from Matthew Golden’s breakout game vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Last Sunday against the Bengals, Golden was one of the Packers’ offensive catalysts in a 27-18 victory, posting a career-high 86 yards on three catches.
As Pro Football Focus points out, Golden is starting to thrive all over the field and throughout the route tree in head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense.
“The rookie averaged 6.7 yards after the catch per reception [vs. the Bengals],” Lauren Gray writes for PFF. “And now has three consecutive games with at least three catches and 50 receiving yards.
“The Packers’ first-round pick has caught 14 of 19 passes for 212 yards this season, the second most among Green Bay receivers. Half of his catches have moved the chains, including five gains of 20-plus yards. Golden’s target share has been spread out evenly across every level of the field, with the bulk of his targets (seven) coming deep. The speedster has brought in four deep passes for 146 yards, accounting for 69% of his receiving total.”
Sunday made it evident that Golden is plenty capable both of taking the top off an opposing defense deep downfield and also turning an intermediate catch into a big play.
So far this season, Golden, whom Pro Football Focus lists as the No. 32 ranked receiver in the league, has caught 14 passes for 212 yards, while averaging an explosive 15.1 yards per carry.
However, if the past two weeks are any indication, Golden might merely be scratching the surface.
Commanders veteran may have played his last snap after Treylon Burks signing
The Washington Commanders are turning over every stone to rectify some glaring injury problems in their wide receiver room. It's a grave concern right now, but Adam Peters won't sit back and let this unit become a weak link, especially with so much at stake.
This was further evidence by the signing of Treylon Burks to the Commanders' practice squad. The wideout was reportedly in high demand after he departed from the Tennessee Titans. He visited the Denver Broncos before descending on Ashburn, and this could be the environment where his physical attributes are put to much better use.
Burks has a chance to earn playing time quickly with a smooth adjustment. Kliff Kingsbury's scheme looks well-suited to his physical attributes, so developing some early chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels should stand him in good stead. He's also a lot younger than most acquisitions made by Peters, so there is also some long-term upside attached if everything comes together.
Commanders signing Treylon Burks could spell the end for Noah Brown in Washington
Terry McLaurin has missed three games, and this could extend to four. Deebo Samuel Sr. is currently dealing with a heel problem, and the decision to sign Burks — making it five wideouts on Washington's practice squad — indicates that some bad news could be imminent.
Noah Brown could be the most impacted. He's just been placed on injured reserve despite not featuring since Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. The Commanders had hoped he would recover quickly, but that has not been the case.
It's an ongoing and concerning trend for Brown. He missed Washington's memorable playoff run through injury. He got a new deal but was carted off at mandatory minicamp, ruining his summer preparations. The former Ohio State star got back for the season, but he didn't last long.
Burks is 6-foot-2 with the athleticism to match. If he gets a shot and plays well, there's a chance Brown never sees the field in Washington again.
The NFL is littered with cases like this. Players who transition from starting roles to unreliable ones, whether due to poor performance or injury. Others get the chance to step up, and they thrive. This causes the coaching staff to rightfully pivot, rewarding those who came in and discarding those who fall by the wayside.
Brown won't be eligible to come back until Washington's international game against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain. A lot can happen between now and then, but don't be surprised if Burks does enough to send him to the fringes.
It could go the other way. But regardless of Burks' fate, the Commanders cannot trust Brown to stay healthy for any lengthy period, and change is needed.
