What's in store in Year 2 for the Packers' WR duo?

Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are the elder statesmen among the team's wide receivers. Are big things in store for them in 2023? 

A year ago, it was unclear to what extent Green Bay Packers wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs would contribute in 2022. The wide receivers corp was relatively barren, but expecting rookie wide receivers to produce is not exactly something to take to the bank. Lo and behold, they both shined in certain spots over the course of the season. While neither player saw action in all 17 games due to injuries, Doubs and Watson were fourth and fifth on the team, respectively, in receptions; fourth and second, respectively, in yards; and fourth and first, respectively, in receiving touchdowns. Heading into the 2023 season, Watson and Doubs are the elder statesmen among the team’s receiving options. What does the duo have in store for 2023? 

Watson, the team’s lone second-round selection in 2022, has star potential written all over him. For starters, among rookie wide receivers, Watson finished tied for first in receiving touchdowns (7), third in yards (611), and fifth in targets (66) and receptions (41). He also had produced nine total touchdowns, tied for the most among all rookies. He also showed flashes of big-play potential and gazelle-like speed throughout the season. His average depth of target (aDOT) of 13.8 tied for 12th among all pass catchers, and his yards after catch per reception (YAC/R) of 6.7 ranked fourth among wide receivers, behind San Franciso 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (8.8), Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (6.9), and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (6.8). 

He also averaged 2.88 yards per route run in 260 routes (490 snaps), which shows his efficiency as a wide receiver and his ability to get open. Among wide receivers that played at least 50% of their team’s offensive snaps, Watson ranked fourth in that department (receiving yards only), according to Rotowire data. The names ahead of him? Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, though it should be noted that those three names all ran at least 330 routes and at most 534. 

Without a doubt, Watson will be leaned upon even more in 2023 as the team’s WR1. As a result, more defensive attention will be devoted to him. Thus, the burning question is: how will he produce? Assuming he stays healthy, I think it is a safe bet that Watson will improve upon his 2022 numbers, simply because of the sheer increase in volume. Beyond that, is at least 1,000 receiving yards, if not more, with 10 touchdowns out of the question? 

Let’s see how the aforementioned wide receivers did in their second seasons. Brown burst onto the scene in his rookie season, posting 1,051 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 52 receptions (84 targets). He posted another 1,000-yard season in his second year in 2020 to go along with 11 touchdowns and saw an increase in receptions (70) and targets (106) in 14 games. Hill posted pedestrian numbers in his 2016 rookie campaign, catching 61 passes (83 targets) for 593 yards and six touchdowns. He improved across the board in 2017. He had 75 receptions (105 targets) for 1,183 yards and seven touchdowns. Kupp had nearly 900 receiving yards during his rookie year, with five touchdowns. He only appeared in eight games in his second season due to injury, but he increased his touchdown production by one, his yards per game average by nearly 13 yards, and his yards per target by over one yard. 

What should be expected from Doubs?

Doubs, in 13 games, finished third among rookie wide receivers in receptions (42), fourth in targets (67), fifth in touchdowns (3), and sixth in yards (425). Despite his 200-pound frame, the Nevada product tied for fifth in contested catches and tied for first in contested catch percentage among rookie wideouts. Among all wide receivers, he finished 25th in YAC/R (4.7). However, he struggled at stretching the field. His longest reception in 2022 was 26 yards, which makes sense because his aDOT of 9.4 ranked 82nd among all pass catchers. 

Doubs also struggled at holding onto the ball when targeted. He tied for fourth among all wide receivers last season in drops (9) and led the NFL in drop percentage (13.4%). Still, though, Doubs showed that he can be a WR1. He led the team in targets (8), receptions (8), and yards (73) in the team’s Week 3 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and also led the team in targets (7) and yards (62) in the team’s Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills. 

Greg Jennings, who had a similar frame to Doubs, struggled with drops (43.3 catch percentage) and making the most of his targets (6.1 yards per target) during his rookie campaign. He rebounded across the board in his second season, accumulating 53 receptions on 84 targets (63.1 catch%) for 920 yards and 12 touchdowns. That stat line might be wishful thinking for Doubs to reach in 2023, but it should not be out of the question to think that Doubs can produce a 750-yard season. 

Altogether, consistency, game-in and game-out, will be key for Doubs entering his second season. The Packers’ aerial attack might very well depend on it, regardless of how well Watson performs. 
 

 

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Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild). 

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3 points
 

Comments (70)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Leatherhead's picture

May 19, 2023 at 01:24 pm

Last year, Watson and Doubs combined for about 90 catches for over 1000 yards. Both missed some time with injuries.

This year, I wouldn't be surprised if there were a 25% increase in that, which would put them at about 120 catches between them for over 1500 yards. They could exceed that, if they both stay healthy and play well, but I'd be satisfied with the 120 for 1500.

10 points
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Since'61's picture

May 19, 2023 at 06:26 pm

LH - Per PFR, Watson had 41 receptions for 611 yards and Doubs had 42 receptions for 425 yards.
Totals 83 receptions for 1036 yards.

I think your projection for a 25% increase is reasonable. if accurate that would result in 104 receptions for 1295 yards.

I believe that if Watson remains healthy he will have about 65-68 receptions. I see Doubs somewhere in the low 50s in terms of receptions. That would give Watson an average of 4 receptions per game and Doubs an average of 3 receptions per game.

YAC can change the yardage significantly especially for a speedster like Watson. Here's to hoping them remaining healthy for the season.
Thanks, Since '61

5 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

May 19, 2023 at 07:45 pm

Yes!

One of the biggest lies in sports is “injuries are no excuse”.
If that was true, teams wouldn’t even have a depth chart. Vegas wouldn’t adjust their lines based on players missing games.

When Watson is in the game, better believe defenses are mindful of his presence. He has shown he can take any reception to the house.
GPG!

5 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

May 19, 2023 at 06:55 pm

I agree... both will see substantial increases in production if they stay healthy. So much upside!

Throw in Reed and he will add synergies in speed and route running above what Lazard offered. Lazard and Big Dog's sublime blocking will be missed...but the new TEs hopefully pick up some of that slack. TEs this year should also stress coverages more so this year than last. More opportunities for the two sophomores.

Christian and Romeo should thrive this year.

Dark horse is Toure...reading he showed up with more chiseled bulk on his frame, now over 200 lbs on his 6'1" frame to go with his 4.4 speed.

3 points
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Bure9620's picture

May 19, 2023 at 09:08 pm

I think Watson is over 1000 by himself. He is going be very heavily targeted in this offense. They had drawn up a lot just for him last year. This offense should run though Aaron Jones and Watson.

4 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 20, 2023 at 01:23 am

I think dink and dunk should be the O style, so RB & TE. Chunk plays rare but spread out the opposing defense making everything work better. Even when WR isn't targeted.

1 points
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Bure9620's picture

May 20, 2023 at 05:34 am

Unless Watson is behind the defense, which he was several times past year

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greengold's picture

May 20, 2023 at 06:22 am

SicSemperTy,

I had this very similar thought yesterday, that there’s going to be some big chain moving with this offense as constructed & conceived.

We’re obviously talking about potential capabilities.

Nonetheless, there’s a lot to be excited about given the talent infusion & turnover these last two years. The Packers offense discarded the old & slow while adding dynamic, young, fast, reliable receiving targets of every kind.

Lew Nichols ll, Grant DuBose. Tucker Kraft. Jayden Reed. Luke Musgrave. Dontayvion Wicks. Bo Melton.

How does it get more diverse? Oh! You add Watson, Doubs, Toure, Deguara, Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon!

Anyone studying every one of these players’ game films will see remarkable versatility. Projecting how that translates to LaFleurs offense?

Yeah. All of it is readily available with this group. Complete with backups for every concept.

I could see the Packers building long drives to give their defense a blow as readily as them driving 80 yds for a TD in 3 plays. They can smashmouth with the best of them too in a power run game.

Immense depth & versatility.

1 points
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PhantomII's picture

May 20, 2023 at 01:23 pm

What we were missing the past several years was enough receiving talent to hurt other teams after our run game got shut down and or 1 of our 2-game ready RB's got hurt. ML big mistakes was not using a 3-RB rotation during the regular season so HE was comfortable using any of the 3 during a playoff game. When 1 of our RB's got hurt ML shut down the run game....He has of yet to change that scenario...The other part was Gute did not build a #2 WR into the mix thru draft or FA and especially the trade deadline to make a run. Now it looks like we may have potentially 2- #1 WR's and possibly 2- #2 WR's when everything is said and done. Plus we have as of now 2-spare thumper RB's and Goodson as little more jones-ish RB also. I like the 2 new TE's and always thought Degura was criminally under utilized. The next couple years the offense could become a juggernaut with depth at all levels if players get nicked up or lost for longer lengths of time. Next year we should have 2-#1 draft picks and either Bak get's reworked (unlikely), or we could get a top LT in the draft. I really think we make major strides this season and really make a move up the rankings next season with several million to use for any FA holes that appear.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 20, 2023 at 02:30 pm

He should collect at least 1,200 yards as the primary guy. This offense is not going backwards. Doubs will have to stay healthy. Who will be the Number four WR? I would give the Lazard's route tree to Musgrave and let Kraft attack the seams. Open it up. Review Don Coryell's Playbook, if necessary. Score Points.

3 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

May 19, 2023 at 01:42 pm

Yes.
Next question!

4 points
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dobber's picture

May 20, 2023 at 08:37 am

"What's in store in Year 2 for the Packers' WR duo?"

Confucious say: Yes.

1 points
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greengold's picture

May 20, 2023 at 03:58 pm

Hilarious!

0 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

May 20, 2023 at 10:58 pm

Confucious also say, “He who stands on toilet is…”?

0 points
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dobber's picture

May 22, 2023 at 09:25 am

...walking off an airplane in Detroit?

0 points
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greengold's picture

May 19, 2023 at 02:13 pm

Just an ass ton of targets for 2023.

It’s almost like Toure is a new WR addition, except he’s got a full year’s training already under his belt. I like all of them.

Can’t remember having 3 or 4 (more?) WRs on the Packers roster who can take the top off any defense. I don’t think we’ve ever seen that. Reed. Melton. Toure. Watson. Wicks & DuBose are no slouches either.

Add in Deguara, Musgrave, Kraft, plus legitimate RB targets in Jones, Dillon, Nichols. Wow.

That’s a really solid group of skill players.

9 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

May 19, 2023 at 03:59 pm

A nice bouquet of budding receivers. I'll just add Tyler Goodson to the mix.

5 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

May 19, 2023 at 04:11 pm

Well played.

3 points
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Since'75's picture

May 19, 2023 at 10:03 pm

@greengold....That's a whole lot of kool aid going on there.

We know what we have with Jones, Dillon, Dequara, lets see what the others offer.

Of course you should see rookies improve in their second season, especially when they aren't competing with veteran productive receivers for targets, because we don't have any of those.

WOW

-4 points
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greengold's picture

May 20, 2023 at 04:01 am

Since’75,
Of course you SHOULD see rookies improve in their Year 2, but it doesn’t always happen. Ask MVS. Ask ESB.

Did I miss the memo that we’re banning hope? What? We’re banning enthusiasm too? Ok.

Congratulations on being the only person around who knows what we have in Deguara.

Did you have a point? Kool-Aid stain? Got some on ya?

You think you’re the first person ever to walk around Packer boards bitch slapping anyone who might be excited about a recent draft or personnel changes?

Since the interwebs started I’ve never seen such command. Such prowess. Congratulations there too.

Is there something else really pressing right now that I’m keeping you from? Like, some other really hot topic?

Since you appear to know so much, when did the Packers last have 3 WRs who ran 4.3 range 40 times?

I’d appreciate the help. I’m clearly out of my head excited about that, and I probably shouldn’t be. You know.

Just wait till we’re 5-0… you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Punk.

Get off my lawn.

4 points
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Since'75's picture

May 20, 2023 at 03:51 pm

I call it how i see it green, i don't know any other way.
The majority of our receivers have never caught a pass in the NFL, our most effective receivers are entering their 2nd season.

You don't know what we have in Dequara yet?
But you know what we have in our current receivers?
Cool trick.

Why your feelings are hurt, i'm not sure, but you seem mighty salty. Are you gonna be ok Scooter?

Concerning Doubs and Watson, yes, we should see improvement based on their flash plays from last season, and they are now our veteran receivers entering their 2nd season. Hence getting more targets.
If that's confusing in any way, just ask me, and i'll try to clear it up for you.

Not sure why that would hurt anyone's feelings or be anything to be confused over.

Hope you feel better Sparky.

In the meantime, sure, i'll wait until we're 5-0.
While you try to work on your anger issues.

Go ahead green, call me a punk if it makes you feel better, but remember this green, he who angers you, controls you.

Lets hope you recover quickly.

Godspeed.

0 points
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greengold's picture

May 20, 2023 at 04:07 pm

Antagonista.

Never seen that ever. You’re amazing. This is unfortunate, because I have nothing against you. But, if you’re gonna get all up in my shit because I might really like that we have 3-4 WRs who can take the top off a defense?

0 points
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Since'75's picture

May 20, 2023 at 04:31 pm

You do sound smart green, color me impressed.
Personally, i love when people drop $20 words in a football forum.
I get to look em up and get my lurnin on.

0 points
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Packerpasty's picture

May 23, 2023 at 07:35 pm

Greengold is over the top enthusiastic...super bowl here we come I guess...but dont cross him he dont like that...

1 points
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Since'75's picture

May 24, 2023 at 01:11 am

Yea, it's entertaining pushing their buttons and watching them blow a gasket 😁

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 20, 2023 at 02:38 pm

Watson, Doubs and Toure are now veterans, nobody wants a guy like Watkins going through the motions and wasting snaps. I like the TEs to cause some trouble. As long as he forgets Shanahan's scheme, the offense should excel.

3 points
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greengold's picture

May 20, 2023 at 03:05 pm

jannes, the beauty of their personnel to not have to stress positions looks promising. I really like Wicks & DuBose as possible backups to Watkins/Doubs.

Those are both dynamic TEs that are going to help a ton as well. Agree. They will positively affect games.

1 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

May 20, 2023 at 11:03 pm

What’s wrong with Shanahan’s scheme?

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 20, 2023 at 08:00 am

I read the other day, that Toure has come back having 8-10 pounds of muscle. He came in at 6’3, 190, so now he’s about 200. The Packers named him as a guy who had put in extra effort in the off season. I’m going to be interested to see how that translates, but I think it’s going to be interesting.

https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2023/05/18/packers-wr-samori-toure-is-t...

1 points
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Rudedawg67's picture

May 19, 2023 at 02:30 pm

I really expect the receiving corp to be better than last year. I think Watson and Doubs will step up. Also the addition of Reed give us speed and quickness in the slot. If you look at Reed’s combine number, they are almost identical to Stefan Diggs which means absolutely nothing but is also encouraging . It gives hope that if the passing game is more of a weapon then the ground game should open more too.

5 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 20, 2023 at 01:26 am

O line creates the running game. In game adjustments will hopefully not be AWOL this season.

2 points
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crayzpackfan's picture

May 19, 2023 at 03:08 pm

Honestly? I have no idea. Considering what the health of entire offense will be, training camp competition, new QB, new game plan (providing QB12 was rouge), is the perceived 1 and 2 going to actually be our 1 and 2? If those two are the 1 and 2, I'm hoping for less drops, 20-25 catches or more per, 250-350 more yards per and 3 or more TD's per.
Predicting anything this year is an exercise best left for time travelers, pompous know-it-alls and click seekers. This should be the year where we all watch and enjoy (finally) the growth and development of our next generation of Packers.
Though interesting to talk about, I for one have absolutely no clue. But I sure am optimistic for this team to turn some heads this year and make many take notice for what's to come.

7 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 20, 2023 at 01:30 am

Exactly, it's about development. And preparation. This season will be full of surprises. Coaching staff needs to create competition and let merit determine roster. If everybody gives 100% effort on every down that will be SO much different from last year!

Really, if they're contenders by 2025 that would be amazing.

0 points
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Mike Rossmeier's picture

May 19, 2023 at 03:43 pm

Same mistake as Ryan Wood of Journel Sentinel - writes a whole article and shortchanges expectations for Toure.

3 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

May 19, 2023 at 07:00 pm

Toure should not be counted out...at all. DD was a 7th and his drive to be successful was seen very early in his career. Samori is acting like he's a "Driver" too.

2 points
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Mike Rossmeier's picture

May 19, 2023 at 09:23 pm

Toure may be best of the 3 at recognizing holes in the coverage.

2 points
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Oppy's picture

May 21, 2023 at 08:51 am

There were a flurry of articles written over the last week or so (not here, but by 'professional' outlets) that highlighted that Toure is a player that all the coaches are raving about in terms of demonstrating second year leap.. already.

When you consider he was getting a ton of positive attention during 2022's OTAs/camp/preseason and early regular season, to hear the coaches again buzzing about Toure's improvements heading into 2023 has to make Packers fans at least optimistic that we may have a very solid core of young players in the WR room- even before adding in this year's additions.

1 points
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NickPerry's picture

May 19, 2023 at 03:55 pm

Considering Rodgers was pretty average last year, refused to use the entire field, or really use the entire MLF offense, both Watson's and Doubs numbers go up. But with the number of new talent on this team how much more they go up remain to be seen. Early on, Watson and Doubs will be busy. But I think Reed is going to be really big in this offense, I can't wait to see him working from the slot.

6 points
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cdoemel's picture

May 19, 2023 at 04:56 pm

TOURE!!!

0 points
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2
croatpackfan's picture

May 19, 2023 at 06:44 pm

No need to be nervous. Toure will have chance for sure and I expect that he will positively surprise many.

Just sit back and wait. Toure is good at routes and smart in finding soft spots of the defenses.

3 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 20, 2023 at 01:34 am

I'd be surprised if I isn't mostly dink and dunk, RB and TE heavy especially at first. Gel as a unit and make some chunk plays to spread out the opposing D will be gravy. If everybody gives 100% effort on every play that would be SUCH an improvement over last year ...

4 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

May 21, 2023 at 04:45 pm

That doesn't score points though, explosive plays do. Go look at scoring per drive with and explosive play compared to scoring without. It might shock you.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 21, 2023 at 06:10 pm

Explosive plays are great. They're frequently a result of a defensive error, like a missed tackle or blown coverage. How many explosive plays did the 49ers have when they beat us with 10 passes? How many of those were the result of a defensive mistake?

I think most football games are not won, they are lost, and they are lost by making costly mistakes. Grinding it out and moving the chains and staying on the field isn't very explosive, but it pays some big dividends over a 17 game season. And the more plays you run, the more opportunities we have for the defense to give us an explosive play.

I look at this Packer team, with a new QB, and these two studs in the backfield behind a quality line and I think "This is the perfect circumstance to go Old School "...Give it to a really good runner and everybody else block.

3 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

May 21, 2023 at 08:41 pm

NFL Defensive Coordinators React to CHTV Discussion of Explosive Plays. What They Say May Shock You...

You bastages and your click bait aren't getting me!

1 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

May 21, 2023 at 09:21 pm

So stopping the run doesn't matter unless it's convenient for you to use in a counter argument? Hmmm. I gave you the hard numbers last year on explosive plays and field position so I won't argue with you on that again, twist them any way you want.

BTW explosive runs are explosive plays, I think the 49ers had a bunch of them.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 22, 2023 at 06:45 am

I don't know where you got that about stopping the run. I don't think it's nearly as important as stopping the pass, that's for sure.

And yes, runs can be explosive plays, and the 49ers had a bunch. Usually, because we missed tackles or assignments.

You seem to put a lot if faith in the stats. Have you ever been paid for playing, or coaching, or scouting? I kind of think the honest answer to that is going to be 'no'.

I think that going into a game, or a season, planning to win by having "explosive plays" is not a very good strategy.

0 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

May 22, 2023 at 06:02 pm

No, it's just that I don't have a lot of faith in a LaFleur led team to have the discipline to go on 10+ play drives regularly.

You seem to have a lot of faith in your hardheadedness being right, is that because you coached high school football 40 years ago? Just like you were right about Doubs not being a top 4 WR for the Packers last year?

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 22, 2023 at 07:01 pm

I knew this was about Doubs with you. Remember him? You were all about how he'd be a top 4 WR and get 50 catches for 500, and it made you mad that I thought this wouldn't happen.

Very few Day 3 WRs come in as rookie and catch 50 balls. You said it shouldn't matter where he was drafted. I said that if he got on the field very much, it would be because the guys ahead of him were either injured or not playing well.

So, he didn't catch 50 balls, he didn't get 500 yards, and the only reason he got on the field is because the guys ahead of him were injured or played poorly. And yet, you somehow think you've been right, and I've been wrong.

I'm sorry you don't have faith in the Packers to drive the ball. Even the anemic offense we had last year was 15th in number of plays/drive, 11th in yards, and #1 in Time of possession. The Chiefs, which I would assume you'd call an "explosive" offense, averaged 6.3 plays per drive, and the Packers averaged 6.1, so that's a huge difference, I guess. We were almost identical to the explosive Bengals in number of plays per drive and yards per drive.

How regularly do the Packers need a 10 play drive? Not that often, actually. We get about 10 or 11 possessions. Some of those are probably on a short field, some of the time our opponent will help us with defensive lapses or penalties. We only need to get into the endzone on 3 of those possessions to have a chance to win.

I do have a lot of faith in my hardheadness. It's gotten me out of a tiny, frozen, mosquito farm, it's taken me around the world, it's gotten me an education, it got a fine woman (much more hard-headed than me) to marry me, and it allowed me to raise to kids that got Congressional appointments to service academies. So yeah, I'll have more faith in that than some dude on the internet who repeats what he reads somewhere else.

First, let's stop talking about last year, OK? Second, Why don't you draw up some "explosive plays"and practice them, and I'll draw up some 3rd and 1 plays and practice them, and we'll see which offense does better. I'm pretty sure the offense that can stay on the field is going to have more opportunities to get a big play than one that can't.

0 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 19, 2023 at 04:13 pm

If they avoid injuries, and if they had productive off seasons, Watson an Doubs will be better than last year.
Toure put on 10 pounds of muscle this offseason, so in my opinion, he’ll be an upgrade from Lazard. If Reed and Love “can be on the same page,” Reed will be an upgrade from Cobb. The combo of Musgrave and Kraft, if they can learn the plays, will be at least equal to 2022 Tonyan as receivers.
That doesn’t even include Melton, Wicks and DuBose, all of whom I like.
The potential for this receiver room is MUCH higher than last year’s room.

6 points
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ReaganRulz's picture

May 19, 2023 at 05:49 pm

Totally agree. Before last season started, we were begging for something more than Lazard, Cobb and three rooks. Then came some optimism with Sammy Watkins and we all know how that panned out. This year we have some young players with speed along with snap and poppage. Soooo much more excitement from the WR standpoint than last year!! Plus the two new TE’s.

4 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

May 19, 2023 at 07:05 pm

Last year the narrative the Packers didn't have any WR receivers sans Adams.

This year: Watson, Doubs, Reed, Toure, Wicks, Dubois....gonna be a fun camp as the young QB grows with this talent.

5 points
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joejetson's picture

May 19, 2023 at 07:33 pm

I see great potential for growth for the three wr's from last year. Also very intrigued with the three added this year. The guy that caught my eye is Dubose. His highlight reel showed some amazing adjustments to contested passes. Didn't do a deep study of him but a couple of those catches made me go "Wow". Hoping GB has laid the foundation for a deep receiver room like back in 2010.

5 points
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greengold's picture

May 19, 2023 at 07:33 pm

The best thing LaFleur can do is guide all of these skill players with a plan for an even distribution of targets. There’s going to be a ton of mismatches he can scheme to exploit, and running more will actually create higher percentage plays for the receivers.

I strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t seen Melton’s, Wicks’ & DuBose’s highlights to do so. Phenomenal route runners and highly capable players.

Every damn one of them exhibits top shelf toughness and separation.

This is going to go down as “the fastest game on tundra!”

It would be nice to recapture REAL HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE as well. Very exciting football ahead for us.

My gut feeling is this Packers team is just going to explode onto the scene, in all 3 phases of the game.

8 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

May 19, 2023 at 07:49 pm

I am in favor of what your gut is feeling.

3 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 21, 2023 at 07:36 am

Loving everyone's excitement & enthusiasm!

All those WR's and TE's are screaming potential. Watson lovers rejoice but watch Doubs end up with more receptions. Watch Musgrave and how effectively MLF uses him. Very few NFL players his size with his athleticism, route running, speed, and receiving skills. Going to watch closely how well MLF uses Musgrave and Reed.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 22, 2023 at 07:21 pm

Greengold, if I'm running the show, I'm not going to work for an even distribution. I'm going to fire the big gun as often as I can, and if they stop it, I'll use my other guns.

That means I'm throwing to Watson, and I'm throwing to the RB. That's half the throws or better. The other WRs and TEs are going to be dividing up about 15 targets. Our #2 and #3 WRs will get about half of those, and the TE unit will get the rest.

Wicks, Melton, Dubose.....these are guys that are unlikely to get many targets this year unless Watson, Doubs, Reed, and Toure....are injured or playing poorly. Please read that carefully, GG, because I've got a guy that I said this to last year who just insists I was wrong even though it worked out exactly the way I said it would .

Keep the ball in the hands of your best people: Love, Jones, Dillon, Watson. That's over 2/3 of our offense right there. If the other guys contribute, great, but these guys need to carry the load.

0 points
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Redrum81's picture

May 19, 2023 at 08:52 pm

How about “the greatest show in the snow”?

3 points
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KKB's picture

May 20, 2023 at 04:11 pm

The thunda on the tundra?

2 points
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KKB's picture

May 20, 2023 at 04:11 pm

The thrill in the chill?

2 points
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KKB's picture

May 20, 2023 at 04:22 pm

The Polar Express?

Ok, I will stop now. Sorry

1 points
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greengold's picture

May 20, 2023 at 04:30 pm

Spray Cheese!

0 points
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vin0770's picture

May 19, 2023 at 09:14 pm

Just hope Watson isn’t fragile with that talent, it will be a shame if his normal career year will be like last year.

0 points
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

May 19, 2023 at 10:05 pm

The sky is the limit regarding their talent and work ethic. I expect improvement, but how much will depend a great deal on our new quarterback's ability to get them the ball and also on the individual game plans that LaFleur uses this year and the roll of the two big time running backs we have on the roster.

1 points
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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

May 20, 2023 at 01:38 am

It all starts with the O line. I sure hope the coaches are development wizards.

3 points
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stockholder's picture

May 20, 2023 at 05:27 am

Just stop the comparisons. Let's get this right.
Watson never came close to Lofton.
And Dobbs never came close to Jennings.
They have a long way to go.
The route running said it all.
Not the Drops.
They need to improve their route running.
The Tape never Lied.
Rodgers had to adjust to stupidity.
It's No wonder he wanted Lazard, Cobb,
and yes, missed Adams.
But you don't always get what you want.
And thats exactly why we should not
compare these guys to are greats.
Toure should have started more.
And should have been in this conversation.
He showed it in preseason. And been in the mix.
The more the front liners dropped passes.
Especially that first one. Makes this bogus.
We need these guys to be money in bank.
They must prove themselves all over.
And hopefully this time, Toure doesn't sit.

-7 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 20, 2023 at 03:14 pm

It would be rookie year comparisons. James Lofton, in 16 games played had 46 recs for 818 yds and 6 TDs. Watson in 14 games, starting in eleven, had 41 recs. for 611 yards and 7 TDs. He had two flanker reverse runs for two more TDs. Now, comparing Jenning's Rookie year. In 14 games with 11 starts he snagged 45 catches for 632 yards and 3 TDs. Doubs in 13 games with only 7 starts caught 42 balls for 425 yards and 3 TDs as the third target. You cannot project veteran profiles on rookies. The analysis would only consider Rookie performance and I see similar trends with Watson a potential superstar. Adams was his security blanket for the last dance theatrics and he had another ALL PRO year with Carr. These two guys should have supplanted Lazard and Cobb's reps sooner, if not for their injuries. They didn't play like Greenhorns from a wishbone offense. Toure was the guy who had a hard time running clean routes and learning the scheme. He was good at sniffing out the soft spots in zone. He should be better this season, but Reed will want to be the number three WR. A fast waterbug just like Cobb as a rookie letting it fly vs NOLA in his opener.

2 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

May 22, 2023 at 07:59 am

You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes
You’ll find
You get what you need

Which is not only production
But a threat to take the top off
(Not in a Roseann Barr way)
Which in turn creates opportunities
For the other receivers
Which increases overall production
Sweet and vicious cycle

1 points
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WD's picture

May 20, 2023 at 08:39 am

Reading all the comments it seems Samari Tour doesn't get any respect. He should. Here's the WR group as I see it. Watson, Doubs, Reed, Toure, Melton and Dubose. In that order. Frankly, I do not see Wicks making the team or why he was even drafted. Two reasons 1) he is slow (4.62) and 2) he has a history of drops with 14 in his last two years of college. Dubose is both faster and has better hands even though he was drafted later. Moreover, If they release Bo Melton it will be a big mistake. You can not coach 4.3 speed, and assuming he catches well he needs to stay. I think WR will be a strength for many years to come.

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Oppy's picture

May 21, 2023 at 09:12 am

You can't teach speed, but the good news is you don't have to be lightning fast as a WR to have impact.

Davante Adams ran a 4.56 (0.06 s faster). He's pretty good, and we all know about that slow as molasses Jerry Rice guy.

It is easy to fall in love with straight line speed, but every year there is a long list of 4.3 speed WR projects that teams take fliers on that fall by the wayside. It's worth kicking the tires because of the reward if they pan out, but I believe you have to be cautious about allowing the straight line speed to determine who's a better developmental prospect worthy of a roster spot.

1 points
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TxFred's picture

May 21, 2023 at 08:54 am

With Dillon & Jones pounding out a ton run yardage, the boys on the wings should have plenty of open fields to roam.

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