WR Davante Adams Rises in Packers' Thrilling Win in Dallas
When Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan delivered the hit that would force Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams to leave the field on a gurney last Thursday night, it was pretty much universally agreed that it was a miracle for him to even be remotely conscious.
The hit was that brutal. However, it wasn't enough for the competitive side of Adams, who took all of the necessary steps during the last week to ensure he's available for the Packers' seemingly annual meeting with the Dallas Cowboys.
The training staff did all they could, the Packers limited him in practice -- even in the padded portions on Thursday -- and ultimately, it ended up being a good cause for Adams, who was one of the heroes in the 35-31 win over the Cowboys; their second in nine months.
"I just felt good about where Davante [Adams] was, especially after the injury," coach Mike McCarthy said following the victory over the Cowboys. "After Saturday when he was cleared, I thought he was ready to go."
Contrary to McCarthy's comment, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette said that Adams was cleared as early as Friday, well before the team flew 1,118 miles south to Dallas.
Having him available ended up boding well for the Packers, who needed to match the high-powered offense of the Cowboys that was as-advertised on Sunday. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for three scores and running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 116 on 29 touches, running up their lead to 21-6 at one point.
Much like two weeks prior against the Cincinnati Bengals where the Packers were down 21-7, they stormed back and although it wasn't topped with an overtime victory, the returning Adams was on the receiving end of a fade route in the left corner of the end zone for the game-winning touchdown that left just 11 seconds on the clock.
"I was going to call another play, but Davante came back and said 'call it again,'" Rodgers said after the game. He had targeted Adams who was covered by Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis on the play prior. The second time around, it worked.
"With his eyes, he said 'throw a better ball.'"
That was one of Adams' two touchdowns on the day. He caught the first and the last of the game, putting together the fourth multi-touchdown performance of his career -- all coming from October of last year to now.
In that same span, the Rodgers-to-Adams connection has grown significantly in terms of chemistry. Similar to what Rodgers has with his other top-tier target, Jordy Nelson, Adams has been no stranger to Rodgers' tendencies. With 1:13 left in the game, the first play on the Packers' game-winning drive was a back-shoulder completion to Adams for 14 yards.
It's those kinds of uncoachable tangibles that will help Adams be on the receiving end of another accolade: a contract extension at the end of the season.
"He's just the ultimate leader, he's everything you'd want in a leader," said Adams of his quarterback following the win. "He leads by example, he's going to be a vocal guy, he's going to do everything he can to win a game. More often than not, he's going to win that game."
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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (35)
GBPDAN1
October 08, 2017 at 08:36 pm
Total elation watching Adams pull in that game winning TD. Incredible that he played today. Need to keep him as a Packer. TT has some tough decisions coming up. Anyone know if Jordy's ok?
fthisJack
October 09, 2017 at 10:55 am
remember before last year, many people were calling for Adams to get dumped because he was hurt and didn't have a good sophomore season? you guys must feel real stupid now,huh?
Pulpfriction01
October 09, 2017 at 03:43 pm
Oh I remember. I remember getting roasted by a bunch of people on here because I said he was fine and would be a big part of the offense soon. Boy, I sure was wrong... He looks terrible.... :) Relax
TKWorldWide
October 09, 2017 at 09:41 pm
I frequently do feel stupid, but it is unrelated to my opinions re: Mr. Adams.
jeremyjjbrown
October 08, 2017 at 08:36 pm
I hope Randall notices how Adams maturation is going to be rewarded with a nice contract. Randall has all the tools but he needs to stop acting like a child.
Pulpfriction01
October 09, 2017 at 03:45 pm
I agree 100%. I want to see him be successful, but he sure doesn't make it easy to like him. Wish they kept Casey instead. At least he acted mature. But $$. Can't keep them all. Have to let the process work to remain a contender.
Finwiz
October 09, 2017 at 03:54 pm
How did he act like a child yesterday. For flipping the ball at a player after scoring a TD? The ball was tossed up in the air and barely hit the guy. That penalty was a joke. It was nothing, and cost the Packers nothing but about 7 yards after the run back. That was a homer call that never gets made if the games in GB.
Rossonero
October 08, 2017 at 08:44 pm
Man, I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy this. What a finish! What resilience from this team being 15 pts down, the injuries piling up, etc.
Memories are made of this forever and a day. So thankful Aaron Rodgers is on our side. Another dagger through Dallas's hearts. Bring on Minnesota!!!
Packer_Fan
October 08, 2017 at 09:05 pm
Yes, a great win. Takeaways: Adams was just the right medicine. We have another running back. He looked good. He seemed to be able to pick a hole and take advantage of it. And he can make guys miss. I thought the defense played well. Lots of near missed in the first half. Those went the Packers way in the second half.
ollie418
October 09, 2017 at 06:03 am
Defense played well? Are you kidding me? They were brutal! Dallas last drive was almost nine minutes? Receivers are wide open EVERY play. Randall and Rollins are big busts! Never win a SB with this pourous defense. Capers has over stayed his welcome. Bye bye Dom.
Finwiz
October 09, 2017 at 08:58 am
Yup - defense was awful. Major changes are needed.
They have the talent, TT has given them plenty of defensive talent over the last 3 years, and now he should step in and tell McCarthy to relieve the DC and other weak links on the coaching staff of their duties.
It's getting really, really old.
Pulpfriction01
October 09, 2017 at 03:59 pm
The pass defense was not very good. The run defense started phenomenally. A lot of great run defense this game for Green Bay. But they were on the field a long time and Dallas wore them out. Holding Zeke to 31 yards on 15 carries the first half. That was big.
Daks athleticism and the pass defense called was what killed them. Most of daks throws were comebacks and hitches. The most basic passes you can call. And green bay played a lot of zone. And the curls were open all day long against the zones. Then, they got to the endzone and manned up. In the endzone, I'm a fan of a man/zone defense. It lets the corner cheat outside while having a robber come inside for cleanup or to make a pic.
The packs defense was on the verge of a statement on the first drive if not for horrible coverage by Clinton dix. Good guy, but he has not been playing very well. Some more bad coverage from him.
Scheme was most of the problem for the pass D. Injuries didn't help. Kevin king matched up very well with Bryant. Burnett would have made plays that Josh Jones was out of position on. Cowboys don't have a very good deep passing attack. Bryant is a possession guy, Beasley posses great change of direction. Play closer to the line of scrimmage and make Dez beat you deep. Press man cover 1 with robber to muddy up the middle of the field and spy dak/help on witten.
CAG123
October 08, 2017 at 09:37 pm
Yeah with all the injuries the Packers are having on the defensive side of the ball they need a little slack when you sit back and think about they had Zeke in check most of the game until key players started dropping out late in the 3rd and outside of that 49 yard play Dak only had 202 yards on 35 attempts. Wins like this make me even more excited about a full strength team. After giving up 21 points in the first half they only gave up 10 the rest of the way and chipped in 6 themselves. Also I’m going to say it again MARK LOVAT NEEDS TO GO.
dobber
October 08, 2017 at 10:03 pm
I'm glad he made the big plays AND that he escaped this game without re-injury.
4thand1
October 08, 2017 at 10:09 pm
This team seems to be the most injury prone team again,_UCK! I've been on the Adams bandwagon from the start. He runs really good routes and gets open. He will only get better with age and AR throwing him the ball. The bye can't get here soon enough, keep Jones in the backfield MM.
Pulpfriction01
October 09, 2017 at 04:02 pm
He has very good lateral quickness and leaping ability. Unless he is doubled, he will always be able to get open by route running or a great throw. It looks good. I'm happy for him.
Mojo
October 09, 2017 at 12:43 am
Adams certainly deserves kudo's for his game today. Thought his first TD catch was the tougher of the two. It's quite possible GB doesn't win if he sits this one out.
Now we need another column on a player who after an almost invisible preseason is becoming a stud on defense. Aggressive, physical, playing fast and making plays - number 50.
ZacharyJacobson
October 09, 2017 at 01:03 am
Way ahead of you. This was from the morning of last week's win over Chicago. https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-martinez-bringing-speed-tenacity-t...
Pulpfriction01
October 09, 2017 at 04:05 pm
50 looks good. Very good season for him. 21 and 80 have been lacking a little this season. 80 played good this game. 27 looked like a rookie yesterday.
croatpackfan
October 09, 2017 at 02:46 am
I think, besides Aaron Rodgers & Davante Adams, it was few players who really made important plays. First is Aaron Jones, Marty Bennett, than game changer from Damarious Randall, than both Lence and Richard...
I hope Kevin's concussion is not hard and week will be enough for him to heal. Also, that Morgan's hamstring injury is not severe as David's one....
Crackerpacker
October 09, 2017 at 04:39 am
Was it a good idea for Taylor to give Adams that hit to the helmet after he scored the game winner
NickPerry
October 09, 2017 at 05:48 am
REALLY happy for Davante Adams. The guy has really turned himself into an EXCELLENT WR. Forget he has Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball for a second, he still has to run the routes and make the catches and he does exactly that. The routes he runs are excellent and his ability to get of the line exceptional.
He's BETTER than all those WR's who were chosen around the same time he was drafted. If anyone still thinks Adams shouldn't be resigned, I respectfully disagree and say you're wrong.
Congratulations Adams!
dobber
October 09, 2017 at 07:42 am
I keep waiting for stockholder to pop up and dish some of his anti-Adams venom. I don't think he will...
stockholder
October 09, 2017 at 10:05 am
I think your going to far on Adams. Not trying to be anti - Adams at this point. 4 years was a long time to WAIT. He has gotten Faster and his Yac. But you still don't pay the man until he catches more of the route- Tree. He clearly has learned how to jump. He clearly can catch the ball when he wants the ball now! But the route's are down the sideline and being able to jump. I'm happy for all the positive talk now. Especially against Dallas. But I'm still a worry wart when it comes to giving him a rich deal. I'm giving my game ball to Jones. Not Adams.
fthisJack
October 09, 2017 at 11:02 am
if it was up to you, Adams would have been cut before last season. don't try to walk back your dislike for him now.
HankScorpio
October 09, 2017 at 11:41 am
Why not? He had a bad year 2 where he appeared to take a big step backwards. With Nelson on IR, the Packers needed him and he did not perform. He turned that around in years 3-4 and is now a fixture.
Why shouldn't a Packer fan change their opinion of players based on what happens on the field?
stockholder
October 09, 2017 at 08:07 pm
Your 1/2 right! I would have cut his ass after Nelson went down. I still don't want to give him a big contract! I'll take Cobb any day. His growth as a WR cost others a chance. I wrote about it. But A-Rod needs WRs. He's the best option the packers have! @#3. Even if he's one dimensional ! You also have FA's that looked better than Adams. By his own admission, he was a screw up, and thanked the fans for a second chance. If he signs he should give 1/2 to A-rod. TT should draft another WR high. Even if it's fiscal responsibility. Just for the reasons I stated.
sheppercheeser
October 09, 2017 at 09:58 am
I loved Aaron Rodgers comment "With his eyes, he said 'throw a better ball." Another laugher was when they showed Dom Capers in the booth yawning. It wouldn't have been so comical except the GB defense was on the field and I thought that might be enough to keep him awake. I guess not!
Finwiz
October 09, 2017 at 10:12 am
Dom probably needed a nap. The defense plays like he naps through most of his meetings.
Finwiz
October 09, 2017 at 10:12 am
Dup
fthisJack
October 09, 2017 at 11:04 am
he should be in a nursing home, not DC of the Packers.
fthisJack
October 09, 2017 at 11:04 am
he should be in a nursing home, not DC of the Packers.
fthisJack
October 09, 2017 at 11:05 am
didn't mean to double post...not that emphatic about him being in a nursing home!
fthisJack
October 09, 2017 at 11:05 am
didn't mean to double post...not that emphatic about him being in a nursing home!
Cartwright
October 09, 2017 at 08:58 pm
It's amazing the kind of punishment the body can absorb in a contract year. Hope is rewarded for showing true grit.