(Targeted 20 times with 12 catches for 132 yards and one touchdown)
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| Davante Adams Surrounded |
The starting trio of Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams were targeted 10 times. Rodgers likes Adams and threw to him seven times, but he caught only 3 for 17 yards. Nelson caught both passes thrown his way (25 yards) and Cobb caught his only pass for 16 yards.
I noticed last year that Rodgers seemed to favor Adams more as the season progressed and it seems to continue this year as the defenses cover Nelson and Cobb or not. I just hope he doesn't forget them, because they always seem to find a way to get open as evidenced by catching all three passes thrown their way for 41 yards.
When you look at numbers the Packers have a lot of wide receivers on the roster. Behind the Big 3 there are eight on the roster three returning from last year's roster and five newcomers.
The first one to talk about is former 2014 5th round (176) choice Jared Abbrederis. A home-state boy all the way around born in Wautoma and played at the University of Wisconsin where he played in 53 games, starting 39, and finishing as the all-time leading receiver in catches (202) and second in yards (3,140) and touchdowns (23) as where as the all-time leader in kickoff return average (25.8) and fifth all-time in punt return average (10.7). This was an excellent choice, but after missing his rookie season with a knee injury he has now been sidelined with a concussion. It seems his career is over before it got started.
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| Jeff Janis Catching a Touchdown |
Now it comes to Jeff Janis. The Rodney Dangerfield of the Packers. It must be because he is from Michigan because it seems no matter how well he performs when it counts he can't get any respect from Mike McCarthy. He was chosen in the 2014 7th round (236) and got the job done whenever he was allowed to. He was a healthy scratch for 13 games last season, but played in both playoff games. When he finally got his chance he produced, but to no avail.
He played in three pre-season games and had two catches both for touchdowns (34 and 33 yards). He also returned one kickoff for 82 yards and one punt for nine yards. He earned a spot on the 53, but not on the 46 for the first three games of the regular season. He finally got on the field against the Bears and then in just his second game he was thrown to twice and caught both for 16 yards against the Vikings. He then played against the Dolphins and was inactive for the remainder of the regular season.
Against the Patriots he was again productive catching two of the three passes thrown to him, including one for 26 yards and a touchdown. If history says anything he will ride the pine. I like him and wish he is given more of a chance to be the No. 4 and the kickoff returner.
Undrafted free agent Myles White is bigger and better this year. He caught nine passes in seven games as a rookie in 2013 and spent last year on the practice squad. Against the Patriots he caught one of two passes for 10 yards. He didn't do anything to warrant being considered for No. 4 or 5.
This year's third round pick (94) Ty Montgomery looks good so far. He caught two of the four passes thrown his way for 28 yards (15 and 13) and returned two punts (one for 14 yards and the other for no yards) and had two fair catches. I didn't see a problem with him catching the ball. I think he will be productive this year as the No. 4 or 5 which leaves just one spot open for the remaining seven.
The other four receivers are undrafted free agents (Javess Blue (shoulder injury), Jimmie Hunt, Larry Pinkard, and recent signee Ed Williams) and each has their good points, but realistically none has a chance to make the team, but maybe could be practice squad material. Williams caught one pass against the Patriots for five yards.
TIGHT ENDS:
(Targeted 11 times with 7 catches for 72 yards - Long 18)
Former 2014 3rd round (98) selection Richard Rodgers started the game and ended up catching the only pass thrown his way for 18 yards. I like him, but he doesn't seem to be making much progress. I hope the light turns on for him because he could be Rodgers' Bubba Franks. We need him to be productive in the red zone.
Andrew Quarless has had a trying off-season, to say the least, and give him credit for perseverance (death of a child and firing a gun in public). He was thrown five passes catching only two for 21 yards (15 and 6). This may be his last go-around. He was on the road to beat out Jermichael Finley, when Finley had his drop issues, but suffered a severe knee injury at the end of 2011 and missed the entire 2012 season. He has made strides since coming back, but not enough. He was making strides as a blocker, but that seems to have dropped off.
This year's sixth round (213) draft pick Kennard Backman caught both passes thrown to him for six and four yards. I didn't like him being drafted, so let's wait to see if he has more to him.
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| Justin Perillo Pulling One Down |
Undrafted free agent Justin Perillo has been opening some eyes. He was thrown three passes catching two for 16 and 7 yards. He spent the first nine games last year on the practice squad and was signed to the active roster for the remainder of the season. He was active for two games and didn't have any offensive stats playing on special teams. He was the first one off the bench after Rodgers and Quarless against the Patriots. However, he left the game with a concussion. We'll have to see how that plays out.
The other two tight ends are Mitchell Henry and recent signee Harold Spears. No chance to make the team, but could make the practice squad since Ted Thompson and McCarthy love tight ends. So much so the fullbacks, especially John Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn, might be in trouble since Quarless and Rodgers lined up at the fullback spot before Kuhn even got into the game.
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