2021 Packers Stock Report: Week 11

Whenever the Packers lose to a division rival, all I feel is pain.

Especially when the loss is to the Vikings. Ugh.

While there unfortunately were lots of disappointments in the loss on Sunday, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game in Week 11.

Let’s take a look at all the good, bad and in between by getting into the stock report for the Green Bay Packers after a 34-31 loss in Week 11 on the road to the Minnesota Vikings.

Buy

Preston Smith- After a dismal year in 2020, Preston Smith has really responded this season. While one outside linebacker position in the Packers defense has been a bit of a question mark week-to-week due to injuries and defensive situations, Smith has been a model of consistency in 2021 on the other side. He had another solid performance on Sunday, posting the highest defensive PFF grade (88.2). He ended two drives against the Vikings with sacks, which was crucial with Rashan Gary out. Excited to see him perform at a high level the rest of the season.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling- I’m hoping this was the game that gives Marquez Valdes-Scantling his swagger back. After missing an extended period of time due to a hamstring injury, Aaron Rodgers and Valdes-Scantling have been struggling to connect on downfield shots. It even showed at times at the beginning of the game against the Vikings. Four catches for 123 yards and a touchdown later, MVS proved why he’s so valuable to this offense as a speedster. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game kickstarts more connections downfield in the future between MVS and Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams connection- Speaking of connections, is there any duo better than Aaron Rodgers passing to Davante Adams? When the two are on, which I’m hoping becomes more of a full-time thing, nobody can stop them. Sunday, the pair was most definitely on. Seven catches, 115 yards and two scores. Both touchdowns couldn’t have come at better times either. The second one after Rodgers almost called a timeout was a thing of beauty. I’m buying stock in this duo moving forward.

Sell

Mason Crosby- I’ve given Mason Crosby a pass for so long now. He’s been a model of consistency for *most* of his career playing for the Packers. However, I can no longer confidently defend him. It’s gotten to a point where every time I see him trot out on the field, even when it’s just an extra point, I literally cross my fingers and watch with one eye closed. And you just can’t have that. His eight misses this season are the worst in the NFL. Have they all been his fault? No. Do I think the Packers need a new kicker? I’m not the one to make that call, thank goodness. However, I’m selling my Mason Crosby stock because I can’t deal with the stress anymore.

Packers secondary- Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen exposed the Packers secondary over the weekend. The top three worst PFF grades on defense were all defensive backs. Neither Kevin King or Rasul Douglas played well on one side of the field. Eric Stokes struggled all game on the other side. And the missed opportunities for interceptions or pass breakups were killer. This performance makes me a little bit nervous with Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr. and a pass-happy Rams offense coming to town.

Krys Barnes- The Packers just need more consistency from their MLB2 position. Krys Barnes has shown that he can be the guy to do it, but he hasn’t sustained solid level of play week-to-week. Sunday, he had a couple missed tackles and was picked on at times in pass coverage. Selling Krys Barnes with the hope that he proves me wrong and can become more consistent.

Hold

Joe Barry- Alright, maybe I jumped the gun on buying Joe Barry last week. However, I’m not selling. This Packers defense still has a lot of talent, but it’s badly banged up right now. If the Packers can somehow get a win over the Rams and get to the bye week, this defense will be better positioned for better performances in the final five weeks of the season. Imagine what it could do with Jaire Alexander, Za’Darius Smith and Rashan Gary back in the lineup. I know it’s wishful thinking, but I get the chills just thinking about it.