Much praise has rightfully been given to Jordan Love for how well he has played in the Packers’ recent winning streak. Although his play has been impressive, Christian Watson’s return as the Green Bay Packers’ top receiver has helped the team immensely.
Since returning to the Packers, Christian Watson has led the team in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and yards per reception. This has been an impressive return from his ACL tear less than a year ago.
Watson has been the receiver with the most snaps in the last 4 weeks. For a coach that is sickened by having to name the Packers’ top receiver, these snaps show who the team values in their receiver room
Watson’s presence on the field is easily explained by his physical abilities. Standing at 6’4” and over 200 pounds, he is a problem for cornerbacks trying to defend the run. With the ability to run a 4.3 40 yard dash, he is an even bigger problem for cornerbacks in single coverage.
The cliche of “no block, no rock” is certainly true in Green Bay, and Watson’s strength as a blocker keeps him on the field. Combined with his speed and route running, his versatility is exactly what Matt Lafleur wants in his players.
Reliability is also one of Watson’s strengths. Of the three main receivers playing on Thanksgiving, Christian Watson is the only player without a drop this season.
These increased snaps over the past few weeks are what lead to situations like Watson’s touchdown catch on Thanksgiving. Against the Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson, Watson was simply too big and too fast to stop on a 51 yard bomb from Love.
As the Packers get healthier, it is hard to imagine Watson’s impact on the field will decrease. His combination of height and speed is unique to the Packers roster, and even the league. I fully expect him to be the Packers’ top receiver down the stretch and even beyond.
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