How a Packers rookie taught the entire NFL an important lesson this season
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Christian Watson saw his NFL career get off to a disastrous start when he dropped a surefire touchdown in the season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings. After the game, Watson told reporters that moving forward, he would make that play "every single time". At the time, folks didn't know what […]
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Christian Watson saw his NFL career get off to a disastrous start when he dropped a surefire touchdown in the season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
After the game, Watson told reporters that moving forward, he would make that play "every single time".
At the time, folks didn't know what to think about Watson. All they had seen was a terrible drop in a game against a divisional rival. There was no body of work for fans or media to look to in order to ease concerns.
Watson, however, kept working. He knew what he was capable of doing and he didn't let that drop define him.
And now he's one of the top playmakers in the league.
Nine touchdowns on 30 touches, which is what Watson has done this season, is completely insane.
Just look at the tear he's been on lately.
The lesson here is simple — don't judge rookies in week one! Just don't do it!
Mistakes happen. Drops happen. Despite Watson saying he'll make that play every time going forward, he'll likely have another bad drop in his career. Every player has bad drops. It's called being a human and not a robot.
The point, though, is that Watson is going to make that play almost every time. If Davante Adams had that same drop, no one would blink an eye — because they know what Adams can do.
Watson hasn't built that type of equity yet. But that doesn't mean he should've been doubted after one bad drop.
Maybe next time this happens to a rookie player — and it will certainly happen again — fans and media will show some restraint in making a hasty judgment.
Featured image via Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
