Matthew Golden on the verge of proving himself as Packers hand him a bigger role to showcase his potential
Rookie leads the NFL in separation grade.
The feeling after two games is that wide receiver Matthew Golden is getting closer. The Green Bay Packers’ first-round pick had two catches for 16 yards in his debut versus the Detroit Lions, then two rushing attempts for 15 yards against the Washington Commanders. In Week 2, though, some big plays were left on the field — throws that quarterback Jordan Love would probably want back.
Because of that, Golden’s efficiency numbers might not look great to start the year. He’s had 0.44 yards per route run and has generated a 60.4 passer rating when targeted. But there are two reasons for optimism, and the Packers will need Golden’s production now that Jayden Reed is expected to miss at least six weeks due to a broken collarbone.
Golden’s Ability to create separation
Remember last year when all separation data graphics had Dontayvion Wicks as an outlier? Well, it seems like Golden will be that guy this year. Through two weeks, he comfortably leads the NFL in raw PFF separation grade. He hasn’t had great catchpoint and yards after the catch grades so far, but he has consistently gotten open.
In 2024, Wicks’ problem was the drops. And that hasn’t been the case with Golden. In his first two weeks, he doesn’t have any — it’s just a matter of improving his connection with Love.
“It feels amazing. First two NFL games that I got. And we’re 2-0, so I couldn’t ask for anything better,” Golden said. “And I’m just looking forward to the next couple games we got. I’m ready. Just ready to go out there and play. That’s really all. Go out there and start off 3-0 and get on to the next team.”
High-difficulty throws
The second point is that the volatility is natural. Not only because Golden is a young player, but because of the type of throw Love has tried. In the first two games, Golden has a 23.0 average depth of target. Naturally, these deep attempts are harder to complete, but when Love and Golden can get that, those will be explosive plays.
“I feel like I was pretty close. Maybe I could have made a play on the second one,” Golden reflected. “I probably could have dove for it, but we’re going to get a lot more opportunities. So just looking past that, just being present. So whenever we do get that next opportunity, I’m going to make the most of it.”
It’s also possible that, without Reed — and potentially tight end Tucker Kraft on Sunday, versus the Cleveland Browns — head coach Matt LaFleur will access easier plays to the rookie receiver.
“You want to make every play that comes your way,” the rookie added. “You want to make plays. Like I said, we’re 2-0, and that’s all I care about. I know whenever my number is called, I’ll be ready. That’s all I’m looking at. I’m glad to get to play with a group of guys like this. We’re just going to keep taking it one game at a time.”
The Packers still have reliable veteran receivers like Romeo Doubs and Wicks. But Golden’s ability to get open and his explosiveness couldn’t be taken for granted. And after two quiet games, the rookie is ready for a bigger role.
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