Packers OC admits harsh truth about Matthew Golden, and it’s still a controversial approach
Adam Stenavich didn’t hold back by saying how the offense will operate in the playoffs.
The Green Bay Packers historically tend to limit the production of rookies. That’s not an exclusive approach from Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff, but more a philosophic franchise model — Mike McCarthy used to do the same, which indicates a front office paradigm as well.
That in part explains why Matthew Golden has had a quiet rookie year, despite being the first wide receiver taken by the Packers in the first round since 2002. And based on what offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said on Thursday, things won’t change much in the playoffs.
Matthew Golden won’t have a premier role for the Packers in the playoffs
Stenavich was clear and said that the more experienced receivers will have more targets and opportunities in the most important games.
“Golden’s got a really bright future, he’s very talented, and his time will come,” Stenavich explained. “But I think right now, just with the room the way it is, he’s not going to be in that premier role when the playoffs come around.”
It’s clear that the Packers will keep the same approach they’ve had throughout the entire season. Golden is seventh among rookie wide receivers in receiving yards (353), behind Emeka Egbuka (930), Tetairoa McMillan (929), Luther Burden III (617), Jayden Higgins (502), Elic Ayomanor (465), and Chimere Dike (396).
“Good thing is the last couple weeks, we’ve seen just like [Golden’s] rapport with Jordan, make him plays out in practice, but it’s tough right now,” Stenavich added. “It honestly is, because you’ve got Christian [Watson], you’ve got Romeo [Doubs], you’ve got [Jayden] Reed back, like, these guys have got really good experience, and they’re really good players, and those are the guys you’re leaning on right now.”
So far this season, Matthew Golden is sixth in targets for the Packers, behind Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Josh Jacobs, and Tucker Kraft — who hasn’t played since the Carolina Panthers game in Week 9.
Despite the likely lack of usage, Matthew Golden still has the talent to make a difference whenever he does have a chance — and he may have a lot of them in Week 18, when the Packers are expected to sit key players against the Minnesota Vikings in a meaningless game.
“If you told me he was the number one receiver on a play, I’d be very excited about it too,” Stenavich mentioned. “We have a lot of really good options when it comes to wide receivers right now, which is a blessing.”
It’s a questionable approach considering how many young receivers have been able to produce immediate impact for their teams. But the Packers are a successful offense doing what they do, so patience is paramount — even if it costs some cheap years of Golden’s contract, limiting his surplus value.
Green Bay Packers News
Packers add a former starting quarterback, and it shows exactly what Week 18 will look like for Green Bay
Clayton Tune could be elevated to be active against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
