Packers: Former first-rounder shines against the Saints in joint practice
If you've been following the Green Bay Packers this offseason, then you know what the team is expecting out of receiver Sammy Watkins. “There’s definitely going to be opportunities for him to make plays in this offense,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters in June. “I think he has everything right in front of him to […]
If you've been following the Green Bay Packers this offseason, then you know what the team is expecting out of receiver Sammy Watkins.
“There’s definitely going to be opportunities for him to make plays in this offense,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters in June. “I think he has everything right in front of him to have as productive a year as he wants to.”
The former first-rounder signed to a modest one-year deal during the offseason, but his final stat line in 2022 (as long as he's healthy) should make that deal seem like an absolute steal when it's all said and done.
So far, it's been a relatively quiet camp for Watkins, who started training camp on the NFL's NFI list (non-football injury list). The stint didn't last long, however, as Watkins was removed from the list on July 29.
That relatively quiet camp boomed on Tuesday when Watkins showed up and showed out during the Packers' joint practice with the Saints. His performance caught the eyes of many, including Rodgers, himself.
"He's a gamer," Rodgers told reporters after practice. "One of those veterans that we've had here over the years where there are some times when you're not seeing a bunch of flash plays. And then what happens? We bring another team out here and he makes three or four plays out there and has his best practice at camp. So, I'm really happy for Sammy."
The Packers really needed Watkins to step up against the Saints. Rodgers made headlines after practice for calling out the younger receivers, who reportedly had a lot of issues with drops throughout the day.
"The young guys, especially young receivers, we've got to be way more consistent," said Rodgers. "A lot of drops, a lot of bad route decisions, running the wrong route. We've got to get better in that area."
Watkins provided the steady, veteran presence the Packers were looking for when they signed him back in March. And it's clear, that's exactly what they're hoping for when the regular season kicks off against the Minnesota Vikings.
And catches, yards, and touchdowns. A lot of them, to be exact.
You can check out Rodgers' full presser, below:
Featured image via Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis.
