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The Green Bay Packers’ offense was mired in quite a slump just a few weeks ago. Even with tight end Tucker Kraft on the field, the unit was not playing up to its potential. Kraft was the team’s YAC machine, picking up chunks of yardage after the catch to spark some big plays. But one thing that just wasn’t quite working yet was Jordan Love connecting with his wide receivers on deep passes.
A few deep shots to Matthew Golden stand out, with Love being just slightly unable to connect with his rookie wideout. But since Christian Watson returned to the lineup, coming off a torn ACL, everything has opened up. The deep ball is officially back.
With it comes the explosive element that this Packers offense was missing for the first half of the season or so. And it’s not just deep balls that move the ball down the field; it’s also deep balls going for touchdowns. Hitting on those game-changing plays unlocks so much of this offense, so it’s critical to have that threat back to soften defenses up in the middle for the running game.
Speaking of which, this week’s run game should be worth monitoring closely. Even if Josh Jacobs plays, the Packers could end up using a heavier than usual dose of Emanuel Wilson, but he’ll surely have some extra motivation given the opponent.
Let’s look at those and many other storylines as we head towards the Packers’ big game with the Broncos on Sunday.
How Jordan Love’s deep ball success has opened up Packers’ O | ESPN
The Packers didn’t have a single touchdown of 20-plus yards before Christian Watson’s return, and only one before the start of Toyotathon. They have five of them in the last two games, four of which are true “deep balls” that traveled more than 20 yards in the air.
Packers RB Josh Jacobs dealing with more swelling issues in injured knee | Packers Wire
Friday will be the big day for checking Jacobs’ availability.
Packers’ Emanuel Wilson carries shoulder chip after Broncos cut him after 72 hours | Packersnews.com
If Jacobs can’t go, Wilson will surely be the next man up and he’ll have a little bit of extra motivation on Sunday. The Broncos gave Wilson his first NFL shot, but it was over after just three tough days. Now on his third year with the Packers, he feels ready to make a memory in his first shot in Denver.
Javon Bullard’s breakout season rooted in toughness | Packers.com
Bullard has taken a massive jump from year one to year two, and focusing on a single position has surely helped him play faster. But it’s also his toughness and ability to play well through injury that is really impressing members of his coaching staff.
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