Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed couldn’t help his team when they lost 34-31 to the Detroit Lions because he didn’t have the opportunities to impact the game. The former Michigan State star was only targeted once in the game (in 25 snaps), and maybe he would’ve seen the ball more if he hadn’t dropped the ball.
Green Bay Packers, Jayden Reed
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) scores a touchdown against Miami Dolphins cornerback Storm Duck (36) in the first quarter during their football game Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Since registering five receptions for 113 yards in Green Bay’s Week 9 loss against Detroit at Lambeau Field, Jayden Reed has only recorded eight receptions for 73 yards in his last four games.
“I always want the ball in my hands,” Reed said via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “A lot of that I can’t control. I don’t make the calls. It’s a team game. The blocking’s got to go right, a lot has to go right for things like that to happen.”
Green Bay Packers, Jayden Reed
Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) runs during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jayden Reed must bounce back since he is one of the team’s most important players. The second-year pro still leads the Green Bay Packers in targets (59), receptions (44), and receiving yards (693). He also ranks second behind Tucker Kraft in receiving touchdowns (6), and he has one rushing touchdown under his belt.
Green Bay Packers’ Matt LaFleur opens up on “ignoring” Jayden Reed in Week 14
Matt LaFleur admitted postgame that the Green Bay Packers should’ve played through Jayden Reed more. The 45-year-old head coach credited the Detroit Lions for taking Reed out of the game.
Oct 6, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
“We tried to go to him early in the game,” LaFleur said. “Matter of fact, the first play was kind of designed to either, more than likely, go to him or (Dontayvion) Wicks. We got sacked on that play.”
“Now where we can be better is, and I talked to Jayden about this, is just making sure that we have some of those plays for him in the game plan where he’s tagged to go in there and play wide out, because obviously, he’s a very impactful player. And we never … it wasn’t by design that we don’t want to throw him the ball. That’s never the case. We tried to down in the red area too … they did a good job,” he added.