In retrospect, expecting a rookie wide receiver to hit the ground running in year one was always a recipe for disappointment.
Still, the old adage about wide receivers needing a year or two to adjust to the NFL game has become less true in the last half decade or so, with guys like Malik Nabers eclipsing 1,000 yards and racking up 109 receptions in year one.
Which brings us to Packers fans’ conundrum with rookie Matthew Golden. Through 7 games, he’s averaging just 3 receptions for 36 yards per game, leaving many to wonder why the team has failed to get him more involved. Though, classifying Golden’s lack of production so far as a failure of the team may not be entirely fair. There’s some evidence to suggest that his understanding of the finer points of the playbook is simply taking time to develop and stick.
The reemergence of Christian Watson may also create some breathing room for Golden to shine. Catching the ball hasn’t been the problem, it’s likelier an issue of making sure he’s in the right spot, and focusing on the details even when the ball isn’t coming his way.
That was the message from quarterback Jordan Love, anyway, who is preaching patience and stressing that there are a lot of mouths to feed on this roster.
That patience should pay off eventually. It’s hard to argue with Golden’s blazing speed and sticky hands.