Matthew Golden stands on the edge of the moment Packers fans have waited years to see, and everything suddenly feels possible.QQ
Following Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers fans couldn’t help but feel defeated.
Injuries sidelined several of the team’s major playmakers, while the defeat ended the Packers’ four-game win streak. Green Bay’s chances of winning the division might have taken a hit, but in the midst of all the chaos, there were a few glimmers of hope.
One bright spot was rookie receiver Matthew Golden, who handled increased snaps with Christian Watson ruled out. He made the most of his opportunities, recording 55 yards off three receptions, tying with Jayden Reed for the most receiving yards on the team.
Matthew Golden’s breakout game could finally arrive in Week 16
“He made a huge impact,” head coach Matt LaFleur said this week. “Talking about critical plays, drawing a DPI. It was great to have him back out there into the fold. He showcased what he can do. I thought he maximized his opportunities, and we need to keep increasing those.”
Listed as a full participant on a loaded Packers injury report, which has Watson upgraded to “limited,” Golden is poised to take on a larger role this Saturday. He’s also been on social media for the first time since October, posting a picture of himself in action against the Broncos and a tweet reading “Thank You God.”
The first-round pick doesn’t have the same size advantage that Watson holds over defenders, but his speed can be incorporated well into a more central role. His best game this season came in Week 6, when he ended the day with over 100 total yards, in part thanks to two receptions of more than 30 yards.
Last week, Golden continued to prove he could come up with big yardage plays. His first catch was a gain of 18, which brought the Packers within the 15-yard line. Later, in the fourth quarter, the rookie located another pass from Jordan Love, adjusted while bumping shoulders with his defender, and secured a catch for 27 yards. His final reception came in the final five minutes of the game when he beat Broncos corner Riley Moss on a 10-yard out route, delivering yet another third-down conversion.
Golden’s role has gone under the radar due to his absence from the end zone this season, but the young receiver has a chance to change that this Saturday. Christian Watson recorded two touchdowns and nearly 90 yards against the Bears in Week 14, and while his injury might not be as bad as it was first thought, the coaching staff might give him a lighter load.
What better time to hand some of his targets over to Golden than in a battle for the division against Green Bay’s oldest rival?
