Matthew Golden turns heads with post after zero-catch game against Commanders 2 Green Bay wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) is tackled by Washington cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

ESPN reporter names Packers’ ‘most surprising performance’ in Week 2 against Commanders

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 12:48 PM ET

By and large, the Green Bay Packers are having a great 2025 NFL season thus far. With wins against the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders, Jordan Love and the Packers are among the only undefeated teams after two weeks of action.

Green Bay has been enjoying success despite letdowns in the first two games for rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden. Expected to be a major player downfield in the Packers’ passing attack, Golden has yet to have a performance that can be viewed as his breakout in the league. He only had 16 receiving yards on two catches and two targets against Detroit. Against Washington, he failed to secure both targets while rushing for 15 yards on two carries.

Packers rookie’s zero-catch game in Week 2 gets highlighted

Golden, however, showed elite speed and still left Green Bay salivating about his potential. A few inches would have given the former Texas Longhorns star a huge performance against the Commanders. Instead, Golden’s showing against Washington has been labeled by Rob Demovsky of ESPN as the most surprising.”

Most surprising performance: After catching two passes in his debut, rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden was shut out. However, he was open on both of his targets. Love underthrew the first one, which could have been a 33-yard touchdown but was broken up, and overthrew what might have gone for a 92-yard touchdown. Golden made his only plays as a ball carrier with two rushes for 15 yards. Fellow rookie receiver Savion Williams also went without a catch but rushed twice for 24 yards.

Still, Golden is brimming with potential, and it could just be a matter of time before he gets the big game he and Packers fans have been waiting for.

That could come as soon as Week 3 when Green Bay visits Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns.

Why Matthew Golden's breakout game could come next after Tucker Kraft's TNF eruption 2 Matthew Golden (0) against the Washington cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Commanders 27-18.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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