Aaron Rodgers on WRs: 'I think you have to be real about expectations'

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) smiles at training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

Packers' Aaron Rodgers on receivers: 'I think you have to be real about expectations'

By Ryan K Boman | Last updated 8/24/22

Aaron Rodgers' ability to find a rhythm with his receiving corps will likely be one of the bigger storylines for the Packers this season. After issues earlier in camp working with the younger receivers, the future Hall of Famer seems to like what he sees now.

"I feel like the offense -- especially in the last week or so -- has been clicking closer to where I think we should be trending," Rodgers said earlier this week, per ESPN.

The Packers, who traded star receiver Davante Adams to the Raiders in the offseason, may go with a "receiver-by-committee" approach. Rodgers seeks consistency from the group.

Per Madison.com, Rodgers said: “I think you have to be real about the expectations with all those guys, and at the same time, hold them to a standard of what they’re capable of at this time based on those expectations that are realistic. The whole key is the consistency with what’s being taught."

Rodgers may have to lean on the veterans, at least early in the season. Sammy Watkins and Randall Cobb are battle-tested and have had success in the past. Much like Rodgers, they have the football IQ to make up for what their bodies can no longer do physically.

Cobb, now 32, is in his second stint with the Packers. He has accumulated 7,168 receiving yards and 52 touchdowns over 11 years in the NFL. He's not an elite receiver, but he's someone whom Rodgers can trust based on their years together.

Watkins, who played last season with the Ravens, was once one of the NFL's true burners, but he's not the threat he used to be. Still, he can be an asset, as he is familiar with head coach Matt LaFleur's offensive mentality from their time together with the Rams in 2017. He should be good to put up more than 500 receiving yards if he stays healthy.

The X-factor in all of this pass-catching conversation could be Allen Lazard. He managed 513 yards receiving and eight TD catches last year. At 6-foot-5, he's a huge target for Rodgers and could have his best season.

More must-reads: