
Green Bay Packers QB Clayton Tune will take the helm on Sunday, as the Packers close out a season riddled with injuries. The matchup against the Vikings has no consequence win or lose on the post season. Hence, most folks in Packer Nation are expecting an exhibition game for up and comers to put down some tape.
Could we be in for some rekindled magic between Clayton Tune and his former college teammate Matthew Golden?
The chemistry Clayton Tune shares with Golden is more than just a fun fact to throw out while watching the game. Back in Houston they were an extremely productive and clutch tandem that showed up in the big moments. A blend of deep accuracy from Tune and Golden’s ability to create separation and haul in big gains defined their on-field relationship.
Take a look at this deep bomb they connected with against Temple in 2022:
Thought this was a fun one. New #Packers QB, Clayton Tune hits Matthew Golden for a game winning touchdown when both were at Houston!
— Alec (@Alec_332) August 27, 2025
(VIA: ESPN) pic.twitter.com/zIUme0omwo
Tune and Golden thrived on timing, anticipation, and a shared understanding of leverage and spacing. Tune consistently showed comfort throwing Golden open, especially on intermediate routes where precision mattered more than raw arm strength. Golden, in turn, excelled at finding soft spots in coverage and making himself quarterback-friendly, often turning broken plays into chunk gains.
Take a look at this highlight reel from 2022, and see the YAC and deep threat these two brought to the field together.
Their success wasn’t just statistical, but rooted in repetition and communication. The kind that allows a quarterback to release the ball before a receiver even makes his break. That rapport helped them sustain drives and punish defenses that underestimated their rhythm.
With limited practice reps and game snaps often defining preseason or late-season evaluation games, built-in trust between a quarterback and receiver can be invaluable. Tune and Golden bring exactly that from their time together in college.
That same dynamic could translate smoothly against the Vikings if Green Bay’s game plan emphasizes evaluation over complexity. Younger players often benefit from simplified reads and quick decisions, an environment where preexisting chemistry can shine. If Tune is given some freedom at the line, expect him to look Golden’s way in key moments. Be it third downs, red-zone snaps, or when protection breaks down.
Given Offensive Coordinator Adam Stenavich’s recent comments this game could be VERY serendipitous for Golden.
Adam Stenavich on Matthew Golden: “He’s not gonna be in that premier role when the playoffs come around.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 1, 2026
Stenavich added that he’d be pumped if Golden was the No. 1 option on a given play. Confident his time will come, but said Packers have too many WR mouths to feed.
It should be a great final outing to see which players are ready to step up ahead of the post season. From rookies and practice squad members, all the way to the newest arrival of Trevon Diggs, this should be an interesting game to evaluate future roles on the squad.
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