Packers’ rookie needs to ‘learn quickly’ if he wants the ball, analyst points out flaw

Packers rookie Matthew Golden is still learning, but has a ways to go in LaFleur’s offense

Green Bay Packers first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden had two catches in his NFL debut, totaling 16 yards in the win over the Detroit Lions.

The Packers ran 23 pass plays, with limited possession throughout the game. Green Bay was efficient on offense when they did have the football, but had 10 minutes less possession than the Lions.

Golden was out on the field for the majority of those snaps. He ran 13 routes in the game, with the team leader at wide receiver being Romeo Doubs at 17.

The rookie is still settling into life in the NFL, and while he feels he is adapting quickly, the game moves at a different speed when the regular season gets going.

One thing did stand out to one analyst, though, with Peter Bukowski of LockedOnPackers suggesting the rookie needed to improve in run blocking. It is worth noting that this was Golden’s very first snap in the league.

Bukowski said:

“Matthew Golden is going to learn quickly no block, no rock.”

On an inside handoff, Golden struggled to hold his block on the left edge, allowing his defender inside. That defender then helped to make the tackle on running back Josh Jacobs, shutting down the play.

Run blocking isn’t necessarily a strength of Golden’s, but it is something he’ll be asked to do in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

The Packers head coach has talked in the past about the importance of having the desire and willingness to block as a wideout, something that is imperative in the way he runs his unique system.

While the rookie’s block on that particular play could have been better, fans quickly came to the wide receiver’s defense.

One fan said:

“First NFL snap ever. That’s a new bottom, Peter.”

There’s no doubt Golden will be just fine, and there’s plenty of time for his explosive playmaking ability to show up this season.

Green Bay kept their cards close to their chest in Week 1, with only 23 Jordan Love drop-backs

Jordan Love’s 23 drop-backs in the season opener will likely be one of his lowest totals of the season. The game script was a factor, with the Packers leading throughout, and time of possession also played a major part.

Last season, Love only had two games with less than 23 drop-backs, with seven games of 30+, including the playoff loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Matthew Golden will get his opportunities, and it’s not like he was used sparingly while the other receivers got a lot more playing time.

The rookie doesn’t seem at all concerned, posting on X after the game to say: “Blessed.”