Green Bay Packers: Week 13 Silver Linings

Davante Adams had six catches for 121 yards against the Patriots on Sunday. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Davante Adams – ‘rookie receiver proves clutch’

When Belichick used Brandon Browner and Darrelle Revis to shut down Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, Adams must have known that he was expected to have a huge day.

He did .

Adams had his first 100-plus-yard game of the season and his career. He converted plays when they were needed and helped Rodgers and Co. keep drives going.

He made a spectacular catch in the end zone but was unable to get his second foot down in time to count it. He also dropped a potential game-icing touchdown in the fourth quarter that bounced right out of his eager hands. Had those two plays converted for two touchdowns, Adams would have likely enjoyed a better day than most veteran receivers hope to have.

In the end, however, Adams did prove clutch.

He played at such a high level that Belichick was forced to switch coverages to account for him. This action freed Cobb and Nelson a bit and was one of the reasons why Revis drew Nelson’s name on that 45-yard touchdown catch-and-run at the end of the first half.

Davante has been earning the trust of QB Aaron Rodgers more and more through the season. His presence on the field has pressed previous third receiver Jarrett Boykin closer to the sidelines and has all but solidified his spot as “the guy” moving forward.

As a rookie, Adams was probably not meant to have such a large role in the Packers offense.

However, his size and moderate speed (along with unusually sure hands) have put him in the greatest position to contribute each week.