Green Bay Packers: 2016 opponents who could be game-breakers

9. Golden Tate

If the veteran slot receiver’s 9.0 yards-per-reception average doesn’t exactly put fear into the hearts of opposing defensive coordinators; his increased role in the absence of the retired Calvin Johnson should.

In a five-week stretch when Johnson was either hampered or inactive due to a lingering ankle injury, Tate averaged 119.8 yards per game.

Matthew Stafford’s rapport with Tate is such that the one-time Seattle Seahawk will undoubtedly be the go-to guy in the Detroit’s post-Megatron aerial attack.

Recent history shows that the Lions will find ways to put the ball in Tate’s hands as both a runner and receiver at any part of the field.

Don’t let his five-foot-ten stature fool you, the pride of Hendersonville, TN. can be downright lethal near the goal line. Over the past two seasons, Tate has secured 14 of 18 targets inside the 10, including eight touchdowns.

To boot, Tate is equal parts tough and elusive as a ball carrier. He not only led the league in YAC (yards-after-catch) in 2014, but then followed that up by ranking first at his position in broken tackles.

Those assigned with covering this human Swiss army knife are advised to pack a lunch and get a good night’s sleep before locking horns with Detroit’s premiere game breaker.

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