Packers: Top five performers in Week 6 win vs. 49ers
By Jesse Fry
4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Speaking of receivers reaching 100 yards, there’s Marquez Valdes-Scantling. For the first time since the early 80s, the Packers had three receivers reach 100 yards in one game. While Adams and Graham’s were more obvious, MVS quietly put up 103 yards on only three catches.
On the opening drive, Rodgers found MVS for a 60-yard catch-and-run to set the Packers up inside the 20-yard line. The Packers scored three plays later.
In the third quarter MVS made a beautiful over-the-defender catch for 35 more yards, setting up a Mason Crosby field goal and cutting the deficit to one.
MVS has earned more playing time, even after Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison return. His confidence is growing and he has yet to show us all that he can do. With Rodgers getting healthier, more of the playbook will open up and the Packers will find ways to get MVS the ball downfield on deep passes.
Rodgers’ postgame statements should also hold weight:
“I feel a lot better about our depth after six weeks than after the preseason,” Rodgers said when asked about the rookie wide receivers.
It shows the rookies have grown enough to be recognized by their leader. This is a far cry from training camp when their practice habits were questioned.