Packers: Top five performers vs. Lions in Week 6 victory

2. Allen Lazard

Oftentimes in the NFL, it’s not what you produce, but when you produce. If you have 12 catches for 150 yards in a losing effort, did you really do enough to affect your team? The numbers are personally nice but if they came when down by double-digit points, it’s nothing more than numbers on a stat sheet.

Then there’s having four catches for 65 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter, with your team down two of its three top receivers, having the third hobbled and team down by two scores.

That’s exactly what Allen Lazard did.

After a strong preseason, Lazard found himself on the cutting line with a chance for the practice squad. Despite being signed to the active roster less than a week later, Lazard was not thought to be good enough to make the initial 53 and was forced to prove himself yet again.

With the game on the line, Lazard did just that. He made a tough catch for a 35-yard touchdown and also showed good chemistry with Rodgers on extended plays.

His timing couldn’t have been any better. Geronimo Allison was out of the game being evaluated for a concussion and chest injury, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling left earlier in the game with a lower leg injury.

Davante Adams‘ status and return timeframe is unknown. If Lazard is willing and can step up where Allison and MVS haven’t, draft status shouldn’t matter. If he’s the best receiver after Adams, give him a chance to shine and play him more.

But first, let’s see if Lazard can do it in back-to-back games.