Five Packers to watch vs. Chiefs in Week 8 matchup
By Jesse Fry
4. Jimmy Graham
With a good game against the Raiders, Jimmy Graham silenced some of the doubters last week. But, this is a new week and I’m certain the doubters didn’t go far. Many across Packers Nation have called for Graham to be cut, traded or let go altogether. Some feel he hasn’t lived up to the contract he signed last offseason.
With good reason. Graham has followed good games with disappearing for long stretches. It happened in 2018 and so far it has happened in 2019. I feel some of that has to do with the schemes from this and last year. Coach McCarthy’s struggles at the end of his tenure have been beaten to death so there’s no need to go there. But this year, it has taken some time for the Packers to find their groove.
It appears they have now found it. Aaron Rodgers is coming off his best game in about two years and seems to be finally comfortable in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. That bodes well for everyone on offense, but especially Graham.
LaFleur’s offense has proven to be much more creative and Rodgers has stressed his trust in Graham. That to me means LaFleur will try to design plays specifically for Graham, especially in the red zone.
The Chiefs have proven soft in the middle. Rodgers and Graham could have the type of game they’ve dreamed of since his signing.