Five Packers to watch vs. Chargers in Week 9 matchup
By Jesse Fry
4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling
In Davante Adams‘ absence, many players have stepped up. Jake Kumerow and Allen Lazard have been labeled unheralded ballers. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have taken their games to new heights. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, though, has been slightly inconsistent and his catches are few and far between, but his yardage off those catches has been big.
With Adams out, MVS has not had more than two catches in a game despite becoming the de facto number one.
Much of that has to do with the even ball distribution from Aaron Rodgers and game plans by Matt LaFleur. But, more is and should be expected from him. Valdes-Scantling has all the tools to be a solid number two. With Lazard coming on strong and Adams’ return imminent, he could lose some playing time if his consistency doesn’t improve.
MVS is a legitimate deep threat, that we know. But can he become the all-around receiver the Packers would like him to be? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, patience must be practiced with these young receivers. At the same time, the sooner MVS can become a consistent threat, the better the offense will be.
The Chargers have a formidable pass defense, so it won’t be an easy task. Could this be the week Valdes-Scantling puts up another monster game?