Packers: Five bold predictions for the 2020 season
By Jesse Fry
Allen Lazard becomes a true number two
At the beginning of the 2019 season, Allen Lazard was an afterthought on the Packers roster.
Many people believed Marquez Valdes-Scantling would emerge as the second option alongside Davante Adams and evolve his size/speed talent into a legit second option.
Injuries and ineffectiveness on offense ensured that wouldn’t happen for MVS.
Lazard, who was released in the final cuts before being signed to the active roster on September 4, took full advantage of the opportunity presented.
Lazard being cut was a bit of a surprise, he made a few plays in the preseason and some thought he deserved the spot over Darrius Shepherd. But, Shepherd’s return ability proved to win out.
No matter as Lazard was signed off the practice squad just days before the season.
Lazard didn’t do much the first few weeks other than special teams but that all changed after the Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Adams and MVS were both hurt, with Adams going on to miss the next four weeks. Lazard first came up in a big way in a Monday night game against the Detroit Lions. From there, Lazard just kept coming up with plays week after week.
This season, he will get the chance right from the get-go.
The team’s only significant addition to the wide receiver group has decided to take a pass on the 2020 season due to concerns over COVID-19, opening the door for Lazard to take full control.
Valdez-Scantling will have a say before it’s all said and done but I expect Lazard to finish the season as the number two receiver for the 2020 Packers.