Packers: Forget the fumble, Valdes-Scantling has made big improvements
Forget the fumble. Marquez Valdes-Scanting is making some key plays for the Packers.
It seems all anybody wants to talk about is Marquez Valdes-Scantling‘s fumble in the Green Bay Packers‘ defeat to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
To focus on any one play in the Packers’ second-half collapse is ridiculous, especially given all of the positives we’ve seen from Valdes-Scantling’s performances in recent weeks.
We talk about the fumble because it proved to be a costly play. But we don’t talk about the defense allowing the Colts to convert a first down moments after facing a second-and-20. We don’t talk about the poor blocking that allowed Julian Blackmon to get anywhere near Valdes-Scantling on the fumble.
More head-scratching is many have forgotten that if Valdes-Scantling hadn’t made a phenomenal catch with three defenders covering him, the game was probably over in regulation.
So forget about the fumble. It was one mistake in an otherwise good run of performances by Valdes-Scantling. Also remember this was his first fumble on 89 career receptions.
Packers should be encouraged by MVS’ recent performances
Following Sunday’s performance, head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about MVS and responded by saying he has “more confidence in him now than probably ever” and praised his work not only with the ball in his hands, but also for the blocks he made.
And I couldn’t agree more.
Equanimeous St. Brown had one of the plays of the game as he ran down the sideline and leaped over a defender. Who made the block to give St. Brown the space to run? Valdes-Scantling.
Fumble aside, MVS has also had far fewer mistakes such as drops in recent games. In the past three weeks, he’s caught nine passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaging over 28 yards per catch in those three games.
When the game was on the line and the Packers needed a score backed up in their own end zone, Aaron Rodgers fired Valdes-Scantling’s way for a 47-yard gain despite the fact he had three defenders covering him.
MVS is stepping up and making some big plays. With his speed, defensive backs struggle to keep up with him deep downfield. He’s also made some key catches at crucial moments in recent weeks, none greater than his 47-yard reception in the final moments of the fourth quarter on Sunday.
His one mistake on Sunday proved to be a costly one as it led to the Colts’ game-winning score, but he was trying to make a play, something he’s done a lot in recent weeks.
Fumbles happen. Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers, and Aaron Jones have all fumbled the football this season. The timing of Valdes-Scantling’s fumble was far from ideal, but it was one mistake in one game.
His performances over the past three weeks should excite Packers fans. And with Allen Lazard being eased back in, there’s a lot to like about the Packers’ receiving trio.
Get behind MVS and enjoy watching his bounce-back game against the Chicago Bears this week.