All eyes on Allen Lazard for Packers’ offense in 2022
By David Ruiz
With the shockwaves of the blockbuster trade that sent Davante Adams to Las Vegas still in full effect, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in a dangerous predicament in terms of offense.
With only Randall Cobb as the single member of the Packers’ wide receiver corps with long-term experience with Aaron Rodgers, all eyes will be on Allen Lazard to take that next step forward.
Adams’ shoes will be a massive task for Lazard sliding into the No. 1 spot but he has shown strides of it being a possibility.
The Packers must also believe in Lazard after extending the young receiver until 2023 when he’s expected to be an unrestricted free agent again.
Allen Lazard can be Packers’ WR No. 1
Even with Adams being the focal point of the offense in 2021, Lazard had his best season with the Packers, as well.
Posting a solid eight touchdowns and 513 receiving yards, Lazard was as efficient in this Packers offense as in years past that saw a bit lower numbers — although did miss time in 2020 with a core injury.
Let’s assume that come September 2022, the Packers’ front office made no splashy free-agent signings, no big-name college receiver, none of that. Nada. Zilch.
How comfortable do you feel with the current crop of receivers?
As long as you have the four-time MVP in Rodgers and a coaching staff posting at least 13 wins a season, then the hope is strong for Lazard.
According to NFLSavant.com, Lazard had a red zone target percentage of 9.68, best for fourth on the team in 2021. With Adams gone, that number should skyrocket in 2022.
One of the high criticisms Rodgers has had with receivers is the trust factor.
Lazard has steadily earned Rodgers’ trust during his tenure. Jordy Nelson earned it. Greg Jennings earned it. Adams earned it. Lazard has now, too.