It's hard to make an impact on two targets in a preseason game, but Matthew Golden sure did.
On an evening where Green Bay Packers receivers dropped passes at an alarming rate (what's new?), Golden reminded everyone why he is receiving such glowing reviews from practice. On a 3rd-and-7, Jordan Love fired a pass to Golden on a slant, who had gained instant separation before showing off his strong hands to make the catch.
Moments later, Golden beat two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner inside, leaving the New York Jets' cornerback with no choice but to make contact and force a pass-interference penalty. Golden proved himself against one of the best in the business.
Matthew Golden is already receiving high praise from Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur
Golden's brief cameo in the preseason didn't go unnoticed by his quarterback.
"Practice is one thing, but then you've got to go out there and do it in the game," Jordan Love said after the game. "MG, I've seen a lot of great things from him in practice. To go out there and execute a slant route like that and then draw the PI, it's two good reps for him there."
It builds on a head-turning training camp, where Golden has looked every bit the first-round pick the Packers hoped he was. Head coach Matt LaFleur said the rookie has "some of the most natural hands I've been around in my whole career."
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Considering how badly the Packers have struggled with drops in recent years, that might be a low bar to clear. All kidding aside, Golden has shown signs of immediately becoming the "WR1" the Packers need, even if LaFleur doesn't like to use that term.
It's a warning sign to the NFL.
Green Bay's offense has all the ingredients necessary to dominate. With Josh Jacobs leading a deep backfield, this unit can run the ball. The Packers added two talented run-blockers in Aaron Banks and Anthony Belton, even if the latter won't start initially.
They have talent in the slot with Jayden Reed. A reliable possession receiver in Romeo Doubs. A field-stretcher in Christian Watson, when he returns. Dontayvion Wicks makes getting open look easy but just needs to improve his catching consistency.
Then there is Golden, who can do a bit of everything. He has the safe hands. The route-running. The game-changing speed and athleticism.
Golden is clearing every hurdle at practice, and he only needed two preseason plays to prove he belongs.