It's no secret that Tucker Kraft is a major part of the Green Bay Packers' offensive plans. That's why his production throughout the first three games has been so surprising and must change if the Packers want to flip their season.
While much has been made about Kraft's recent comments about Packers fans booing the team during their loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field, there is a more pressing matter: Kraft's start to the season.
The star tight end, who signed a massive extension before the season, has so far been essentially a non-factor in the Packers' first three games. Kraft has recorded nine receptions for 106 yards and has yet to find the end zone.
Packers need to find a way to get Tucker Kraft more involved
While the Packers' offense has had trouble finding its rhythm, those are some low numbers for someone of Kraft's stature. Averaging just three receptions a game, Kraft has essentially been relegated to a secondary option on plays where Jordan Love has to get the ball out quickly.
This isn't to say Kraft has been poor in any regard. There are a number of factors working against him, chief among them his slow return to a full workload. Kraft is only just returning from a torn ACL suffered last year, and while he has appeared in all three games, the tight end is still clearly working his way back, as his snap count suggests.
Secondly, the Packers' overall performance has been rough. The offense has struggled to sustain drives, and with the team constantly facing longer down-and-distances, getting Kraft going for big gains has been tough. However, his lack of usage in the offense is not only glaring in his stats, but in the way the team has played.
Since Kraft's emergence as a premier tight end in the NFL, the Packers have leaned on him to be a focal point of the offense.
Prior to his injury last year, Kraft was on track to be among the NFL's elite at tight end. He was on pace for 68 catches, 1,039 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
The offense schemed plays specifically for him, and his athleticism and ability to generate yards after contact were pivotal to the passing game.
Of course, just saying "use Kraft more" is a tough solution. The team still has issues along the offensive line and in the running game. Among tight ends, Kraft is still in the top 10 in targets this season, suggesting the Packers aren't planning on going away from him anytime soon.
However, if the Packers want to get back on track, they'll need to start incorporating Kraft a lot more.
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