Dontayvion Wicks stat proves the breakout season is still coming for Packers
The Green Bay Packers have several concerns, from their ineffective pass rush to the kicking game. Dontayvion Wicks is not one of them.
While he has struggled with drops in the opening quarter of the season, Wicks is quietly reminding everyone why he was considered a breakout candidate over the summer. Even in a disappointing performance against the Minnesota Vikings, Wicks still finished with five catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
He could've achieved a lot more, as Jordan Love targeted him 13 times, in large part because Christian Watson left the game with an ankle injury.
Wicks must fix his issues with drops; there's no denying that. But Packers fans shouldn't be concerned because the second-year receiver is doing everything else at an elite level.
Dontayvion Wicks is still showing breakout potential despite the drops
There's a reason why Love kept targeting Wicks over and over. He is always open. We saw it throughout his rookie season, and it's why he earned the nickname Davante-vion Wicks. He has great footwork off the line of scrimmage and runs smooth routes. Sound familiar?
According to Pro Football Focus, Wicks has a separation percentage of 82.14 this season, ranking first in the NFL among receivers with at least 25 opportunities.
Always. Open.
More Packers
manual
Wicks scored two touchdowns and dropped two others. He is doing the hard part of consistently beating the coverage and finding space. It's up to Wicks to clean up the drops and for Love to hit him in stride. The two lacked chemistry early in the Week 4 loss to the Vikings but found some rhythm later in the game.
That's exciting. Wicks made key contributions down the stretch last season, including destroying Stephon Gilmore for a 20-yard touchdown in the playoffs.
He has the rare ability to get open. Not every receiver can do that. Like Adams, who struggled with drops in his second season, Wicks must find more consistency. But that's fixable. He does the part that's harder to master.
Getting more snaps should help him build chemistry with Love and start making a bigger contribution on offense. Wicks has star potential, and his ability to get open proves the breakout season is still very much on.
More Packers news and analysis
feed