7 major questions emerging from Packers loss to Steelers
6. Has Matt LaFleur finally figured out how to feature Luke Musgrave?
Another rookie impressing of late is tight end Luke Musgrave. The second-round pick scored his first career touchdown last week, and he caught another two passes for 64 yards in Week 10. Notably, Matt LaFleur is beginning to find ways to feature Musgrave downfield, which is playing to his strengths.
Earlier in the season, LaFleur used Musgrave almost exclusively on short passes, requiring the rookie to pick up yards after the catch. And the results were mixed. It didn't feel like they were getting the best out of Musgrave. He is an explosive receiver who can stretch the seam and attack defenses vertically.
In the past two games, the Packers have found ways to generate explosive plays with Musgrave in the middle of the field. He has five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown in the previous two weeks, an average of 23 yards per catch. Love connected with Musgrave on an absolute beauty for 36 yards in the third quarter. Musgrave found space in the middle of the field, and Love was on the money.
It has been a while since the Packers had a tight end with Musgrave's game-changing receiving ability. He is only scratching the surface of his potential in the NFL, but it's great to see LaFleur finding ways to play to Musgrave's strengths.