Green Bay Packers receiver Matthew Golden has yet to make the impact that he was hoping for. Two weeks into the 2025 season, he has just two catches for 16 yards. If one were to simply look at the stat sheet, it would appear that Golden is struggling to acclimate to the professional game and is not yet ready to be a contributor on a team that clearly has the goal of going all the way this year. However, advanced stats prove that Golden is not just excelling so far, but has earned the title of the NFL’s Most Open Receiver so far in 2025.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Production is Not Yet There For Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden… But the Separation Is
The Green Bay Packers have already had a lot go right in the first two weeks of the 2025 NFL season. With two dominant wins over quality opponents, the 2-0 Pack are right where they want to be, outside of a few injury issues. That being said, one thing that many Packers fans are hoping improves in the upcoming weeks is some more production from rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden. The first-round pick has been open a lot but has just 16 yards receiving so far. The reality is, even Golden has yet to notch some big plays, a closer look reveals that the young pass-catcher has nonetheless had a truly impressive start to his pro career.
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Packers fans are likely still reminiscing about two near-touchdowns to Golden from Thursday’s game against Washington. In the 1st quarter, Quarterback Jordan Love was a little bit late on a throw to Golden in the end zone on 4th down that would have been a 33 yard score. Later in the evening, he narrowly overthrew the former Texas Longhorn on a deep post route that could have easily been a house call.
the Matthew Golden breakout game was almost there last night..
33yd TD underthrown
92yd TD just a tick overthrownMore opportunities coming with JReed missing time. pic.twitter.com/NNjhMlxN18
— Kyle Gerard Bauer (@theFellowKGB) September 12, 2025
Those who haven’t watched any Packers games might falsely think that Golden has not been finding much success getting open. In fact, the exact opposite is true. According to Fantasy Points Data, Golden actually leads the NFL in average separation score.
Average Separation Scores vs. Targets per Route Run in Week 2:
– Matthew Golden leads the NFL in separation
– Zay Flowers is finally seeing targets to a level his separation abilities would have suggested pic.twitter.com/2h3kWa1Kcz
— Fantasy Points Data (@FantasyPtsData) September 16, 2025
After two weeks, Golden narrowly edges out Minnesota Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor, former Packers great and current Los Angeles Ram Davante Adams, and Packers teammate Romeo Doubs for highest average separation created.
Even if he is being targeted far less than many other receivers, Golden is already proving that he has the ability to be a top wideout. Even if Love has been locked in with other targets like Doubs or tight end Tucker Kraft, #0 is consistently open. This speaks far more to what his future in the NFL looks like than his 4 targets, 2 catches, and 16 total yards. Counting stats do not tell the whole story.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Film Analysis of Matthew Golden – Green Bay #0 is Seemingly Always Open
Outside of the high-profile near-touchdown plays against Washington, there are plenty of more examples of Golden getting himself open. Two examples below show Golden as the second receiver in a stack formation winning downfield. In the first clip, Golden strides right by Detroit Lions cornerback DJ Reed on an outbreaking route despite Reed starting the play with outside leverage.
The Matthew Golden film is fun! pic.twitter.com/FE2vhAka16
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) September 8, 2025
In another play from the Washington game, Golden also wins outside against leverage, coming open on time as Commanders safety Mike Sainristil gets his ankles broken.
I see you Matthew Golden. pic.twitter.com/mqAuu0Lsir
— Dusty (@DustyEvely) September 15, 2025
As noted above, both clips involve Golden off the line of scrimmage in a stack formation. While the other receiver has to deal with press technique from the defensive back, Golden is afforded more space, which he quickly eats up with his speed and promptly emerges into open space.
Clearly, he has pro-ready ability to win on routes down the field. For any of those that want to see for themself, included below is every route Matthew Golden has run so far. You be the judge on if he looks like a player who is going to be stacking up yards any week now.
Every Matthew Golden Route 🧃 pic.twitter.com/EQmu4CD60a
— Eli Danson (@elidanson123) September 9, 2025
Every Matthew Golden Route Week 2 🧃 pic.twitter.com/vc3KwoS182
— Eli Danson (@elidanson123) September 12, 2025
Two weeks ago, many were wondering if Golden would be quick to make an impact in Green Bay due to a crowded wide receiver room featuring Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and others battling for targets. With Reed now out for the foreseeable future and Golden having assembled some impressive tape in his opening two games, one wonders if Matthew Golden’s time in the sun is about to arrive.
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