Aaron Rodgers famously has very high expectations for his wide receivers. As a result, it is difficult for new wide receivers on the Packers to gain the trust of the four-time MVP. One of those that does have it, though, is Allen Lazard. In an appearance on The Jim Rome Show, Lazard revealed what it takes to gain the trust of Aaron Rodgers.
Allen Lazard on Aaron Rodgers’ Trust
When speaking to Jim Rome about earning the trust of Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard said:
“With Aaron, because he requires such a high standard of expectations, those 50-50 balls need to be 100-0. If you wanna get that ball again, you’ve got to show that you want it– and that you’re not going to allow the DB to make a play.”
Has Allen Lazard Gained the Trust of Aaron Rodgers?
This question is certainly one that has been debated since the Packers lost to the San Francisco 49ers at home in the NFC Playoffs. With Lazard open, Rodgers tried to force a throw into double-coverage because the target was Davante Adams. This certainly proves Lazard’s point about trust; Rodgers had a great deal of trust in Adams. Unfortunately for everybody, Adams could not make the catch.
This should not be an indictment on Allen Lazard, though. He has certainly gained the trust of Aaron Rodgers. The throw to Adams was simply a poor decision on Rodgers’ part. Last season, Allen Lazard had 40 receptions (career-high) for 513 yards (career-high), and eight touchdowns (career-high). He will also be the answer to the trivia question: “Who caught Jordan Love’s first career touchdown pass?”
What is most revealing, though, about how much Allen Lazard has improved as a player, is this stat: When targeting Lazard, Packers quarterbacks had a 132.8 passer rating. He only had one dropped pass in 2022, good for a drop percentage of 1.7%. That was a better drop percentage than most every player on the team, even Davante Adams. The only wide receiver with a better percentage? That was Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had a drop rate of 0.0% in 2022.
Conclusion
Will Allen Lazard play for the Packers in 2022? That is almost a certainty. He wants to be in Green Bay. He also wants to be the Packers’ number one wide receiver. Most importantly, he already has the one thing that can put him over the top: the trust of Aaron Rodgers.
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