The Green Bay Packers kept pace with the two teams ahead of them in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, by defeated the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. The 20-19 win was not pretty, but a game-saving blocked field goal by Karl Brooks improved Green Bay’s record against Chicago to 11-0 in the Matt LaFleur era.
In a game that was severely lacking in top-notch performances, the play of third-year wide receiver Christian Watson stood out. The 2022 second-round draft pick has been criticized by Packers fans ever since he came into the league for a variety of reasons. In his first two seasons, the young wideout was sometimes bullied by smaller cornerbacks and lost 50-50 balls a receiver of his size should win.
And, of course, fans were frustrated with his injury struggles, particularly in 2023.
Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Christian Watson Is an Underrated Part of the Offense
After battling hamstring injuries in his first two seasons, Watson has been able to stay relatively healthy in 2024. He has missed only one game, Green Bay’s Week Five game against the Los Angeles Rams. Watson had suffered an ankle injury in Week Four against the Vikings and somehow avoided major injury.
Despite his improved health, the North Dakota State product has not put up the big numbers many expected from him. This is not because he has been injured or has played poorly. He just had not had his number called very often.
Going into the game against Chicago, Watson had just 16 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
And while many wide receivers might have complained about the lack of targets, Watson never did. And after his big performance against the Bears, he explained why.
Christian Watson Will Always Put the Green Bay Packers First
Watson was targeted only four times against Chicago (Love only threw the ball 17 times), but he made the absolute most of each one. He caught all of them for 150 yards, including a 60-yard diving catch and run that set up Green Bay for the go-ahead touchdown.
After the game, Packers reporter Wes Hodkiewicz asked Watson about the catch and his role on the offense:
“As cliché as it sounds, I’m always going to put the team goals first. We played some good football and some not-so-good football at times but we’re right where we want to be at as a team.
“So, I’m just going to continue to do my part and if it’s opportunities like today, I’m going try to my best to make those plays. If it’s opportunities elsewhere, in the run game or whatnot, I’m going to make those plays, too.”
Watson has emerged as one of the best blocking wide receivers in the NFL and is often downfield keeping defenders off other ball carriers.
Hodkiewicz pointed out that a recent three-game stretch saw Watson catch just eight passes for 85 yards.
But, as mentioned, he never complained. He just did his job, and he did it well.
The fact of the matter, though, is that good things happen when Watson has the ball. Green Bay should try to put it in his hands more often.
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