Today on The Pat McAfee Show there was a surprise announcement from a treasured guest. Pat had Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the show to answer questions regarding the upcoming season, as well as some about the rookies. Aaron Rodgers also announced on the show that he will be returning every Tuesday again on The Pat McAfee Show.
Rodgers was asked about the young receivers on the team and asked to give an update on them. More specifically, he was asked about the status of Christian Watson. Rodgers went on to talk about the great strides that Watson has been making behind the scenes. As the Packers’ fans know, Christian Watson has missed the majority of preseason camps due to a knee injury. Watson is currently trending to play the Week 1 match up against the Vikings, but his status is still unclear.
Rodgers didn’t shed much light on the injury situation, but he did talk about the comparison between Watson and Romeo Doubs. Rodgers pointed at the fact that Watson has been injured and playing well in practice. However, since Doubs is healthy, it is easier to talk about him more. Doubs has been the recipient of plenty of praise as of late due to his preseason play, as well as his impressive catches in practice.
It Won’t be Doubs vs Watson on the Packers
As much as the narrative of it being a battle between two rookie receivers would kill, it isn’t the case. Rodgers pointed at both receivers doing well and performing in their own ways. He went on to say that both rookies need to “Let the instincts take over” when they play. He also stated “The game gets easier when you don’t think as much.”
Both statements by Rodgers are telling and helpful towards gaining insight into the relationship between Rodgers and his receivers as well. A connection between the quarterback and receiver needs to be created in order to stay in sync with each other. Presumably, Rodgers has put a focus on connecting with both rookies and their attributes in order to garner the best production. Having rookies focus on being calm, letting football come to them, and trusting the things they have been taught is a valuable way to produce quality players. Especially as young players, having a mental grasp on the game and yourself is beneficial.
It should be interesting this upcoming season to see if Rodgers’ advice has taken shape. Both Watson and Doubs could have great years, but it will most certainly come down to the mental side.
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