The Wisconsin football staff has been working hard to put together the best team they can on the field, which may garner a big change.
Wide receiver Will Pauling was excellent for the Badgers a season ago despite the clear struggles the quarterback room had. Pauling established himself as the top receiver for the Badgers, and some of his issue on the field were overshadowed by his success. However, this season the issues the receiver has had with drops in particular is evident.
A season ago, Pauling had seven drops including two against the Indiana Hoosiers in pivotal moments. This season, Pauling has eight drops already and has two drops in both the USC and Penn State losses. The wide receiver dropped four passes in the two losses that all would have been first-downs for the Wisconsin football team.
Pauling is not the only receiver with drop issues currently on the Wisconsin football team, as the Badgers have dropped 15 total passes. Pauling has more than half of the team drops and has been a player the Badgers offense is looking to move through, making his struggles sting a bit more. The talented wide receiver has been limited to just 381-yards and two touchdowns this season despite recording nearing 900-yards receiving in 2023.
With the drop issues seemingly becoming more frequent and costly for the wide receiver, the Wisconsin football fans have been calling for the receiver to hit the bench.
Man, Will Pauling has had plenty of drop issues this year
— Ryan Wing (@RyanWingFOX11) October 27, 2024
I can’t wait until the Will Pauling from last year shows up. He is constantly killing drives with dropped passes
— Turner Wagie (@TWagie) October 27, 2024
Will Pauling’s drops feel like a legitimate conversation to have at this point
— BuckAround (@Buck_Around) October 27, 2024
Should the Wisconsin Football Staff Bench Receiver Will Pauling Following Drop Issues?
While the Wisconsin football staff and fans might be upset with Pauling, the athlete is still one of the most talented receivers on the team.
The drop issues for Pauling have been puzzling, even dating back to his time with the Cincinnati Bearcats as it was a factor that held the receiver back. Pauling is someone who can make spectacular catches at times, but then struggles with the most basic catches. The receiver often showcases shades of former NFL veteran Brandon Marshall, who struggled with a similar issue throughout his career.
Some Wisconsin football fans and analysts alike believe the increase in drops this season could be due to his health. Pauling has left multiple games this season due to injuries and has been playing banged up the majority of the year. At times, Pauling does not appear to be playing at full-speed and the receiver could be thinking too much while trying to make something big happen.
A season ago, Pauling was the “guy” for the Wisconsin football team on offense who players and fans looked towards for big plays. Pauling recorded six touchdowns a year ago and delivered just that to a rather flat offense at times. The expectations were high for the receiver heading into this season, and that could factor into his current struggles.
Regardless of what Pauling is going through, the talented wide receiver is still one of the best options for the offense. Reducing his playing time is possible, but eliminating Pauling from the game-plan due to his drops seems like a reach.
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