Getting a rebounding season from third-year wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling could be one of the biggest factors in the Green Bay Packers passing offense in 2020.
Receiver Davante Adams believes Valdes-Scantling, who fell into the dark in the second half of his second season, is on track as training camp opens.
“Really excited to see how Marquez bounces back from what he did last year,” Adams said last week. “He’s definitely taking the right steps now.”
Adams admitted that Valdes-Scantling had done “great things”, but also had times that he would like to “find”.
After catching 21 passes for 416 yards and scoring two long touchdowns in the Packers’ first seven games, Valdes-Scantling struggled to overcome an injury and fell into the wide receiver’s depth chart. He’s only caught five passes for 36 yards in the last nine games of the regular season. In the last seven games, he’s averaged just 15 shots per game. During the playoffs, he only played six shots in total and caught one assist in two games.
A vertical threat with legitimate stretching speed on the pitch, Valdes-Scantling could bring real attacking value if he can overcome the struggles for the end of 2019 and re-establish himself as much of the passing game in 2020.
Adams mentioned growing physically and mentally and becoming familiar with offense patterns as areas in which young receivers improve early in their careers.
Being on the same page as Aaron Rodgers will be another determining factor. The connection wasn’t there in 2019, especially on the field throws. Rodgers remains confident in his quick young receiver.
“MVS is a guy I have a ton of confidence in,” Rodgers said in April. “I really feel like if he can keep growing, he can really add to our football team. I am looking for him to make great progress.
Coach Matt LaFleur has said he will “push” Valdes-Scantling to take a big step forward in his third season.
An opportunity is certainly available. The Packers don’t have a vertical receiver like Valdes-Scantling, and veteran Devin Funchess opting out of the 2020 season guarantees the shots are up for grabs.
Adams has seen the good things from young receivers so far.
“All of these guys are doing the right things right now. I think everyone has the right frame of mind. I am delighted to be on the field with them, ”said Adams.
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