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There is a lot to take from the first game of the 2018 regular season for the Green Bay Packers.
Aaron Rodgers isn’t human (not exactly breaking news), the new offense looks similar to the old offense and the defense could very well be good (rough first drive aside).
There is one other storyline heading into the season that has already begun to play out: who will emerge at wide receiver with the departure of Jordy Nelson?
If you thought one of the three rookie receivers, that would incorrect although there are still 15 games to go.
Instead, the answer is Geronimo Allison. While he won’t be targeted as frequently as Davante Adams or Randall Cobb, he showed the ability to get open and make the tough catches sometimes required in the Green Bay offense.
His nice five-catch, 69-yard performance against the Bears was punctuated by a great catch on a 39-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers. The then undrafted rookie earned the trust of his quarterback in 2016 and after a rough sophomore season, he seems to have begun to blossom as a genuine third receiver.
On that touchdown catch Allison was able to separate, slap Kyle Fuller’s hands away and then go up and make the catch. That’s growth right there.
You can read more on Allison’s performance and praise continues to come Rodgers’ way from all corners of sport in today’s cheese curds.
Geronimo Allison emerging as genuine weapon for the Packers—PackersNews.com
Allison is tall and possesses some decent speed. Throw in Rodgers’ legendary accuracy and you have a potent pairing. The potential Allison has should continue to be tapped by the veteran quarterback as the season goes on.
LeBron James, others react to 24-23 comeback win over the Bears—Packers.com
From one GOAT to another (don’t @ me, Michael Jordan fans), James had praise for Rodgers in the historical comeback. Same goes for The Process in Philadelphia.
Packers WR Randall Cobb celebrates big win with newborn son—FOX 6
The most adorable social media reaction from the game comes from the veteran receiver. Maybe a future Packer?
Meanwhile in Chicago, it’s a baptism by fire for the rookie head coach and second year quarterback. Matt Navy’s play calling is already under scrutiny. Some honeymoon.
Clay Matthews and Mike McCarthy were rightfully roasted over social media after a boneheaded penalty that would have ended the game sooner and a poor play call, respectively. To their credit, the linebacker and coach owned their mistakes and will try and learn from them.