The Green Bay Packers’ faith in Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been unwavering this year, even through some major ups and downs. The third-year receiver looked headed for a tertiary role in the offense heading into the season, but some injuries — including Allen Lazard’s core injury — thrust him into a more prominent role. He has alternately dropped the ball and delivered on his promise, with Sunday’s game in Detroit marking his most impressive overall game as a pro.
But perhaps his most important catch in 2020 came in training camp. On Wednesday in a media interview over Zoom, quarterback Aaron Rodgers singled out one specific throw to MVS in training camp as the moment that it all came together for him, serving as a turning point and solidifying all of the offseason work in his mind.
Maybe that play is one reason why Rodgers continues to trust MVS through his struggles. Surely, that trust also comes through the receiver’s work ethic in practice and as a blocker in the running game. But it’s not hard to imagine there being some lingering good feelings if that one play still sticks out in Rodgers’ mind.
From there, Rodgers has taken a star turn once again, playing at an MVP level and making the race for that award a two-man battle with fellow commercial pitchman Patrick Mahomes. Hopefully Rodgers will keep up his recent tremendous streak and earn his third MVP, which would make him one of only a few players ever to win three. The next challenge and opportunity will come on Saturday night.
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers glad to be in the running for MVP. | Packersnews.com (subscription)
Rodgers credits better balance, rhythm and timing for taking his performance this season to an NFL MVP level.
How one throw in August helped set Packers' Aaron Rodgers on possible MVP path - ESPN
Rodgers also discussed a single throw to MVS in camp that helped show him just how everything was clicking over the summer. If the 20-yard "laser" is what did it, then let's all be grateful for that happening.
Film breakdown of Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s game against Lions | Packers Wire
MVS caught all six targets thrown his way on Sunday in a tremendous, complete performance that should worry defensive coordinators league-wide.
Packers' Mason Crosby is a rare breed among NFL kickers – The Athletic
The Packers have not needed to rely on Crosby much this year, as the team's red zone success means his 15 field goal attempts (all makes) put him on pace for a career low. He has also hit all three attempts from 50-plus and is on a ridiculous streak since his abysmal game in Detroit two years ago.
Davante Adams not worried about TD records: 'What drives me is getting the Super Bowl' | NFL.com
Adams is setting records all over lately, but that's not the thing that he's worrying about right now.
Titletown to celebrate New Years with 'TT NYE presented by Kimberly-Clark' set for Dec. 31 | Packers.com
The Titletown District will have some outdoor events for people in the Green Bay area on New Year's Eve -- with social distancing and mask requirements in place, of course.
Finally, we have a tweet from the Wisconsin highway patrol — AKA THE FUN POLICE — reminding drivers not to go too overboard with their holiday cheer this year.
FEELING FESTIVE?
— WI State Patrol (@wistatepatrol) December 15, 2020
A trooper in the Northeast Region recently stopped this car. Although she gave them credit for the creativity, she advised the driver it is not legal to operate on the road (ss. 347.07(2)(a)/(b).
#TrooperTuesday #KeepingItLight pic.twitter.com/Z1l1ONmeto