In his fourth year with the Green Bay Packers, Jordy Nelson emerged as the team’s top receiver. With the two-time MVP quarterback on IR due to a broken collarbone, though, he and then backup quarterback Brett Hundley never formed a connection. Hundley targeted Davante Adams far more than Nelson. The lack of targets resulted in a down year for the veteran, leading the Packers to cut him in the offseason. The Oakland Raiders signed him shortly after. Many would say that Nelson was always starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ favorite target. Who would replace the nine-year veteran? None other than Adams.
Since Adams signed with the Packers, he has only continued to improve. The young receiver has made great strides in the last few years. He has proven time and time again that he is a trusted receiver by showing up on big plays. In his limited tenure, Davante Adams is emerging as the Green Bay Packers’ top receiver.
Davante Adams Has Become Green Bay Packers’ Top Receiver
In 2014, Adams’ rookie year, he played in 16 games. He had 38 receptions, 66 targets, 446 yards, 11.7 yards per reception, and 3 touchdowns. His longest reception was for 45 yards. The wideout has more than doubled his stats in only 14 games this season. Adams has 100 receptions, 151 targets, 1,315 yards, 13.2 yards per reception, and 12 touchdowns. His longest reception this year has been for 57 yards. He is being targeted 128% more often now than his rookie year. Clearly, he has earned the trust of Rodgers.
The veteran wide receiver was named to his second NFL Pro Bowl this year. When talking with the media about others’ perceptions of his play, Adams had his to say: “I think people they don’t really, they can’t grasp the concept of a person getting better that quickly. So, I think they just stayed glued to the whole mindset of 2015 when I wasn’t playing the way I should, and they just associate that with the way I play the game, which is obviously not the case now. So, with the Pro Bowl, hopefully, they start to clue in on what’s going on, watch the film and really dissect and see the type of player I am.” Receiving this second selection could be a sign that he is finally getting the credit and respect he deserves. Adams has been rather underrated.
Getting the Respect He Deserves
Many NFL analysts give the spotlight to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen. While he’s surely having a year for the record books, he only leads Adams in receptions by five. Meanwhile, Adams leads Thielen in total yards, targets, and touchdowns in the same number of games. He hasn’t gone unnoticed with everyone.
Back in October, when discussing Adams’ play and abilities, Rodgers said, “He was the hot hand. I mean, he rolls out of bed he’s the hot hand. He’s a talented guy.” High praise from his quarterback and he isn’t the only one to take note. Cornerback Tramon Williams says that he is grateful he does not have to cover Adams. It’s clear to his teammates that Davante Adams is emerging as the Green Bay Packers’ top receiver.
Realizing that Adams has already achieved such accolades while he is only 25 years old likely means he is building his case for the Hall of Fame.
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