During Sunday’s win over the Raiders, I took to Twitter and pointed out how well the Green Bay Packers offense has performed without Davante Adams. The Packers 3-0 since Adams exited the game against Philadelphia Eagles in which he had 10 catches for 180 yards.
Everything can be spun in a positive way but it is much easier when there are facts to back it up. After Adams got injured against the Eagles in week four, other players needed to step up and they did. In fact, the offense as a whole has operated more fluently without their top weapon.
The run game is on fire having had its best two performances of the season in weeks five and six. In the first game without Adams, Aaron Jones torched the Dallas Cowboys defense on his way to 182 total yards and four rushing touchdowns. The next week, Jamaal Williams eclipsed 100 yards rushing while undrafted wide receiver Allen Lazard had a breakout performance to boost the team in their win over the Detroit Lions. Of course, let’s not forget how efficient the offensive line has been this year as well.
With Adams still battling turf toe, Green Bay’s offense hasn’t missed a beat and it’s a welcoming sight. We saw more evidence on Sunday in a 42-24 win over the Oakland Raiders. Aaron Rodgers had his best game of the year with five passing touchdowns, one rushing, and a season-high 429 yards passing.
“I can promise you we need him and we’re a better offense with 17 on the field,” said Rodgers postgame. “We’ve just been spreading it out a little bit more and guys have been stepping up.”
Second-year receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling had his best game on the year this past Sunday totaling 133 yards receiving on just two catches. Jake Kumerow scored the second touchdown of his career on a 37-yard catch and run before the end of the first half. Meanwhile, even tight end Jimmy Graham has recorded 123 of his 214 total yards over the last three games.
When Adams does return, more players will be ready to contribute. Thus, the defense will have to account for more weapons. Is it possible that we have yet to see the best of Green Bay’s offense? Something tells me the answer is yes.
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Brandon Carwile was a Cheesehead at birth. His dad grew up attending games at Lambeau and passed on the legacy. He has covered the Packers for over five years and currently works with packerstalk.com. Find him on twitter at @PackerScribe.
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