Fans wanted him, so they’re going to get him.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that wide receiver Jake Kumerow will receive an increased workload moving forward. On Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Kumerow was targeted one time, but he made the most of it by picking up a 49-yard gain. That one reception made Kumerow the Packers’ second-leading receiver for the game.
After he’s made the most of very little opportunities, LaFleur hopes to get Kumerow more involved moving forward.
“That’s what we talked about today, we gotta make sure we get him on the field,” said LaFleur. “I think you’ll see more of him as we move forward.”
Outside of Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers has struggled to involve other weapons on a week to week basis. While Adams was battling a turf toe injury, Allen Lazard rose to the occasion, however, his production has dropped in recent weeks.
Dating back to the 2018 training camp, Rodgers talked about Kumerow’s work ethic and consistency to be in the right place during practice. Kumerow was the team’s darling during the 2018 preseason, but a shoulder injury sidelined him until week 13. It wasn’t until 16 vs the New York Jets that Kumerow returned to the form he established in the preseason, recording three catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.
After continuing to show promise this past July and August, it was a no-brainer for Green Bay to retain the undrafted free agent out of the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. However, playing in a new scheme in what is only his second NFL season, Kumerow’s found only a minimal role within the Packers 2019 offense.
Now 14 games in, Kumerow sits at 11 receptions on 18 targets for 212 receiving yards and one touchdown. While Adams was hurt, his snaps counts increased into the 40s and 60s, but soon returned to the teens and 20s.
Despite getting looks at receiver, Kumerow continued to play well and contributed in other ways. He especially stood out on film with his execution as a run blocker.
Finally, on Sunday, Rodgers threw to the lunch-pale receiver after not being targeted a single time in weeks 13 and 14. Kumerow hauled in the catch and then made former Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix whiff on the tackle that allowed for a 49-yard gain. The play set up a 66-yard touchdown drive for Green Bay to go up 21-3.
Whatever comes Kumerow’s way for the rest of the season is much deserving. He is one of the few Packers receivers without a drop in 2019 and continues to step up when called upon.
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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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8 responses to “More Kumerow on Tap for Packers Offense”
Same was said for A. Jones and nothings has changed.
Larry is right. Jones and Williams were not used effectively against the Bears. Together they had one pass thrown to them for 7 yards!! Lafluer and Rodgers may want to change this against the queens. We all know the queens will bring a rush and will blitz, we must offset this by using our backs more. We’ve been successful when Jones has 20 touches or MORE, which he didn’t have against the Bears. Not hard to figure out is it?
How about you show a picture of Kumerow instead of Lazard?
I said this in press season; Kumerow will shine. I was mocked and blocked by a former group for my defending him. I sure don’t hear from those losers now! Kumerow I said is hungry, runs correct routes, has Rodgers trust, and catches the ball. I just hope Rodgers throws him the ball more, and also spreads the field. The queens will focus on Jones and Adams. So, spread the ball around, misdirection, controlled, sustained drives!
I know we talked about him when MM was coaching . I’ve been pushing hard to get some to listen , finally got them moving on face book . Now , put his hands to work ..
I think Kumerow, Adams, Lazard will be key for us. Also, can we use our TEs more!! Can Rodgers get rid of the ball quickly? See open receivers? Not just look for big throws? Use his backs? Spread the field? Use play action, misdirection? If they start losing the box and using press bump coverage, blow by them. If not, it will spell for a long evening and embarrassing lose.
Some times it’s hard to see something good right in front of you , and its about time …
“lunch-pale receiver”= lunch-pail receiver.
Pale = lacking color.
Merry Christmas!