On a day where the offense struggled for the majority of the game, Christian Watson stepped up.
The third year wide receiver came up with some big plays in the Packers slim victory over the Bears 20-19.
Against the Bears Watson had 4 receptions for 150 yards.
Although he had no touchdowns against the Bears, Watson’s big play ability proved pivotal for the Packers.
Some might say those plays were game changing or momentum shifting.
Big Play Watson
Of the 4 receptions Christian Watson had 3 of them were for more than 25 yards.
The first one was a 17-yard reception from Jordan Love on a 3rd and 11 in the third quarter.
That set up a 7-yard Josh Jacobs run to put the Packers up 14-13.
The second reception came late in the fourth quarter with the Packers down 19-14.
On a 48-yard reception, Watson made a contested catch against double coverage.
That set the Packers up inside the 10 yard line.
Although the Packers didn’t score, it did pin the Bears deep in their own territory.
The third and final reception was a 60 yard reception with the game still down 19-14.
On the reception, Watson completed a diving catch while moving to his right, got up without being touched and raced to the Bears’ 14-yard line.
Two plays later, Love scored with a quarterback sneak to put the Packers up 20-19.
Setting Career Highs
Coming into Sundays game Watson didn’t have too much to show for in the 2024 season.
He had 233 receiving yards on just 27 targets and 2 touchdowns.
But on Sunday, Watson set a career high with 150 yards receiving, breaking his previous mark of 110 yards against the Eagles in 2022.
This is also the 4th time Watson has gone over 100 yards in his career.
Looking forward
Just like that Christian Watson has 383 yards on 20 receptions through 9 games in 2024.
Watson in 2024 is healthier and has stayed on the field, he’s only missed 2 games all season.
This is what the Packers were looking for when they drafted Watson in the second round in 2022.
Although we saw a little of what Watson could offer the last 2 years, Watson has been off the field due to injury.
When healthy, he can take the top off of defenses and open up the passing game.
Looking forward the Packers hope to use Watson as their deep threat to help with the passing game.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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