Beyond Davante Adams, Packers showcase pass-catching talent

[Cheesehead]

GREEN BAY – They heard all the questions and criticism in the week leading up to Sunday’s matchup with the Oakland Raiders.


But for the receivers not named Davante Adams on the Packers’ roster, there was little doubt in the back of their minds about what this particular group was capable of.


Complementing the best statistical performance of Aaron Rodgers’ 15-year NFL career, the Packers’ skill-position players collectively rose to the occasion in a 42-24 victory and offensive showcase in front of 78,160 at Lambeau Field.


There was no single player who dominated in the absence of Adams, who missed his third consecutive game with turf toe. Instead, it was eight different players combining for 25 catches, 429 yards and five touchdowns in the Packers’ most convincing win of the season.


“We have playmakers all over,” said receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who caught two passes for 133 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown, in the second half. “It’s not just one guy or two guys who carry the workload. We have guys at every position who can go out there and be productive.”


The Packers ruled out Adams on Friday, but left the door open for both Valdes-Scantling (questionable, ankle/knee) and Geronimo Allison (doubtful, concussion/chest) to play.


Allison was upgraded to questionable after passing through the concussion protocol Saturday. The team waited until Sunday morning to make a decision on whether Valdes-Scantling and Allison would play, eventually giving the duo the green light.


Still, Head Coach Matt LaFleur rotated his personnel frequently. Allen Lazard and Jake Kumerow spelled Allison and Valdes-Scantling, while fullback Danny Vitale became a bigger component of the game plan with more motions and routes from the backfield.


Although the Packers’ running backs picked up only 60 rushing yards on 23 carries, Vitale (two receptions for 43 yards), Aaron Jones (four for 33) and Jamaal Williams (four for 26) helped steer the offense with critical catches in the first half.