Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed surprised a lot of people last year when he led the Packers in catches and yards in his rookie season. But this year, in his second NFL campaign, Reed has taken his game to another level and has been a true difference maker for Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Despite not having Jordan Love healthy for two of the four games, Reed has been a multi-dimensional threat for the Packers. He’s gone over 100 yards receiving in both games Love played and when Love was out of the lineup, Reed was a major part of both the running game and the passing game.
Packers WR Jayden Reed Has Taken His Game to Another Level: His Rookie Year
Reed won the job as the Packers starting slot receiver out of training camp. Despite playing just 56 percent of the Packers offensive snaps and missing one game, he led the Packers with 64 catches and 793 yards. He also tied for the team lead with eight touchdown catches.
Reed finished the season strong, catching 24 passes in his final four regular season contests. When Love was at his best, Reed was a big part of the offense. Everyone was optimistic that Reed could make progress in his second NFL season.
Progress In Year Two
This season, Reed has taken his game to another level. In the two games that Love played, he was extremely productive. He gained 138 yards on four catches in the season opener against the Eagles and then gained 139 yards on seven catches against Minnesota. Reed scored a touchdown in both games.
He also made big plays. In Week 1 alone he made catches of 70, 33 and 26 yards. Against the Vikings he had two more catches of 20 or more yards, including a 42-yard gain and a 21-yard pickup.
In the two games that Malik Willis started, he still was productive including a four-catch, 50-yard performance in the win over the Titans which led all Packers receivers.
Reed has also been a key part of the Packers running attack. The former Michigan State star has six carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. Reed’s ability to run end arounds, jet sweeps and to line up in the backfield on some occasions not only creates big plays, but it forces defenses to account for Reed and opens things up for his teammates to be productive and make plays.
Packers WR Jayden Reed Has Taken His Game to Another Level: Earning Respect
Reed’s impressive play has earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates. His head coach sees him as a difference maker. “I love the energy he brings,” LaFleur said. “And it’s not just gameday, it’s every day. We’re lucky to have a guy like that. He’s a tone-setter. He really is. I love the way he competes and prepares for every battle.”
Love has also been impressed by what Reed has brought to the offense. “Yeah, he does a lot,” Love told reporters during OTAs this offseason. “Just the explosive playmaker he is, he’s the guy that can win inside in the slot position for us and does a lot of really good things. “Obviously you see what happens when he gets the ball in his hands. And then just the progression he’s made throughout the season last year, since when he got here, and then obviously now he’s making even more strides. So, he’s a phenomenal player, and obviously I think he’s going to have a bigger role this year.”
Reed has taken on a bigger role thus far in 2024 and he has thrived in it. With Christian Watson expected to miss some time due to a high ankle sprain, there may be even more opportunities for him in the coming games. Reed appears to be a star on the rise. His future looks very bright.
