Packers 2022 roster preview: Allen Lazard the WR1?
by Freddie Boston

Davante Adams’ departure leaves the Green Bay Packers without a clear WR1.

Enter Allen Lazard?

Lazard has been a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers in recent years and has stepped up in the past when Adams has missed time.

Can Lazard take that next step to WR1?

2021 stats
Lazard played in 15 games with 13 starts in the regular season. He caught 40 passes for 513 yards and eight touchdowns, setting career-bests in each category.

2021 season review
With Marquez Valdes-Scantling missing six games due to injury, Lazard stepped up as the Packers’ number two wide receiver behind Adams.

Lazard finished third in receptions for the Packers, second in receiving yards, and second in receiving touchdowns.

Lazard finished the season strong, catching 23 passes for 303 yards and five touchdowns over the final six games.
...
What to expect in 2022
Under Matt LaFleur, Lazard has been an excellent complementary receiver. Not only is he a reliable pass-catcher with Aaron Rodgers’ trust, but he is also one of the top blocking receivers in the game.

Rodgers had high praise for Lazard this month and believes he is ready to become the team’s No. 1 wide receiver.

Freddie Boston wrote
Can someone explain to me why there has to be a WR1 receiver? I think most great teams mix it up and on any given play or situation, there is no Number 1...especially without an Adams, Cupp, etc. Is it a ego thing? I think its dumb...like saying "XXXX is our number 1 offensive linemen." The designation is superfluous.

ALL RECEIVERS SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF GETTING OPEN, CATCHING THE BALL, AND BLOCKING. So why does the "Number 1" matter?

It seems to me that you should design plays/schemes where you believe certain players are likely to be open, but that by trying to force throws into "the guy", as doing so makes the offense become more predictable and stoppable. I believe this was a major issue for the Packers offense in big games over the last few years...stop Adams, stop the Packers.

I think the team's mentality should be to design plays which could get different guys open, but NOT in proportion to their 'ranking'. AR12 should throw it to the open guy and not worry about who the Number 1,2,or 3 is.

MC

Originally Posted by: Martha Careful 

I think it's more who is the number one read on any given play.

Originally Posted by: Cheesey 

If that is the case, we have poor play design, providing the defense with a huge scouting and game planning advantage.

Originally Posted by: Martha Careful 

Alot of times, it is up to the defense to determine who is the #1. The top DB has to line up against somebody in a man defense. A top WR will often draw double teams that should lead to other receivers being open provided they are not as slow as dirt and can run the route correctly. Having multiple solid wide receivers would be great though. It will always force the defense into some tough situations that can be exploited provided the QB has the time and is not locked in on one player. Alternatively, a well defined #1 is bad when the QB chokes and tries to force a pass in the final seconds of a playoff game when other receivers are wide open.

Originally Posted by: dyeah_gb 

So if you would not feel the need to double any of our guys, then we don't have a number one....which is fine with me.

Run the offense and hit the open guy.

Originally Posted by: Martha Careful