Packers

I'm invested in Watson. His rise correlated with my rising enthusiasm for the Packers. Caused? Not really, but correlated. It all started with the Love draft. I was disappointed. When Davante was hurt we struggled without a reliable replacement, and the Love pick symbolized for many a denial to give Rodgers a backup weapon. As the first round of the Watson draft expired, it felt like yet another slap in the face to anyone begging for Rodgers targets as a path to the Super Bowl. But hopes turned at the turn of the round. The Packers traded up, if I remember right, for Watson, almost deliberately scaring and then soothing viewers. That he came out of North Dakota made it better; I envisioned midwest D2-ish humility. I was quite pleased with that pick. It all fell down literally and figuratively that first play against the Vikings. It was a bad omen for the season. Watson symbolized resurgence, redundancy with Adams, fresh blood. That's why they threw that pass (in my preferred interpretation) -- to introduce Watson as our fast, very fast track to offensive superiority. Watson flat-out dropped it, and the offense dropped the ball for weeks afterward. Then we played the Cowboys. I was at a bar in Minneapolis watching with some cousins I don't often see. It was so good to watch the Packers with them. Watson caught 3 TDs and it was one of the best Packer memories I cherish. Not only was I growing again as a fan, sharing a moment with fellow adult fans, I was rooting for Watson from the moment he was drafted, and begging for Rodgers to connect with anybody. The Cowboys, I believe, were supposed to be great. Instead the Packers were great. They made a run. I was at that game vs the Vikings. Another lifetime Packer memory. The next one against the Lions was one for the annals of disappointment.

Anyway I'm still invested in Watson. His TD this week was big (I was in attendance and joyous). He's been my favorite Packer receiver since Davante. Is he the best one? I don't know. His performance hasn't been flawless and obviously he's been hella injured. But he's my guy. I'm still rooting for him.

I like Doubs a lot too. He's been so consistent, zero personality on the field, just catching tough balls.

People seem to love Reed. He's not really the body type I like in playmakers. I like slightly meatier running backs than him, and slightly taller receivers. Watson is actually too big; Doubs is close. Reed is small and thin. I've enjoyed having him available, he just hasn't struck me as he seems to have many others I speak to. I need some longevity or personality from him before I'm really calling him a favorite.

No opinion on Melton, Heath, Wicks. I liked Lazard quite a bit as a selfless and reliable #2-3 receiver.