The Green Bay Packers are preparing for a Davante Adams-sized challenge in Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen on Sunday.
Coach Matt LaFleur called Allen a “monster” on Monday. He explained why in greater detail on Wednesday, going as far as to compare Allen to Adams, the former Packers receiver and three-time All-Pro.
“He’s got great size, great range,” LaFleur said. “I feel like he’s one of the best against press coverage in the league. He’s got unbelievable release ability, short space quickness. He’s rangy. He can make contested catches. There’s nothing he can’t do. There’s a lot of elements to his game that remind me of Davante. I think he’s one of the more elite players at that position.”
Allen, now in his 11th season, leads the NFL in catches with 73 entering Week 11. Last week, Allen caught 11 passes for 175 yards and two scores in a 38-35 loss to the Detroit lions. He has three games with 100 or more receiving yards, including an 18-catch, 215-yard performance in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Can Allen torture another NFC North opponent on Sunday?
The Packers got good news Thursday: All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander returned to practice for the first time since injuring his shoulder in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams.
A matchup between Alexander and Allen could be an elite showdown in the passing game.
Few in the game are better at getting off the line of scrimmage and creating instant separation. Adams, who faced Alexander and the Packers defense back in Week 6, is a master route runner. So is Allen, even at 31 years old.
Through nine games, Allen is averaging 99.4 yards per game, which ranks sixth in the NFL and would set a new career high.
Allen has four seasons with 100 or more catches and is well on his way to a fifth. He made the Pro Bowl every year from 2017 and 2021.
Can the Packers keep Allen from producing a vintage Davante performance on Sunday at Lambeau Field?