Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains confident in third-year receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling despite an up and down and mostly disappointing second season in 2019.
Rodgers believes Valdes-Scantling, or “MVS,” is ready to take a big jump in 2020.
“MVS is a guy who I have a ton of confidence in,” Rodgers said during a conference call last month. “I really feel like, if he can continue to grow, he can really add to our football team. I look for him to make big strides.”
Valdes-Scantling followed up a productive rookie season with a strong start to the 2019 season, but knee and ankle injuries suffered in October sent his second year spiraling. He ended up catching only six passes over the Packers’ final 10 games, including the team’s two postseason games, as Allen Lazard emerged and opportunities dried up for the speedy vertical threat.
By season’s end, Valdes-Scantling had only 26 catches, 452 receiving yards and a catch rate of 46.4 percent, all lower numbers than he produced during his encouraging rookie season.
Only weeks after the Packers’ loss in San Francisco in the NFC title game, Valdes-Scantling – who caught 21 passes for 416 yards and two scores during the Packers’ first seven games – admitted his second season was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.
“Year 2 was a roller coaster,” Valdes-Scantling wrote on his official Instagram page. “This game means everything to me. Battled through some tough times, adversity punched me in the face, and I had to take some long looks in the mirror. One thing I do know is that I’m built for this (expletive), and I’ll stand 10 toes every single time.”
The Packers mostly stood pat at receiver this offseason, swapping Geronimo Allison for Devin Funchess and adding former CFL star Reggie Begelton. Internal improvement at receiver is not only expected but necessary, especially from youngsters like Valdes-Scantling.
While still finding his way as an all-around receiver, his big-play potential remains undeniable. Despite limited opportunities in 2019, Valdes-Scantling still managed to create five catches over 40 yards, including two touchdowns and three others setting up scores. He added two other catches over 20 yards, both on third down.
GM Brian Gutekunst said the third year has been a sweet spot for young receivers in Green Bay in the past, noting the ascension of stars such as Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams.
Coach Matt LaFleur is ready to push Valdes-Scantling, one of the team’s only true deep threats, to take on the challenge and make a significant improvement in 2020.
“You look at MVS, the speed that he has – he has to take that next step, and that’s going to be a challenge for him, and we’re going to be all over him to do that,” LaFleur said following the draft.
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