The Packers got a big day from speedy WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling vs. the Ravens. Let’s break it down in this week’s film room!
Not only did Marquez Valdes-Scantling catch Aaron Rodgers’ 442nd career touchdown pass, but he had one of his best games of the season against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Green Bay Packers’ deep threat hauled in five receptions for a team-high 98 yards in their Week 15 win. While fellow wide receiver Davante Adams was facing constant double teams from the Ravens’ secondary, Valdes-Scantling was the guy who provided the spark on offense. In the end, his valiant performance helped the Packers clinch their third NFC North title in as many years.
Hopefully, this is the start to a strong finish for Valdes-Scantling’s fourth NFL season. Unfortunately, he may have to miss Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Browns after being placed on the reserve/COVID list earlier in the week. If Valdes-Scantling can pass one test leading up to a Christmas Day matchup, he would be eligible to play.
Valdes-Scantling needs as many swings at the plate he can get before entering his first offseason as a free agent. If he can put together more performances like the one he had on Sunday, it would only help. Valdes-Scantling was a fifth-round pick by Green Bay back in 2018 and has hauled in 13 touchdowns, 122 career receptions for 2,150 receiving yards, and a per reception average of 17.6. Consistency has been an issue for him throughout his career, but his film against Baltimore shows how far he has come.
Let’s take a look.
First, here’s an example of the kind of attention Adams was getting. He is completely blanketed on this quick out, which makes Valdes-Scantling the next read for Rodgers. The Ravens are in a disguised coverage with one man playing off coverage against Valdes-Scantling. The corner tries to disrupt his route, but Valdes-Scantling uses his hands to get off the jam and win the outside leverage. This is exactly what Valdes-Scantling wants with the deep safety working over from center field. After stacking the corner, he then finds a soft spot in the coverage to complete the pass. Valdes-Scantling uses good concentration to bring in an underthrown ball.
This throw has gotten a lot of attention this week, and rightfully so. Rodgers fits this ball into an impossible window to Valdes-Scantling, who picks up 24 yards. It was a nice job by Valdes-Scantling to make this grab on an over route, but this play is honestly all Rodgers.
First off, this play was really tough to scout. It looks like Valdes-Scantling pulls up on this route after he sees the safety is in position to carry the post. However, Valdes-Scantling’s is so fast that he might still have a chance at this ball if he continues to run the route at full speed. Maybe the ball is still overthrown, but you want to see maximum effort from a guy in a contract year.
Valdes-Scantling doesn’t have to be just a deep threat. It’s not always consistent, but he can hurt you in the quick game, especially if the defense is playing off coverage. The corner is playing seven yards deep in respect to Valdes-Scantling’s speed. He doesn’t expect the quick pass, so it’s an easy completion that results in the first down. Watch as Valdes-Scantling sells the vertical release before turning into a smoke route.
This was a clean route from Valdes-Scantling. In this play, he and Allen Lazard are both running digs to beat Baltimore’s man coverage. Valdes-Scantling accelerates through this stem nicely and shows off his separation quickness at the top of the route. It’s an easy pitch and catch for him and Rodgers.
Let’s finish off with the touchdown. This is not a route Valdes-Scantling ran frequently during his first two seasons. On slants, it’s hard to create separation, so you have to be able to make contested catches, which was never his strong suit. However, after Valdes-Scantling crosses the defender’s face with a deceptive hesitation move, he flashes his improved hands with a nice grab to finish the play.
There’s no denying that Valdes-Scantling has improved through his four seasons. But is he going to be worth the price he could receive on the open market? That is a tough decision the Packers will have to make.
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