Valdes-Scantling’s 40-yard touchdown was his second catch of at least 40 yards this season, following his 47-yard reception that set up the Packers’ lone touchdown in their Week 1 win at Chicago. It was the sixth time in 18 career games he’s had a catch of at least 40 yards. That doesn’t include his 38-yard catch against the Buffalo Bills last September.
It’s an impressive ratio, walking away from exactly one-third of his career games with a 40-yard reception. Considering how opposing defenses play the Packers, constantly rolling coverages in an attempt to remove top receiver Davante Adams, it’s also an important trend MVS has carried into his second season.
If the Packers are going to develop a secondary weapon in their pass game, someone to complement the All-Pro production they get from Adams, MVS appears to be their best hope.
“He’s legit 4.3 speed,” Rodgers said. “That is what it is. Now he’s playing to his timed speed. He’s playing a little more free.”
Still, that legit 4.3 speed is more potential than polish. So far, Valdes-Scantling has mostly shown his talent in flashes. The ability to run away from a cornerback here. His catch radius while high pointing a pass there. He has both 6-4 height and raw, straight-line speed, a tantalizing combination, but only provides glimpses of what he might give the Packers offense if ever he becomes a finished product.
