New York Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers has witnessed first-hand what broad receiver Allen Lazard is able to on an NFL subject.
Lazard made the Inexperienced Bay Packers’ roster as an undrafted rookie in 2018. He spent his first 5 professional seasons with Rodgers as his quarterback earlier than incomes a free-agent contract from the Jets in 2023.
After a disappointing maiden voyage with Gang Inexperienced, Lazard completed as the highest receiver within the Monday Night time Soccer season opener towards the San Francisco 49ers. With Rodgers again slinging the rock, Lazard appeared like his previous self. The 28-year-old broad receiver made six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns.
The manufacturing adopted a miscue on Lazard’s first alternative of the season. Rodgers hit Lazard within the fingers on a Third-and-Three throw from the Jets’ 37-yard line on the sport’s opening possession. It costed New York a primary down and compelled a punt.
“Effectively, he ought to have caught the stick to start out the sport,” mentioned Rodgers with a chuckle. “Apart from that, I imply, he performed actually good.”
Lazard was on the receiving finish of a 36-yard scoring strike from Rodgers the place the quarterback drew the protection offsides. The massive-bodied receiver can be an asset as a run blocker. On Breece Corridor’s three-yard first-quarter landing rush, Lazard lined up near the formation simply outdoors of tight finish Jeremy Ruckert and threw a pleasant block that helped spring the ball provider.
“I am as pleased with him of the purpose line play as anything as a result of that is how he acquired paid. He acquired paid being the dirty man, sticking his head in there and blocking guys and ending performs,” mentioned Rodgers, who has beforehand highlighted Lazard’s renewed method and willingness to get his fingers soiled.
Professional Soccer Focus graded Lazard because the second most-effective Jets participant behind Rodgers on Monday night time. He got here in at 78.7 on the PFF scale.
“He caught a fantastic fade to get him going after he had the drop after which nice adjustment on the free play. Had a stick route go for 15 yards, so I am actually pleased with Allen. That is what I anticipate of him, so the cool factor is, that is what he expects of himself,” mentioned Rodgers. “Final 12 months was positively actually exhausting for him, however that is the Allen that I feel you guys have all seen in coaching camp and the Allen that I do know and love on Monday night time.”
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