The Packers are expressing growing concern about wide receiver Jordy Nelson as he continues his slow start after recovering from a torn ACL during the 2015 preseason, a team source tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Specifically, Green Bay is worried that Nelson has not regained his “speed and explosiveness” thus far this year.
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As Cole’s report suggests, Nelson hasn’t been quite the offensive force in 2016 that he’s been in seasons prior. After averaging 16.1 yards per reception from 2011-14, Nelson is averaging only 11.9 yards per catch so far this year, indicating that he hasn’t yet posted the kind of chunk plays the Packers have come to expect. Nelson, 31, does the lead the league in touchdown receptions with five, but all of those have come from inside the red zone.
Green Bay’s offensive struggles since the beginning of the 2015 campaign have been well-documented, as last year marked the first time since Aaron Rodgers‘ first season as a starter that the Packers ranked outside the top-10 in offensive DVOA. Much of that dropoff was attributed to Nelson’s absence, but even with the veteran receiver back in the fold, Green Bay sits at just 14th in offensive DVOA six weeks into the 2016 season.
He creates the least separation of any WR in the league
Watch a Rams game and you will see the inaccuracy of your statement.
This year he’s been playing at 75,80% But in previous years 2014 especially, he was one of the most dominant receivers as far as creating separation
Just like 2010, Jordy will start slowly and pick up steam as the season progresses. The difference here is Rodgers “discovered” in the 2010 playoffs, and Jordy just needs to continue to heal. The deep connections will come by Week 14 or 15. He’s a very hard worker and his hard work will payoff at the right time.