Green Bay Packers: Davante Adams Will Be A Difference Maker In Week 5

By Brad Berreman @bradberreman24 on October 1, 2014

Davante Adams. Green Bay Packers, NFL Week 5

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The Green Bay Packers got back on track in a big way in Week 4, scoring 38 points on their way to a victory over the Chicago Bears. Now they will welcome the Minnesota Vikings to town for a Thursday night matchup, and they’ll be without wide receiver Jarrett Boykin (knee/groin) for a second straight game.

Rookie Davante Adams looked to be on the verge of usurping Boykin as Green Bay’s No. 3 wide receiver after he had five receptions for 50 yards against the New York Jets in Week 2. But he followed that up with just four catches for 29 yards over the last two games, as Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb have dominated the attention of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Minnesota is in the middle of pack against the pass so far this season (241 yards per game), but it’s also safe to say they have not faced a receiving corp as deep as Green Bay’s and Adams may find himself matched up with a less than 100 percent healthy Josh Robinson (hamstring) frequently on Thursday night. Adams’ size (6’1, 215 lbs.) and skill set look like a serious mismatch for Robinson, even if the previously much-maligned Vikings’ cornerback was totally healthy.

Packers’ head coach Mike McCarthy has suggested Adams could see more chances against the Vikings, with an expectation that coverage will be “tilted” toward Nelson in particular. Being the No. 3 wide receiver for the Packers has been a fruitful spot over the last few years, and Adams is now in line to make the most of his opportunity with Boykin sidelined. They are not the same type of receiver and Minnesota is improved defensively, but it’s worth noting that Boykin had 10 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown over the two games against the Vikings last season.

Nelson and Cobb are the noteworthy names and known quantities at wide receiver for the Packers, but Adams is well-positioned for a big role against the Vikings. The proficiency and efficiency of Green Bay’s passing game on Thursday night may hinge on the rookie’s performance, and I expect him to come through more often than not.

Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.