Green Bay Packers: Jimmy Graham getting comfortable in offense
By Hunter Noll
The Green Bay Packers and Jimmy Graham’s marriage hit a rough patch almost immediately. He’s looking comfortable now and ready to take on everyone.
For my money, Jimmy Graham signing with the Green Bay Packers was one of the best moves of the offseason. There were a lot of people who would’ve considered that a massive move as well. Then came the regular season. Week 1 was a disappointment — in fact, the first four weeks as a whole weren’t very good aside from a strong Week 2.
Through those first four weeks, Graham had 16 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown. Definitely not what is expected from one of the best tight ends in recent memory. Then came Weeks 5 and 6.
In the Packers last two games combined, Graham has caught 11 passes for 180 yards – more than doubling his yardage while significantly rising his receptions.
Graham now has 27 receptions for 349 yards and one touchdown on the year. That puts him on pace for 72 catches for 931 yards and three touchdowns. Although the touchdowns need a little improving, that would be his highest reception total since 2014 and most receiving yards since 2013.
More important, though, is the simple fact that Graham is finally looking comfortable in the Packers offense. He’s getting open more often and quarterback Aaron Rodgers appears to be trusting him more. That’s evident by the fact that the last two weeks have seen the two highest target totals of the season for Graham.
If Rodgers is finally connecting with his tight end, that spells trouble for the rest of the league. It wasn’t long ago that Graham was in the argument for best tight end in the NFL. Now he has arguably the best quarterback in the NFL throwing him the football.
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There’s no reason to believe Jimmy Graham can’t build off these last two weeks. It’s not a coincidence that his best two games have come at this time. A short grace period should’ve been expected as Graham was built into the Green Bay Packers offense. Now that he seems to have his place, the numbers should continue to rise.