Green Bay Packers: Ranking the most underrated players on 2019 roster
By Joe Kipp
3. Geronimo Allison
This may be an unpopular opinion, but Geronimo Allison’s season-ending groin injury was more detrimental to the Packers’ success in 2018 than any other outside factors (i.e. Aaron Rodgers’ knee injury, McCarthy’s and Rodgers’ relationship, lack of a consistent pass rush on defense, and more). Before he suffered his injury, it was clear Allison was the only other receiver Rodgers trusted besides Davante Adams.
In fact, when targeting Allison last season, Rodgers posted a passer rating of 130.0 on 30 targets. The lanky Allison (6-3, 202 pounds) finished 2018 with 20 catches for 303 yards and two touchdowns in just five games. This is what we know: Rodgers doesn’t throw to guys he doesn’t trust, and Allison was one of his most reliable targets before he got hurt.
“I have a ton of confidence in him,” Rodgers said of Allison before the season started last year (h/t Zach Kruse of Packers Wire).
Just days after that quote, Allison proceeded to break out in a big way against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. He finished with five receptions on eight targets for 69 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown catch (pictured above) was the main catalyst in Green Bay’s historic comeback from down 20-3.
The Packers brought back Allison on a one-year tender this offseason. Consider 2019 a prove-it year for the fourth-year wideout.