Allen Lazard is the X-factor for Green Bay Packers offense in 2020

The Green Bay Packers will need Allen Lazard to take another step forward.

If the Green Bay Packers offense wants to go from good to great in 2020, they’ll need significant contributions from players not named Aaron Jones or Davante Adams. The dynamic duo of Adams and Jones combined for 2,555 scrimmage yards last season, which accounted for 46 percent of Green Bay’s total offensive yardage.

A third contributor will need to emerge for Green Bay to be a more complete offense this coming season. Based on the strides he made last season, it stands to reason that Allen Lazard could be the biggest X-factor for a Packers offense lacking a reliable third weapon.

Originally undrafted out of Iowa State in 2018, Lazard was signed off the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad by Green Bay near the end of the 2018 season. He entered the 2019 season on the Packers practice squad, but was quickly elevated to the 53-man roster before Week 1.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

But it wasn’t until Week 6 against the Detroit Lions when Lazard got his first true shot to prove himself as an NFL-caliber receiver. Lazard entered the game with 12 minutes remaining and went on to record four receptions for 65 yards and his first NFL touchdown, all on just two offensive drives.

Allen Lazard needs to claim a larger role in the Green Bay Packers offense.

It’s fair to ask what Lazard could have accomplished had he been afforded the opportunity to start Week 1. Even in limited playing time, Lazard finished as the Packers’ second-leading receiver behind Adams. Despite playing just 44 percent of Green Bay’s offensive snaps last season, Lazard finished with 35 receptions for 477 yards and three touchdowns.

Perhaps the most important part about Lazard’s mini-breakout campaign, though, was the fact that he clearly earned Aaron Rodgers‘ trust along the way. Green Bay’s quarterback enjoyed a 117.9 passer rating when targeting Lazard last season, the highest on the team.

The Packers need a consistent receiver to emerge opposite of Adams. Devin Funchess, who was signed in free agency in March, may have been that guy, but opted out of this coming season due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

There’s plenty of pressure on Lazard to be that guy for the Packers in 2020. The only question is, will he be up to the task? Lazard could be the X-factor for the Packers offense in 2020.