Why Patience with Matthew Golden Is the Smart Play for the Packers
The Green Bay Packers’ 28-21 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday did more than just vault them into first place in the NFC North - it marked a turning point for their offense. With Jayden Reed returning from a broken collarbone, the Packers finally had their full complement of receivers available.
And that depth showed. Jordan Love had a full arsenal to work with, and it gave the Bears’ defense fits.
But when a room gets crowded, someone’s bound to get squeezed. In this case, it’s rookie wideout Matthew Golden - who saw just one target and played only five offensive snaps, the lowest among Green Bay’s receivers.
That might raise eyebrows for a first-round pick, but let’s pump the brakes before writing any early narratives. Golden’s rookie campaign has been uneven, sure, but it’s far from a red flag. If anything, it’s a reminder of how steep the NFL learning curve can be - even for top-tier talent.
Golden’s Role Shrinks, But the Bigger Picture Still Matters
Golden has 24 catches for 286 yards through 10 games, with no touchdowns. And over the past four contests, he’s only managed 37 receiving yards. That’s not the kind of stat line that jumps off the page - especially when you look around and see guys like Romeo Doubs (542 yards, five TDs), Christian Watson (452 yards, five TDs), and Dontayvion Wicks (307 yards, two TDs) all making regular contributions.
Then there's Reed, who came back and immediately reasserted himself as a key piece in the passing game, while even Bo Melton - a cornerback by trade - found the end zone against Chicago.
So, yeah, Golden’s been quiet. But context matters here.
Injuries have played a role - he’s been dealing with shoulder and wrist issues that have limited both his availability and effectiveness. And let’s not forget: this is a rookie trying to carve out a role in a deep, suddenly healthy receiver room, with a quarterback who’s finally hitting his stride midseason.
Golden’s 33 targets rank fifth on the team. Doubs, by comparison, leads the group with 73.
That’s a significant gap, but it also reflects the rhythm Love has built with his more experienced targets. Watson, despite his own injury issues, has become a trusted deep threat.
And both Doubs and Reed had their own slow starts in the league before blossoming into major contributors.
That’s the blueprint for Golden. It might not be happening as quickly as fans hoped, but the Packers have seen this movie before - and they know how it can end.
Around the League, Rookie WRs Are Hitting Speed Bumps
Golden’s not alone in hitting a midseason wall. Take Emeka Egbuka in Tampa Bay.
He came out red-hot, with three touchdowns in his first two games and a pair of 100-yard performances early on. But since a standout game against New England on November 9 - six catches, 115 yards, and a score - he’s cooled off dramatically.
No touchdowns, and no more than 42 yards in a game since.
That’s how it goes sometimes. Roles shift.
Defenses adjust. Opportunities dry up.
It’s not always a straight line, especially for rookies still learning the speed and complexity of the pro game.
What’s Next for Golden?
Right now, Golden’s path to playing time is crowded. With Reed healthy and the rest of the receiving corps rolling, he’s going to have to make the most of limited snaps. But there’s still a lot to like about his long-term outlook.
He’s shown flashes - enough to remind the Packers why they made him their first first-round receiver selection since Javon Walker back in 2002. And while fellow rookie Savion Williams has just 10 catches all year and appears to be slipping further down the depth chart, Golden has at least kept himself in the mix.
The Packers didn’t invest a first-round pick in Golden without a plan. It might not be unfolding as quickly as some expected, but development isn’t always linear. Green Bay’s track record with young receivers - especially under this coaching staff - suggests they know how to bring guys along at the right pace.
Golden’s time will come. For now, patience is the name of the game.