The NFL debut for Green Bay Packers receiver Matthew Golden wasn’t a particularly long or productive one, but the first-round pick made two notable plays before departing Saturday’s preseason opener at Lambeau Field.
On a night when no one wearing green and gold could catch the football or convert on third down, Golden did both for the first-team offense.
On the Packers’ second series, Golden converted a 3rd-and-7 after winning clean on a slant and making a running catch, beating Jets starter Brandon Stephens on the play. Three plays later, Golden got another third-down target from quarterback Jordan Love on an in-breaking route, and he drew a pass interference penalty on Pro Bowler Sauce Gardner, extending the drive.
“For anybody, especially coming in as a rookie, practice is one thing but then obviously you have to go out there and do it in a game,” Love said. “MG, I’ve seen a lot of great things from him in practice. To go out there and execute a slant route like that and then draw the PI, that’s two good reps for him right there.”
Golden started and played two series with Love and the first-team offense. Both possessions ended in punts, even after Golden’s pair of third-down conversions got the Packers into Jets territory.
Amazingly, the Packers didn’t convert another third down the rest of the game. And Matt LaFleur’s team dropped at least four passes in total.
Golden, the 23rd overall pick, has been one of the stars of Packers training camp. Translating practice success to on-field success is part of the process of a young player.
“You always want to see practice translate to the game,” Love said. “I have a lot of confidence in MG right now.”
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers rookie WR Matthew Golden makes two notable plays in preseason debut
