Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
So far in the 2013 season, Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley seems to be getting back to his form that made him a threat in 2011.
In that 2011 season, Finley was one of Aaron Rodgers‘ favorite targets. Finley had 55 receptions for a total of 767 yards and an astounding eight touchdowns. In layman’s terms, he was a beast.
However, last season was not so great for the sixth year man from the University of Texas. Finley struggled throughout the season to hold onto the football. On numerous occasions, he had big drops in situations where the Packers needed him. His down slide had people questioning his abilities. Finley only had two touchdowns and had fans booing.
On top of the drops, Finley was highly critical of Rodgers and even questioned him on Twitter. It was a mistake by Finley and it had many Packer fans wondering if he should even be around.
Luckily for the Packers, and Finley, he worked hard in the offseason, cleared up the Rodgers situation and seems to be getting back to the tight end that was dominant.
Through three games this season, Finley has been targeted 16 times and has 121 yards and two touchdowns. He was forced out of last week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a concussion, and it was clear to me that his presence was missed because the offense struggled.
If Finley can stay positive and continue to work on being a reliable target, it will drastically improve the Packers’ offense and allow receivers like Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson and James Jones to see single coverage throughout games.
I fully expect to see Finley back in Week 5, and hopefully this can be (in Finley’s terms) the “Year Of The Takeover.”
Michael Tiscia is a Green Bay Packers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
