Green Bay Packers: 3 Matchups to Watch in Week Ten
By Kenny Jilek
Davante Adams vs. C.J. Henderson
Davante Adams has been a top tier wide receiver for a few years now, but this season he is really making a case that he is the number one wideout in the entire league. His release off the line of scrimmage and route running set him apart from other receivers even if he lacks some of the physicality of guys like DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones.
This week, he’ll face C.J. Henderson, who was the 9th pick in this year’s NFL Draft out of Florida. Henderson made an instant impact in his first game when he had an interception, and three passes defended in an upset win over the Indianapolis Colts. Since then, he has struggled to make impact plays. This will be his biggest test yet with Adams on the other side of the line.
Henderson has been well below average according to Pro Football Focus, who has graded him a lowly 56.5. Still, he was a top pick this season, and while he is inexperienced, he does have the physical tools to succeed, or he wouldn’t have been picked that high in the first place. Not many people, even NFL cornerbacks, can match the quickness and agility of Adams, but Henderson might be able to, and he showed extremely fluid hips and an elite ability to change direction in college.
As crazy as it seems to me, Adams is in his seventh season in the NFL and is already 28-years-old, which means he can officially be referred to as a “savvy veteran.” While Henderson may have the physical tools to keep up with him, Adams has an edge in experience and will use his mental advantage to get open.
Davante Adams probably won’t have a monster week like he’s done three times this year with over 150 yards, but he can be easily penciled in for at least six or seven catches for 80 yards, even in the elements of the Frozen Tundra, Lambeau Field.