Packers rookie Matthew Golden
already emerging as reliable target in crucial situations
[October 16, 2025]
By STEVE MEGARGEE
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers receiver Matthew Golden has
become one of Jordan Love’s most reliable targets. The way Golden
sees it, that first touchdown is coming up on the horizon.
The rookie made a clutch catch on fourth down in the Packers’ 40-all
tie at Dallas, and then had a key third-down reception that led to
the clinching field goal in a 27-18 victory over the Cincinnati
Bengals.
That’s just what the Packers were looking for when they selected
Golden with the No. 23 pick in the draft, making him the first wide
receiver they had chosen in the opening round since taking Florida
State’s Javon Walker 20th overall in 2002.
“I feel like I’m playing a lot faster,” Golden said Wednesday. “My
confidence is definitely going up the more plays that I make. At the
same time, I’m just out there having fun.”
Golden will try building on that success Sunday when the Packers
(3-1-1) visit the Arizona Cardinals (2-4).
His emergence has boosted a Green Bay offense playing without
injured receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson. Reed has missed
three games since undergoing surgery on his shoulder and foot.
Watson returned to practice last week as he makes his comeback from
a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Their absences have forced other pass catchers to pick up the slack.
Tight end Tucker Kraft is Green Bay’s leading receiver, while
fourth-year wideout Romeo Doubs has a team-high four touchdown
catches.
But Golden has been stepping up lately when games are on the line.
The Packers trailed Dallas 40-37 in overtime when Golden caught a
14-yard pass on fourth-and-6, a play that eventually led to Brandon
McManus’ tying 34-yard field goal.
Two weeks later, the Packers were clinging to a 24-18 lead late in
the fourth quarter and faced third-and-8 from their own 40 when Love
found Golden for a 31-yard gain. Golden’s catch set up a 39-yard
Lucas Havrisik field goal that essentially clinched the game.
“I think it’s all the stuff that he’s done since he got here in
practice that gives you that confidence in him,” Love said.
“Obviously sometimes the game doesn’t always show, but it’s all the
work he’s put in behind the scenes, understanding the game plan
inside and out and just going out there and making plays in
practice. I tell him all the time, stuff’s going to keep translating
to the games so just keep staying confident and going out there and
executing.”
Golden’s poise under pressure shouldn’t come as a surprise,
considering his background.
[to top of second column] |
Green Bay Packers' Matthew Golden (0) celebrates a catch against the
Cincinnati Bengals in the first half of an NFL football game,
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
He kept Texas’ season alive during the College Football Playoff with
a 28-yard touchdown reception on fourth-and-13 to force a second
overtime in the Longhorns’ 39-31 Peach Bowl victory over Arizona
State.
“I went to the University of Texas so I’m kind of used to that kind
of environment,” Golden said. “It just goes back to my confidence. I
never think anything is too big for me. I kind of keep my head level
and keep my head over my shoulders and just always tell myself, ‘Go
out there and have fun. You’ve been waiting to get put in this
position. Now you’re here.’"
Golden says he’s getting more accustomed to the speed of the game in
the NFL.
He had just two receptions for 16 yards in his pro debut and went
without a catch in his second game. But he has totaled 12 receptions
for 196 yards in three games since. Golden had three catches for a
career-high 86 yards against Cincinnati.
“His confidence is definitely growing, and it’s his ability to play
faster and freer as he continues to get those reps,” Watson said.
“He’s just thinking less, for sure. You can tell by how fast he’s
been playing.”
The next step is getting that first touchdown. Golden is remaining
patient in that regard.
“If we’re winning, that’s all that matters,” Golden said after the
Bengals game. “I know that’s going to come, and when they do, it’s
going to come at the right time.”
Notes: McManus (quadriceps), OT Zach Tom (oblique/back), DL Lukas
Van Ness (foot) and DL Devonte Wyatt (knee) didn’t practice
Wednesday. McManus and Wyatt didn’t play against Cincinnati. Tom
played, but he was clearly in pain. … OG Aaron Banks (groin/knee),
OT Anthony Belton (ankle), RB Josh Jacobs (illness), OL Jacob Monk
(hamstring), OL Jordan Morgan (knee), Watson (knee) and WR
Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) were limited.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
