Not many wide receivers are impactful in the run game, but Allen Lazard isn’t like most receivers.
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur called Lazard a “complete receiver” and said he’s an “enforcer” for the offense in the run game.
“He’s a complete receiver. You can see it in the running game. He’s kind of our enforcer. Defensive backs know where he is at all times because he’s going to try and punish you,” LaFleur said Thursday.
Last season, Lazard ranked as the 16th best run-blocking receiver in the NFL at Pro Football Focus. His 2020 season got off to a good start on Sunday, with Lazard springing a couple of big plays with blocks on defensive backs.
One example from Sunday:
Just watch @AllenLazard on loop pic.twitter.com/MYPW5QXVnZ
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) September 17, 2020
On several quick passing plays, Lazard was out front as a lead blocker, often taking the cornerback for a ride down the field. He’s 6-5 and over 220 pounds and relishes contact, making him the ideal blocking receiver.
Lazard was on the field for 68 plays on Sunday. He ran 39 routes but also run-blocked 28 times.
Oh, and Lazard certainly has value in the passing game. He caught all four of his targets from Aaron Rodgers for 63 yards and a touchdown. Rodgers’ passing rating when targeting Lazard was a perfect 158.3. Two of his catches came on third down extending drives, and his score all but put Sunday’s game away in the fourth quarter.
