Sports
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Wednesday Cheese Curds: Matthew Golden ready for a bigger role in year 2
TL;DR
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden aims for a more impactful second year after a frustrating rookie season with limited touchdowns. Despite flashes of potential, inconsistent play and missed opportunities hindered his performance.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) makes a 35-yard reception while being covered by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (29) during the second quarter of their game Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
I submit that Matthew Goldenâs rookie year was not so much bad as it was odd.
His statistical output was, to be blunt, frustrating. The only 0 I wanted to see from Golden last year was on his uniform, not in the âtouchdownsâ column of his page on Pro Football Reference. Yes, he got into the end zone in the playoffs, but that was mostly a tease, a glimpse of what could have been.
So why wasnât it better? Thatâs the odd part. You can find plenty of stuff from early in the season where Golden was open but not getting the ball, or Jordan Love just missed him, or he was just a step or two off on a rep. You can find plenty of other stuff where he appeared to justâŠnot quite know what he was doing.
And then thereâs the cryptic answers from the coaching staff. Late in the year, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich gave an answer that was equal parts cryptic, critical, and, oddly, encouraging about Goldenâs future when asked why the first round pick hadnât had a bigger role in the offense. In short, he said the Packers liked what he was doing, but he had a ways to go, especially in a crowded wide receiver room that featured experienced players rotating in and out of the lineup due to injury.
But now, Dontayvion Wicks is gone, and so is Romeo Doubs. Golden is inarguably one of the Packersâ top three receivers now. If he canât find some measure of success in 2026, well, that would be pretty odd.
Packers clear the way for Matthew Golden to emerge in Year 2 | ESPN
Any obstacle to Goldenâs success has now been removed.
Packers draft preview: Dontayvion Wicks trade opens up possibilities at WR | Packers Wire
To say nothing of what it will do for do for Golden, the Wicks trade likely means the Packers are in the market for another wide receiver.
Edgerrin Cooper excited for new chapter in Packersâ defense | Packers.com
Edgerrin Cooper is in a new defensive scheme for the first time in his NFL career. Will it unleash him?
Packers Draft Preview: Who Will Be Sean Rhyanâs Insurance Policy at Center? | Sports Illustrated
The Packers have had to finish out two straight playoff games with backup centers. Figuring out depth there is a priority this spring.
Grading every NFL trade of the 2026 offseason so far | NFL.com
I donât think anybodyâs necessarily right or wrong here, but itâs interesting to see the differing grades on the Packers and Eagles ends of this trade.
By pure coincidence, yesterday I told you about a raffle that could win you a Picasso. Today, I bring you reporting on an even better kind of raffle.
Q&A
What were Matthew Golden's statistics in his rookie year with the Green Bay Packers?
Matthew Golden had a disappointing rookie year, finishing with no touchdowns during the regular season, although he did score in the playoffs.
Why was Matthew Golden's performance considered odd during his rookie season?
His performance was seen as odd due to a mix of being open but not receiving the ball, missed connections with quarterback Jordan Love, and moments of uncertainty in his play.
What does Matthew Golden need to improve for his second year with the Packers?
Matthew Golden needs to enhance his consistency and understanding of the game to capitalize on opportunities and increase his production.
When did Matthew Golden score his first touchdown for the Packers?
Matthew Golden scored his first touchdown during the playoffs of his rookie season.