What speedy WR Tavon Austin brings to the Packers
Christmas is a little under a month away, but Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur has a new toy to play with on offense.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Packers are signing veteran wide receiver and return man Tavon Austin to the active roster. Austin spent the last two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, where he accumulated 317 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns on 21 receptions. Before coming to Green Bay, Austin signed with the San Francisco 49ers before getting released via an injury settlement in October.
Austin could potentially be another gadget player and specialist for the Packers. Dating back to last season, Tyler Ervin has served as the offense’s chess piece but injuries have forced him to miss games multiple times this season.
Ervin is currently dealing with ribs/wrist injuries and missed Sunday’s night game against the Chicago Bears. Ervin also missed Weeks 6 and 7, so at the very least, Austin will provide insurance to an important position within Green Bay’s offense.
In 411 career touches, Austin has totaled 3,346 yards and 25 touchdowns on offense, plus 185 punt returns and 25 kick returns over 96 career games, including three punt returns returned for touchdowns.
Some of Austin’s film from previous years may offer a glimpse of what the Packers have in store for their new speedy wide receiver.
Expect the #Packers to use Tavon Austin in a similar fashion. Orbit motions, quick screens, and end arounds are all on the table. pic.twitter.com/XnGVJvYJpt
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) November 30, 2020
We know Matt LaFleur loves to use pre-snap motion, and Austin is a perfect fit for that role. Here the Cowboys run an option play and Dak Prescott gets the pitch off to Austin. Austin started the play with an orbit motion to help get him into space. From there, he took care of the rest once the ball was in his hands.
Another deep threat, you say? pic.twitter.com/GCgaPMNQ8X
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) November 30, 2020
Austin isn’t known for his receiving prowess, but his speed comes as advertised. If you get him in a one on one situation against a corner, there’s a chance Austin will be able to run by him. On this play, he stacks the corner less than five yards off the line of scrimmage. The Packers have been utilizing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling as their primary deep threat this season, but Austin could provide an additional option.
Here’s Tavon Austin picking up 15 yards on a reverse play in 2018 pic.twitter.com/GuzpmDVapY
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) November 30, 2020
LaFleur likes to sprinkle in wrinkles every so often on offense. If he wants to use Austin on jet sweeps, end arounds, or wide receiver reverses, he has that luxury. Getting Austin into space is vital to his success. Once he has enough room to make guys miss, he is a homerun play waiting to happen.
Tavon Austin returning a punt 98 yards to the house as a rookie in 2013. Featuring @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/W7OA42vDiS
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) November 30, 2020
The Packers recently benched kick returner Darrius Shepherd for his fumble against the Indianapolis Colts. Austin hasn’t returned a kick since 2017, but he could be used on punts. In each of his first three seasons, Austin returned a punt for a touchdown. His longest was in 2013 as a rookie against the Colts. Austin sees that the gunner may have a chance to down the ball inside the five-yard line, so he catches the ball on the hop and makes his way up the sideline. After he makes the first few guys miss, Austin is off to the races.
LaFleur should be familiar with Austin’s skill set after spending time with him in 2017 while with the Los Angeles Rams. LaFleur will have a lot of fun finding ways to get Austin the ball. His explosive speed and short area quickness are weapons even in small doses and could add another element to an already scary Packers offense.
