Logo

First-round rookie Packers learns from his first big NFL mistake

91 views

Green Bay, September 26, 2025

The Green Bay Packers had high hopes for rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, but even their first-round gem stumbled in the team’s 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Despite a strong showing with four catches for 52 yards, Golden’s critical mistake left a mark on an otherwise promising day.

With 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, facing third-and-8 from their own 4-yard line and clinging to a 10-0 lead, Golden broke free behind the Browns’ defense. Catching the ball in stride, he could have raced for a 96-yard touchdown but stepped out of bounds at the 38, mistaking the safety’s proximity.

“I want that play back,” Golden admitted Wednesday, per SI’s Bill Huber. “I thought the safety was closer, and my momentum carried me out. Knowing now he wasn’t that close, I could’ve stayed in bounds.” The error, part of a 43-second span of miscues, cost Green Bay a chance at a commanding lead.

Golden’s misplayed punt and missed block in that sequence led to a punt, a Browns field goal, and a Jordan Love interception that tied the game at 10-10. The rookie’s gaffe fueled frustration among fantasy football and betting fans, but he remains his own toughest critic.

“I’m hard on myself because I know what I’m capable of,” Golden said. “That could’ve been a huge play, but I’ll get more chances.” With six catches for 68 yards in his first two games, the first Packers first-round receiver since Javon Walker in 2002 is poised for redemption.

With Jayden Reed sidelined by a collarbone injury, Golden faces a golden opportunity against the Cowboys’ porous defense in Week 4. Can the rookie turn his regret into a breakout moment? Packers Nation is watching closely.

AJ Brown Hints at Steelers Move Amid Growing Eagles Rift After First Loss
Philadelphia, PA — October 5, 2025 — The Philadelphia Eagles’ first defeat of the season, a 17-21 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 5, may have exposed more than just offensive shortcomings—it could signal a brewing rift within the locker room. The frustration boiled over as star wide receiver AJ Brown, visibly emotional on the sidelines, took to social media hours after the game with a cryptic post: “Sometimes loyalty isn’t enough. Sometimes you just want to feel needed.” That player, AJ Brown, has now become the epicenter of an emerging storm in Philadelphia. Multiple league insiders have confirmed that Brown has privately expressed interest in a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers—a move he reportedly views as “a fresh start” alongside former college teammate DK Metcalf, in a system more geared toward passing. His discontent has been simmering since the season began, with his usage dropping sharply to just 16 receptions over five games, fueling frustration as the team leans heavily on its run game under Nick Sirianni’s offense. YIKES: #EAGLES WR AJ BROWN BLAMES HIS QUARTERBACK JALEN HURTS…Brown on the missed touchdown play: “From my point of view, it was just a miss.” Brown was the one who slowed down and could have caught the ball for a TD.A disaster in Philly right now 😳pic.twitter.com/zXZLL3zvF2 — MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 5, 2025 “I respect what we’re building here, but I’m a competitor,” Brown told reporters briefly in the locker room postgame. “When you feel your potential isn’t being tapped, it wears you down.” Meanwhile, the Steelers are said to be closely monitoring the situation. After trading George Pickens to the Cowboys, Pittsburgh is seeking a dynamic boundary receiver to pair with DK Metcalf and provide Aaron Rodgers with another offensive weapon. Head coach Nick Sirianni declined to address Brown’s comments but stressed unity: “We win together, we lose together. Emotions run high, but our focus is on the next game.” Yet, the tension in Philadelphia is undeniable. Sunday’s disappointing loss may have ignited one of the season’s biggest trade possibilities—a move that could shake both the Eagles and Steelers before the midseason deadline.