He was one of the least efficient wide receivers in the NFL in 2023, even being benched late in the season. Now, it looks like he was one of the New York Jets’ top “rebound” players in 2024.
Or does he have?
After reuniting with his old friend Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Allen Lazard saw a resurgence in his production throughout the first five weeks of the season. Here are some of his numbers and his rankings among wide receivers:
20 receptions (35th) 240 yards (39th) 4 touchdowns (3rd) 12 yards per reception (45 of 85 qualifying receivers)
Compare this to his final 2023 stats: 23 receptions, 311 yards, and one touchdown in 14 games.
Based on that jump, it looks like Lazard has improved. But this is not really the case. Lazard is actually doing worse in the main area that has made him so frustrating in 2023: dips.
Lazard leads the NFL with six drops, according to Pro Football Focus. His 23.1% drop rate is the worst among all receivers with at least 30 targets. Not only that, it’s much worse than his 17.9% drop rate last season, which actually topped the league.
Rodgers’ return has boosted Lazard’s chances and production, but Lazard remains a major liability at the most important aspect of the wide receiver position. The Jets paid the price in their Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, as Lazard had three drops, each one coming in a big spot.
After watching the film, it’s safe to say Lazard’s performance was disastrous four times over.
Four drops of Lazard in the fifth week
Lazard did not execute an accurate route on this play, but he was able to turn his shoulder and prepare for the catch without much resistance from the cornerback. Rodgers puts it right on his hands, and Lazard drops it. This turned out to be a major turning point, as the next play was Rodgers’ pick six. If Lazard had gotten a routine pass, it would never have happened.
With less than a minute remaining in the first half, the Jets look to score their first points before time runs out. At Minnesota’s 14-yard line, Rodgers hits Lazard in the chest on a slant route, and Lazard lets him leap into the air for a potential interception. Lazard made up for those two plays later with a touchdown reception, but he’s lucky he didn’t have a turnover here.
This scene has become very familiar to airplane fans. The Jets trail 23-17 with 3:47 remaining in the fourth quarter. Rodgers targets Lazard on the go and drops him into the bucket although Lazard gets a little separation, but Lazard fails to pull it back.
Lazard was tightly covered, but Rodgers sent a perfect pass wide of the defender and into Lazard’s hands. Although the catch is not easy, he is expected to make it. The touchdown forced the Jets to settle for a field goal, bringing the score to 17-10 when it could have been 17-14.
Lazard continues to hurt the Jets offense in key spots. While he has a good relationship with Rodgers, the Jets must find ways to make him less of a presence in the passing game. It is so vulnerable to falling that it cannot be one of the primary targets for aircraft. This is another reason to prioritize trading for another former Rodgers teammate.
