Packers tight end Jermichael Finley tied a career-high in catches last season and set them in yards and touchdowns, which was good enough to get him a two-year extension this offseason.
Hearing Finley talk about last year, though, it’s a wonder that things turned out so well. Finley talked about a need to increase his focus so that he can cut down on the 11 dropped passes he had last season, although he said his contract status had nothing to do with the issues catching the ball. Finley blamed a lack of chemistry with Aaron Rodgers for the problem.
“It was just my play. I’m not blaming it on my offseason, but me and the QB didn’t have chemistry,” Finley said, via Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com. “The routes were off sometimes, and that’ll mess with your head when the ball comes. The contract didn’t bother me at all. Not one bit. Not one bit.”
Finley also said that the lack of offseason work left him feeling like a robot and that he plans to do more freestyling this season. If a little more freestyling and a little more time with Rodgers lead to fewer drops, Finley could be in line for a few more career bests next season.