Who does Sammy Watkins think is better between Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes?
Though opinions aren’t facts, it’s interesting to note that this isn’t the first time Mahomes’ skill set has been questioned by a former teammate.
Having played with both quarterbacks, perhaps there’s nobody better placed to give an opinion than the Packers young wide receiver.
Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers: Sammy Watkins weighs in
Though he now plays for the Green Bay Packers, Sammy Watkins spent three years with Patrick Mahomes on the Chiefs’ roster. While there, Watkins witnessed and was part of the prolific quarterback’s 50-touchdown MVP season, a Super Bowl championship in 2019 and of course the follow-up AFC title run. That’s all to say, that he got good look at Mahomes and what the star QB is capable of. Indeed, that’s what makes his answer to teammate Randall Cobb’s tricky question all the more interesting.
When asked last month by Cobb if he’d rather have Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers behind him, the Packers’ new wide out didn’t leave any doubt as to who he’d prefer. “I’ve been with both of ‘em, and I’m gonna be honest,” Watkins said. “I think Pat is unbelievably good. But A-Rod is on a whole different level.” Watkins didn’t stop there either. “It makes me calm,” he added, “just to be in the huddle with him, just the way he carries himself.”
Mahomes’ credentials have been questioned before
What’s ironic here, is that one can’t deny that Watkins - a former first-round Draft pick - probably saw the best stats of his career so far, with the Chiefs and in no small part due to Patrick Mahomes himself. We all remember his 288 receiving yards across three playoff games en route to a Super Bowl ring in 2020. In reality, it’s on the basis of performances like those that gave the Packers reason to sign him.
Yet, what’s even more interesting is the fact that it’s not the first time that Mahomes’ prowess has been ‘doubted’ by a former teammate AND from that very same championship team. Fans will remember it was just back in March, when star WR Tyreek Hill was traded by the Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins. Following the move, Hill referred to his new teammate and Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, as being ‘more accurate’ than Mahomes.
Sammy Watkins could be what Aaron Rodgers needs
As mentioned above the 29-year-old WR is a former first round Draft pick and it shows. During his three years with the Chiefs, Watkins would actually prove himself to be the franchise’s go-to wide out despite missing 14 games in one campaign due to injury. Having also seen time with the Ravens, Bills and Rams since his time in Kansas, Watkins is a bit of a veteran despite his still young years. Something that Aaron Rodgers himself has taken a liking to. Recently disclosing that Watkins had enjoyed his “best practice” the Packers signal caller appears to be relishing the opportunity to work with his new wide out. All we can do is watch and wait.