Split right on the Packers’ first offensive play of the season, receiver Christian Watson sprinted down the field, put a modified swim move on eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson and was wide open for what would have been a 75-yard touchdown.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a perfect pass to the rookie — who dropped it.
It was the ultimate insult after an offseason in which the Packers traded one of the best receivers on the planet, Davante Adams, to the Raiders and replaced him with well-traveled vet Sammy Watkins and two draft picks. The Bears were similarly stagnant during their offseason — Allen Robinson, Damiere Byrd, Marquise Goodwin and Pro Bowl returner Jakeem Grant all left via free agency — but the Packers’ inactivity, with higher stakes this season, felt like malpractice.