Tight end Jermichael Finley began the 2010 season as the featured receiver in the Green Bay Packers' offense. Then he was lost for the year with a knee injury in Week 5.
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Things haven't been the same since.
Finley's 2011 season was plagued by drops during a contract year for the matchup nightmare. The Packers' scheme also reduced the emphasis on Finley. With an extension signed, Packers fans hoped Finley would blossom and reach his Pro Bowl potential in 2012. The Green Bay offense, however, has taken a step back as a unit.
Finley believes the chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers is lacking.
"I need the quarterback on my side, and I need to catch the ball when he throws it to me," Finley said, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "It takes two things to get that going. So, the chemistry, I feel like we need to get that going."
Finley has 22 receptions for 198 yards and one touchdown this season. He is on pace for a career-high 70 catches, but his yards per game is down from 2011 (39.6 from 47.9). He's on pace for three touchdowns after having a career-high eight last season.
Finley had three receptions for 11 yards last week before a "slightly dislocated AC joint" in his shoulder forced him from the game. He did not practice Thursday.
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Finley called the chemistry between he and Rodgers "OK."
"Not good enough at all," Finley said. "Something to be worked on, and try to work on it as much as I can, try to talk to him as much as I can.
"But like I said, it takes two people."
Two-time Pro Bowl receiver Greg Jennings still is out with a groin injury, so the Packers could use a little chemistry between Rodgers and Finley on Sunday against the Houston Texans.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
