Adams enjoys career day despite costly drop

As he made his cut, Green Bay Packers receiver Davante Adams already was thinking about his Lambeau Leap.

The rookie had one-on-one coverage on the outside. Naturally, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers recognized the opportunity. From the 10-yard line, Adams cut away from his defender.

Rodgers said Adams ran "a hell of a route." He had a touchdown in his sights, potentially a game-clinching score midway through the fourth quarter. At the last moment, the rookie dropped the football.

Adams said the drop shocked him.

"I didn't think it happened really," Adams said. "I felt like, I don't know. It was the weirdest feeling I've ever had in my entire life.

"I was already in the stands in my head. Just got to focus up on that ball and it's the end of the game and we don't have to talk about it after the game."

Adams admitted his first thought was potentially costing his team the game by taking four points off the scoreboard. That the Packers overcame the error and won helped erase his gut-wrenching feeling.

So did Adams' career day.

The rookie finished with six catches for 121 yards against one of the NFL's elite secondaries. It was the first 100-yard game of his career.

Adams' production was important against a Patriots secondary led by shutdown cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. New England started the game with Revis defending Randall Cobb, and Browner on Jordy Nelson.

At one point, Adams' success forced Browner to switch to him.

"We tried to get Davante involved, and he made some big plays for us," Rodgers said.

Rodgers said he didn't say anything to Adams after the drop, but other teammates offered encouragement.

"Everybody said the same thing," Adams said. "Just keep your head up."