Be Thankful for Rodgers
By jasonperone
Happy Thanksgiving Eve to everyone!
As the Green Bay Packers prepare for another road trip, they probably can't shake the awful taste of the last two. Drubbings by the Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers in two of the last three games have the Packers at 8-3 after a 7-1 start.
A Packers team that started out as good as any team in the league now needs a strong finish just to stay in the playoff race with an ultra-competitive NFC in 2019. Typically, 10 wins gets you into the postseason. This season, 12 or 13 wins may equate to a wild card.
Green Bay has a lot of talent and ways to beat teams. Defensively, they added three big free agents who have produced marvelously. Running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are both having career seasons. Receiver Davante Adams is one of the best in the league.
But it still comes down to the most important position on the field: the quarterback. That would be Aaron Charles Rodgers, if you're new around here.
The Packers are grateful to have 12 behind center and we should be, too. For 15 seasons, Rodgers has been on the sideline, ready to play. His first three seasons as he struggled to learn how to play in the NFL, Rodgers worked tirelessly behind Brett Favre. Since 2008, he's been most everything we can dream of in a passer.
Fast forward to 2019 and Rodgers is staring at his 36th birthday in a few weeks. As incredible as he's been and as much as he wants to play into his 40's, Father Time is real and he will have something to say about it.
Some of the plays Rodgers used to make under pressure aren't there anymore. His legs don't carry him as fast as they once did and, like many quarterbacks who had to adjust their style as they aged, Rodgers will too. The half step is the difference between an ESPN top-10 play of the day and a gut-wrenching sack on third down to kill a drive.
A quick glance at Rodgers' 2019 numbers shows us that he's still a very very good quarterback. His 64.5 completion percentage is just below his career average of 64.8. His quarterback rating of 100.4 is his best sine 2016 when he want on a un-Godly tear at the end of the season to finish at 104.2. Rodgers is averaging 7.4 yards per pass, equal to last season and his best mark since 2014.
Rodgers has thrown four interceptions in the last two seasons. Four. And a few of those bounced off of a receiver's hands. He gets criticized for being too careful with the ball and taking bad sacks and those are sometimes warranted, but it still stands that you can't score without the ball. Rodgers doesn't give it up very easily.
Getting back to Rodgers on the run, he's not taking off as much as he realizes his speed will only get him so far. He has 30 attempts and 122 yards through 11 games. In a full season, Rodgers has no fewer than 43 attempts as a starter. Defenses aren't as concerned about Rodgers taking off and are blanketing his receivers instead. Rodgers is still finding them.
The crazy arm angles and torque are still there. He can still drop the rock into the net 40 yards down field. The magic is still there. It's just a bit less prevalent. Time catches up with everything and Rodgers is no exception. Don't get it twisted, however, this man is on a mission for another Super Bowl.
Rodgers has been ultra-competitive since the day he was drafted. Looking to prove doubters wrong and make them eat their words. More often than not, he has. Assuming the Packers reach the postseason this year, Rodgers will have led them there in nine of his 12 seasons as a starter. He probably should have at least two rings and until he's thrown his last pass, he'll be torturing defenses to get his second.
It's not easy to see the greats change over time. Some see themselves in the aging star and remember their own realizations that their skills weren't the same. Even so and at age 35, the Packers have the guy that at least 28 other teams wish they had. We should all be thankful that they do.
-------------------
Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts. You can follow him on Twitter here
Comments (59)
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2019 at 01:35 pm
" He probably should have at least two rings and until he's thrown his last pass, he'll be torturing defenses to get his second."
Rodgers hasn't ' tortured ' a defense in I don't know how long. If anyone is being tortured by Rodgers play it's us Packer fans and his play does not deserve to be on my Thanksgiving List.
I had admitted to being optimistic this season,but the play over the last 3 games with a bye tucked in has compelled me to take another look at the season. The Packers have been the benefactor of opponents failures more than the Packers actual total play for the what can and should be deemed a ' weak success story ' thus far and likely a ' even weaker ' look when all is done,and with one January game at most unless the weakness consumes them totally by losing 3-4 of the last 5 games and January beckons the couch again.
An outcome not far from becoming reality and all the optimism won't change. Begging once again the question...Has the window closed for Rodgers and if not, how or can the FO makes the changes fast enough to hold it open for another year or two at best. If not, Rodgers should see the writing on the wall and begin preparation for his exit better than Favre seemed to had not done.
Let me be clear...Right up the kickoff against SF,I had retained my optimism and that even a loss was not the curtain closing on it. I did not expect the total failure witnessed after a bye and with that, I feel more secure in allowing the curtain to fall closed on my optimism for this season as the competition that lies ahead isn't enough to undue the damage and reinforce my optimism that the first team of legit playoff worth won't send us home in quick order.
Leatherhead
November 27, 2019 at 02:02 pm
Taryn, the Packers have already done better than I thought they would. There's a real good chance that they'll finish 12-4 and win the division and be the #3 seed.
As regards the Rodgers "window"...….the percentage play is that you're not going to win a title with a rookie coach and a 36 year old QB. That's JMO, but it's backed up by some data.....since the beginning of FA , it's a pretty short list of "old" QBs that win the Super Bowl. IF you don't have an overwhelming defense, or your name isn't Brady, it just doesn't happen for guys after about 33 or so.
When Gutekunst came in, Rodgers was extended. The deal is that we were going to try to win with Rodgers in the next 5 years and we're in Year 2 of that, on our way to the playoffs. So instead of drafting the most exciting/explosive/dynamic offensive player coming out of college, we took Jaire Alexander. Meanwhile, the guy we passed on is having a record-setting season in his second year and might be an MVP.
Here's the question: If we can put five healthy, capable blockers....and five healthy "weapons" on the field with Rodgers, can we score more than 7 points against SF?
I think our line is pretty freakin' healthy compared to most, even though we played most of the game without Bulaga. If you've got Adams, MSV, Graham, Jones/Williams/ etc., at your skill positions, then shouldn't you be able to move the ball and score points?
Stroh
November 27, 2019 at 11:23 pm
Of the players mentioned there are 2 good or better playmakers. Adams and Jones and it ends there. MVS is a speed deep threat that has nothing else in his tool bag. Graham is certainly at the end of his rope. No other WR are worth a damn including Whitewater jesus. Williams is a really good backup and role player, but not more. They desperately need more threats at WR. Sternberger and Tonyan offer hope at TE for next year and beyond.
This isn't to say Rodgers is what he has been. He still try's to make plays that he made in McCarthy's offense, but its not happening. Rodgers still holds the ball far too much and many of the sacks he takes are of his own doing! He REALLY needs to buy into the scheme LaFluer has. It can work for him and allow him to get more SB trophies. But he still doesn't let the scheme work FOR him. He's still trying to manipulate it and doing Rodgers, instead of running the scheme.
To this point, LaFluers offense hasn't been as good as it can be. Partly that is LaFluer being a rookie HC and partly that is they system not being fulling developed and the players not fully integrated. The outside zone run scheme has basically been scrapped because it hasn't worked. Most of the rushing yards have been on inside zone which isn't helping to marry the run to the pass. The play action off the outside zone run game is non existent. It's not uncommon to take a good year or 2 before the outside zone runs get proficient. They are in the early stages of the scheme developing, even 3/4 of the way thru year 1. Hopefully this time next year, the outside zone runs are 2nd nature to the OL and RB. Allowing the play action to really flourish and Rodgers has complete buy in and can end his career is a similar fashion as Elway did in the scheme.
The blame has to be spread around all facets. Not enough playmakers at WR/TE, Rodgers himself has to take a large share too, and the fact LaFluer is a rookie HC and his scheme isn't really that effective as it will be in another year or 2.
I just don't understand why LaFluer and Rodgers got so far away from what was working so well while Adams was injured. Its confounding and the 2 of them need to get back to it NOW, to have success this season.
Leatherhead
November 28, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Rodgers thinks our talent is plenty good, as good as SF. That’s what he said, and I agree.
Teams are taking away the pass to the back and saying “what are you going to do about it”? That’s on Rodgers, Adams , Graham, and Jones/Williams to answer. The answer isn’t “Get different people”; It’s “execute better”. Defenses are always looking to stop what you do well. In our case, that means double Adams, take away the throw to the backs, and keep Rodgers from breaking out of the pocket.
IMO, we should run the double TE offense and try to grind out some wins. We have three straight opponents that shouldn’t be able to beat us unless we help, Run it into the line and keep Rodgers healthy for the playoffs.
Read Rodgers comments over at Packers Wire....he’s absolutely on target.
edp1959
November 27, 2019 at 02:37 pm
Oct 20th 2019 - 158.3 passer rating, 25 of 31 for 429 yards, 5 passing TDS and 1 rushing. Guess this is to damn long ago for you, seems he punished that defense pretty good. Rodgers is the reason this team is 8 and 3 right now so go ahead and blame all the issues on him right now.
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2019 at 02:52 pm
Against the Raiders, who can be categorized as a team likely to enable/make easier the blind squirrel to find a nut. Luckily that gave was in GB,lest it more likely to have been another California shit fest.
edp1959
November 27, 2019 at 02:59 pm
Typical BS answer. You were proven wrong on your early projections for this team and you will be again. Your recent semi positive comments did’t fool anyone.
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2019 at 06:06 pm
My early prediction and one that I had bet on was this team wins over 9 games and makes the playoffs.
The only thing I failed at is believing this team would not get trashed as often and or one side of the ball disappear into the abyss in as many games played so far.
I believe my early prediction of a playoff spot is still in play unless the abyss that has recently engulfed them becomes impossible to climb out. That will be seen in NY and the @ home vs Was. What would your mindset be if a loss to either or both or the play is so poor even in victories.
ironman3169
November 27, 2019 at 08:19 pm
No. The raider secondary is a sieve. Also at that point in the season, MLF was running the offense through Aaron Jones and not Davante Adams.
Leatherhead
November 27, 2019 at 03:41 pm
That was an awesome game, edp. It clearly shows what a healthy Rodgers can do with solid players around him.
So what happened between then and now? Did all the offensive players around him get worse:?
Rak43
November 27, 2019 at 06:33 pm
He also had a great game the next week against the Chiefs going 23/33 305yds and 3 TD's. While Aaron Jones had 7 recs for 159 yds and 2 TD's to go along with 13 carries for 67yds.
The problems have started following the Chiefs game for the Packers offense. Most notable for me is that in the 3 games since K.C. , Aaron Jones has 1catch for -1yds. Seriously, 1 catch for negative yardage over the last 3 games and do you or anyone really have to wonder why the offense and Rodgers play has taken a nosedive? I have seen Jones open on numerous plays since the K.C. game and Rodgers just flat out refuses to look anywhere other than Adams downfield until it's often too late. It's no coincidence that Jones' decline in the passing game overlaps completely with the return of Adams from his toe injury the following week after the K.C. game. It's not on LaFluer or Jones that Rodgers keeps reverting back to sandlot play with Adams.
Tundraboy
November 28, 2019 at 09:06 am
Yes. Maybe record went to their heads.
SterlingSharpe
November 28, 2019 at 12:13 pm
While partly true, it is not true that Rodgers is the reason that we are 8-3.
The defense carried him the first few weeks, u might remember.
jlc1
November 28, 2019 at 10:06 am
You say he hasn't tortured a defense in I don't know how long. I do know and would just suggest you ask the Oakland Raiders how much they enjoyed playing Rodgers this year. the window is closing for sure and an exit more graceful than Favre's would be nice.
SterlingSharpe
November 28, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Well put.
Sensitive thin-skinned "fans" don't wanna hear that tho.
But we all see it. Some, many, don't know.
This is typical right here, displayed by Andy.
You sensitive fans, u still blaming McCarthy?
https://twitter.com/AndyHermanNFL/status/1199890234877652992?s=19
mamasboy
November 28, 2019 at 10:38 pm
I wonder if Rodgers is allowing the defense an opportunity to figure out what our offense is going to do while he's trying to figure out what the defense is doing with all of the prolonged snap counts. Threeee Ninety threeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee while he's looking the D over. I realize that he's not only trying to draw the d linemen off side, with a hard count, but to see who might be blitzing or dropping back into coverage too. But maybe it's time to just get up to the line and run the play that 's called by the coach. ( the one on the sidelines) Maybe he kind of outsmarts himself at times.
scullyitsme
November 27, 2019 at 01:49 pm
As an eternal packer optimist, it was even hard for me to find hope after that schlacking. Amazed you made it this far. I’ll soldier on. :)
Rak43
November 27, 2019 at 07:00 pm
I'll give ya hope scully! Because this beatdown by San Fran is possibly the best thing that could've happened to GB this season. Now they get to do some some Soul searching as well as some serious self scouting. It takes talent to get to 8-2 in the NFL and the Packers do have talent. I'm pretty sure their ego's were badly bruised this past Sunday in Frisco [in front of a National T.V. audience] and they're going to come out for the rest of the season with a renewed focus and energy. With favorable games coming up and a healthy roster they're in position to win 12-13 games and possibly a bye in the playoffs. But rest assured this team is only going as far offensively as Aaron & Aaron take it. I say Aaron & Aaron because when Adams got hurt Aaron Jones had 22 catches for 280 yds and 3 TD's over the next 4 weeks which were all Packer wins, including big road wins against Dallas and K.C. Now the following week after the K.C. win Davante Adams comes back and Jones has 1 catch for negative 1 yard the last 3 weeks and the Packers are 1-2 in those games. Jones needs to adopt Zeke Elliotte's feed me meme to give Rodgers and Lafluer a hint.
I think it's pretty obvious that Aaron Jones is the catalyst that makes the offense run smooth. I think coach LaFluer will figure it out before it's too late. KEEP HOPE ALIVE!
defense
November 27, 2019 at 02:20 pm
Nice article Jason.
Unless the Packers hit a home run on a third HoF QB in a row, which is very unlikely, some critics of Aaron will eat their words. I am sure we will miss him.
edp1959
November 27, 2019 at 02:28 pm
Some won’t, they will still find ways to blame him.
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2019 at 02:37 pm
There's been and still is enough blame to go around but the QB's and HC's get the credit for success and failure more than others...just the way it is.
Besides, isn't the mantra " As long as we have Rodgers..."...well we have Rodgers...how's that been working out since 2011 becoming less and less a threat for the majority of seasons. It's not all on Rodgers but he has certainly contributed, had his part in the downward trends.
jlc1
November 28, 2019 at 10:12 am
yes one hears "as long as we have Rodgers..." but you leave the rest blank so that we can all fill it in as we like. So if you could explicitly fill in what you mean at the end of that sentence we will know what exactly your thoughts are on Rodgers and his abilities. For me and many, many others that sentence ends with "we will have a chance in any given game". Which papered over the mediocrity of the roster and coaching in recent years by making the season records look a little better than they otherwise would have been. So yeah, i guess the crummy rosters and results are his fault too. Geez.
TarynsEyes
November 28, 2019 at 07:24 pm
I leave the phrase " as long as we have Rodgers " blank afterwards as I know the answer...most blind optimist believe that Rodgers can coverup all the problems and he cannot anymore and hasn't been able to for awhile. That phrase has been worn out and doesn't hold the merit it once did..it's nothing more than a fallback phrase for deniers to use as a scapegoat.
Is Rodgers done, absolutely not,but he cannot play like he's in his 20's and he hasn't made the adjustments needed or adapted well enough he was expected to or he said he bought into.
This doesn't erase that out talent has begun to level off and that level line isn't as high above what has been in the recent past. Yes the Smith's has helped but we're still in the same place and been awarded the record so far more from other factors than our overall play.
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2019 at 02:29 pm
There is no reason why the Packers cannot go and get Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 draft and possibly strike gold for the 3rd time and move on from Rodgers. If the Packers build the team over the next two seasons, Rodgers can have that likely last SB shot and the Packers can make the trade needed to draft Lawrence.
packerbackerjim
November 27, 2019 at 06:02 pm
I’m interested in how that scenario is to unfold.
TarynsEyes
November 27, 2019 at 09:45 pm
It starts with not being afraid to trade two 1st rd picks plus especially since we have no idea what or who to select in the 1st rd anyways as history proves last 7-8 of the last 10 drafts. Also,if this team drafts well in 2020mfingers crossed, and a FA signing or two again, we can afford to trade a few future picks to snare the 3rd in a row QB of perhaps HOF level.
packerbackerjim
November 27, 2019 at 09:52 pm
So some crummy team is going to swap the first overall pick for two late round (let’s say in the 20’s) plus whatever else you can throw in? Maybe if you pull A Jedi mind trick.
Leatherhead
November 28, 2019 at 01:05 pm
I was on board with Drafting Lamar Jackson, and last year I argued for a QB in the first. QB is the most important position on the team and when you have a chance to get a good one you shouldn’t pass it up.
I’m glad we didn’t pass on Rodgers just because he wasn’t going to play right away.
Leatherhead
November 27, 2019 at 05:03 pm
I remember that exact sentiment in 2003-2005. It was heresy to even suggest there might be life after Favre.
Every week teams win games without Aaron Rodgers. Of the last 15 Super Bowls, 14 have been won without Aaron Rodgers. He's 36....how likely is it that he'll win another one?
Since'61
November 27, 2019 at 02:39 pm
Jason a great and timely article. We have a great HOF QB who plays very smart football and doesn't hurt the team with stupid mistakes.
He doesn't throw picks and he remains one of the most accurate passers of all time. He's playing in a new offense for the first time in years and mostly with unknown receivers except for Adams. When the Packers OL provides protection he can still pick opponents to pieces.
He is not as mobile as he once was but he can still beat teams with his legs as we've seen him runoff 1st downs and TDs this season. He still throws on the run as well as anyone who has ever played the game. When his time in Gb comes to an end he will be sorely missed because it is highly unlikely that we will see another Packer QB play as well as Rodgers has for a long time to come. 3 consecutive HOF QBs has never happened before. Just consider how much trouble teams have finding one franchise QB never mind 2 or 3 in a row.
For those of us old enough, remember how long it took us to get from Bart Starr to Brett Favre. Once Rodgers moves on we could be in for a very long haul again. Appreciate Rodgers while we have him but you never know what you have until he's gone.
Thanks, Since '61
packergal
November 27, 2019 at 04:36 pm
Hello Since 61!
Can I agree with you and Taryn both?
• Yes, Rodgers has been great and it’s been wonderful to have him post Favre!
• Yes, Rodgers is showing decline and he started looking old, tired and out of it during last year’s LOLIONS game (versus this years 49ers game)!
• Yes, Taryn is correct: IF, IF, IF we are fortunate to draft the sophomore stud from Clemson (TL), that would be fantastic—especially is he learns as much as possible from Rodgers.
• As an aside…I also believe that TUA could fall to GB this next year and if we pass on him the PATS will absolutely take him.
So…having said all of that--here’s the 6 million dollar question: Has Rodgers regressed to last year’s state or can he lead us to more than "one and done" in the playoffs IF, IF, IF GB makes it to the playoffs this season?
I say “YES” but only IF…
• Rodgers on sideline starts discussing with MLF, QB Coach and OC “how to change” horrendous 3 and out plays as he continues to lead the Pack.
• Rodgers admits to the WR that his short hop passes, long overthrows and ignoring the middle of the field are all on him and he recognizes and changes this!
• Rodgers alters his mechanics and demonstrates he can release the ball faster, throw to whomever is open over the middle on 3rd and short--and stops telling everyone else to improve their execution.
Leadership is accepting responsibility and while we are ALL thankful for Rodgers for all he has given Packer fans, at times, he does seemingly require a primer on what leadership translates to.
No doubt Pack fans everywhere will always be grateful for and love Rodgers ; however, all will be ESPECIALLY MORE grateful if Rodgers shows his humility and demonstrates the leadership qualities that champions exhibits.
Since'61
November 28, 2019 at 09:42 am
Yes Packer gal you can agree with both Taryn and I. There is validity in both sides. As for leadership, leadership requires personal integrity first and taking responsibility but it also demands holding people accountable. Rodgers holds himself to a very high standard and he expects the same from his team mates.
He is the leader on the field and there is no reason why he should not tell his receivers when they are not getting their jobs done, which happens frequently with the current group.
"The new leadership is in sacrifice, it is in self-denial, it is in love and loyalty, it is in fearlessness, it is in humility, and it is in the perfectly disciplined will." Vince Lombardi
Thanks, Since '61
defense
November 27, 2019 at 05:24 pm
Nice words Since '61.
I am a young fan, but not a ungrateful one.
I can't imagine what is like watching the Packers have losing seasons for decades.
Anyone who knows the Packers history should think twice before complaining because the team "only got to the playoffs".
If I would like a Super Bowl instead? Sure thing. It is painfully watching the last game? Sure it was. But as long as Rodgers is playing, I can still have hope, something that I know it was missing in the 70s and 80s.
You need more than a good QB to win super bowl (remember Dan Marino?). But it is way harder to get there without one.
Since'61
November 28, 2019 at 09:45 am
Sports have a tendency to run in cycles. There are the good years like we have mostly had since 1992 and then there are the lean years like the 70s and 80s. Hopefully as fans we get to enjoy more of the good seasons than bad. As a Packers fan since the Lombardi era I can state unequivocally that the Packers have given me many more good days than bad. Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
November 28, 2019 at 09:11 am
Perfectly stated Packergal . Just perfect.
Lare
November 27, 2019 at 02:53 pm
Considering the Packers have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, Rodgers and MLF should be given some credit for the winning record.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
November 28, 2019 at 06:26 pm
The Pack has invested so much draft capital into defense for the past decade and have what to show for it?
Think time for the Pack to say screw it and throw ALL their draft capital into offense for next multiple years. :)
porupack
November 27, 2019 at 03:01 pm
Agree with Since61, it is good to have a positive commentary in the aftermath of that SF49 game.
But, we're back to the offseason argument;
- is Rodgers regressing and not taking the plays that are there, or
- the WRs just poor and not getting separation, or
- has MLF adopted the distinguished thought lineage of McCarthy and just can't adjust, innovate and scheme?
I say its sub-par coaching. Blame the leadership first, until coach shows their every last ability and effort, and if players just fail to execute the play despite any scheme, then start calling out players.
Why isn't MLF practicing up tempo/no huddle?
So far, I agree with Jason, Rodgers is the best reason for hope and the coaching staff starting with MLF better deliver a better practiced plan and a set of alt plans for every possible defensive scheme.
splitpea1
November 27, 2019 at 03:24 pm
I would lean heavily to the WRs and TEs not getting separation and catching the ball. Other than Adams and Jones, Rodgers has no reliable weapons.
But you do have a point that LaFleur should be more assertive when comes to dictating tempo and insisting that Rodgers get rid of the ball earlier. The question is, can the receivers get open fast enough?
Amd120
November 28, 2019 at 10:33 am
Why oh why didn't we go into the hurry up against San Fran? That was my post after the loss.
TXCHEESE
November 27, 2019 at 03:59 pm
The Packers need to win these next 3 with some style points, to build some momentum and swagger going into the Vikings game. If they fail to do that, and just simply squeak by, they may be in for another throttling in the land of the purples.
I have a feeling they are going to come out and play very fast and physical Sunday.
GO PACK GO!
jlc1
November 28, 2019 at 10:20 am
this team does not have enough going for it to blow anyone out, especially given that the ST are historically bad and just seem to get worse. they have not yet cost the Pack a game but they sure look like they are capable of it. So GB should win the next 3 but it won't be by much and going to Minnesota is not going to be pretty.
Swisch
November 27, 2019 at 07:17 pm
Thanks be to God for Aaron Rodgers giving us lots of great moments as fans of the Packers, including a huge Super Bowl.
Going forward, I'm not nearly as concerned with his talent as I am with his attitude.
I'd have a heart-to-heart with Aaron: Does he insist on doing things his way; or does he want to be coached?
I'm rooting for the former, and for Rodgers to be with the Packers for years to come; but if he wants the latter, trade him away and use his salary to build for a new era.
I don't want to hear about Rodgers being tough on receivers; I want to hear about him instilling confidence by getting a variety of them involved with schemed plays and precision passes.
I don't want to see Rodgers playing hero ball all the time; master the intricacies of the short game with your teammates, and the long strikes for sensational scores will come readily enough.
I don't want a moody Rodgers; but an upbeat, coachable, humble Rodgers.
I'm rooting big time for Aaron to lead the Packers back to the glory of Titletown, or at least to give it his best try as a true team leader -- but it's up to him. Let's find out right away, and proceed accordingly.
I don't think I'm asking too much. If I'm being inaccurate or unfair in any way with this assessment as a fan observing from the outside, please let me know.
splitpea1
November 27, 2019 at 05:53 pm
Though I agree with a few of your points, I think it's unrealistic for AR to suddenly change his personality to fit some unattainable ideal. Is he supposed to be in a good mood on the sideline when his team is getting drubbed? And I'm sure he'd like to get a variety of receivers involved if only some of them could get open. What's wrong with his attitude? Is there any evidence he doesn't want to win or is not trying? AR is a fifteen-year veteran who's pretty much done it all in the NFL and headed to the Hall of Fame; how "humble" and coachable would you be if your new boss was a rookie at his job? Trade AR away? Come on, give me a break!
Swisch
November 27, 2019 at 07:38 pm
I could be way wrong about Aaron being moody and stubborn in his ways and overly demanding of his teammates. I hope I am.
I'm going on my best observations and impressions and hunches, which are highly fallible. I'm glad for other fans of the Packers to give me their takes -- which is why I sincerely appreciate your comment, splitpea1, and liked it.
It seems to me that our best play for the past few years or more has been to try to draw an offsides on the defense so as to get a free shot downfield; it also seems that for awhile our quarterback has been milking the play clock to the last second or beyond, but the plays don't generally work, anyway.
It seems something has been seriously wrong with our offense as predictable and stagnant for far too long -- and I am really tired of it, and frustrated.
My sense of things is that Aaron Rodgers has become a diva who is hard for coaches and players to work with. It seems he has been severely hurting the team. I hope I'm completely in error.
I am still a big fan of Aaron Rodgers, and rooting for him; but I'm about ready to move on from him if he can't make some significant changes, or isn't willing to.
splitpea1
November 27, 2019 at 08:09 pm
I agree with a lot of what you're saying, but....most star athletes are probably divas. They know what works for them, and I would imagine it's pretty hard to change....A lot of these concerns would be negated by better WRs and TEs; unfortunately, we've had to use so many draft picks on defense that we haven't been able to upgrade this unit for a while--and we still need top-level help on defense, especially at ILB and DL....The predictable offense is partly due to coaching....We'd be very lucky to have half the wins we do without AR....And who would you replace him with?
Swisch
November 27, 2019 at 09:37 pm
You make some good points, splitpea.
Rodgers has been great for us, and it's good to give him some slack as long as he's showing good will.
Here's hoping he's transitioning to the guy we saw lighting up the Cowboys and Chiefs. As always, I'm rooting for him!
Lare
November 27, 2019 at 06:04 pm
Not sure if it's MLF or Rodgers, but one of them isn't smart enough to utilize Jones more than Adams in the offense.
ALLGASNOBRAKES
November 27, 2019 at 10:45 pm
I think Jason hit it on the head and Rodgers IS a reason to be "Thankful" if you're a Packers fan. As others and Jason have pointed out Rodgers can't quite do like he used to with his legs, BUT he can still do it enough to play a few more years and do it more than well enough.
Rodgers is an EXTREMELY bright man. After missing much of the 2017 season and playing with a bum leg for 2018, he's finding out for himself he can't do what he used to do in 2016 and before. What Rodgers will do and IMO is in the processing of doing is how he can still use the unbelievable talent that he still possesses.
IMO the Packers winning another SB will come down to Gute finding a few more weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Gute needs to find some SPEED on offense. Adams, Williams, Jones, and HOPEFULLY Sternberger will be a start BUT Rodgers has ALWAYS been best when having multiple weapons. Hoping MVS, Lazard, St. Brown next year, and Kumerow will all turn into quality NFL receivers is all well and good, but the Packers absolutely positively can't wait and see what and who they MIGHT turn out to be. If Gute was to add a WR in FA and spend at least a #2 pick at the WR position in the 2020 draft is exactly what is needed. I know the Packers need some defense too, but the offensive skill positions can no longer be ignored in the draft. Not if the Packers truly want to maximize Rodgers last few seasons in GB.
4thand1
November 28, 2019 at 06:35 am
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Apparently there are a lot of posters too young to remember the dismal decades of the 70's and 80's. They look at stats and meaningless fantasy bullshit. Wins and loses was the norm since Brett and Aaron came along, we've had a hell of a lot more wins than losses. But to some it's not good enough, should have more titles. Every team is not the Patriots, who by the way have the best QB ever. We have a HOF QB and people are trashing him now because he doesn't preform miracles every Sunday. You see what happens when this team doesn't have a healthy AR at the helm, Is that what you what for season after season? I don't think so. GOPACKGO
murf7777
November 28, 2019 at 08:29 am
Well said.....I’m thankful for all the enjoyment the packers have given me this year.
Roadrunner23
November 28, 2019 at 08:26 am
The Packers need speed on offense so they can let the aging point guard distribute the ball.
Since'61
November 28, 2019 at 09:46 am
Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Packer fans and CHTV bloggers. Have a great holiday, stay safe. Thanks, Since '61
Amd120
November 28, 2019 at 10:35 am
After listening to all of the negativity this week about Rodgers, this is a breath of fresh air! People forget that this man he played hurt an entire season last year. They also forget that thanks to a boneheaded move by the GM that he prematurely lost two of his favorite targets in Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. They also seem to forget that he has never benefited from a great offensive line and yet he has found a way to get it done. Finally, this year, he had to learn a whole new scheme. As to the game against San Franciso, sure some of the blame is on him, but special teams were bad, our O line was being overwhelmed, passes were dropped and we had a rookie coach who didn't think to go into the hurry up offense which the #12 has been a master at running and which will typically slow an aggressive pass rush. Just as I was heartbroken when Favre retired, I will shed a tear when I don't get to watch Rodgers trot onto the field. As an aside, I never get tired of watching the Hail Mary in Detroit and end zone to end zone in Arizona.
Doug Niemczynski
November 28, 2019 at 06:57 pm
The Packers have exceeded my expectations, so I have to be happy. They have me wanting more, but I see they are not ready. There will be a lot of questions at the end of the season.
Lphill
November 28, 2019 at 08:16 pm
I would be happy if the Packers had a tight end like Jared Cook , a slot receiver like Randall Cobb , a safety like Micha Hyde and an inside linebacker like Clay Mathews , oh wait ????
Lphill
November 28, 2019 at 09:03 pm
And a special teamer like Taysom Hill ?
LeahPayne
November 28, 2019 at 09:15 pm
I [url=https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/breaking-down-the-best-statistical-stretch... <a href="URL">this site</a> interesting!
Philarod
November 29, 2019 at 03:09 pm
Is Aaron Rodgers past his prime? Maybe, just a little. But as I consider his prime the best in NFL history, it's natural that age and injuries would take just a little "game" away from him.
Is AR still good enough to lead the Packers to the SB? Yes, and still as their best player? Yes, he's that good. Is his supporting cast good enough? That's always the rub, as Rodgers has elevated a lot of 6-10 teams (other than him, talent-wise) to division wins, playoff wins and one NFC championship game other than the one SB win.
I just don't think that this year's edition is that good: perhaps, they have 7-9 or 8-8 talent at best. The Smiths have added something on D, and their defensive backfield is slightly better than the terrible group of the last 7 years, but how good is this D? Maybe average, and not in the class of the other probable NFC playoff teams - SF, NO, and most likely, the Vikings - a much more talented squad.
Special teams? "Meh", at best.
The offense? The OLine is trying, but they've been average at best. TE play is dreadful. Aaron Jones is a plus player, but not completely consistent. Other than about 6 or 7 weeks of Jared Cook a couple years ago, the Pack can't get TE right...Graham has been lousy. As for receiver, Adams is very good, but doesn't have the type of speed that scares teams...he's a deluxe #2 for many teams, and the other guys just don't rise up to make plays consistently.
Unfortunately, while AR may look as if he's trying to play "hero ball" to some, that's exactly what this franchise has required of him just for playoff relevancy over the years. As great as he's been - and still is, for now -- can you imagine him the last 8 years with even an average D, more consistent running backs and a good TE?! Not Gronk or Kelce level even, or close to that, but even just someone like Jared Cook. His stats would be untouchable, and the Pack would have won 2-3 more SBs. Rodgers has been the equivalent of Michael Jordan playing with 1990s Clippers talent.