Cory's Corner: Hits Separate Brady from Rodgers
Since 2015, Tom Brady has only been hit eight times.
Tom Brady is the best quarterback of all time.
After yet another Super Bowl win, that’s obvious.
However, the reason may not be so simple. Yes, he has ice water in his veins, he’s an undeniable leader and his accuracy has been amazing.
But none of those things end up in the box score if it wasn’t for undeniable protection. Brady was only hurried five times this year — none in the Super Bowl. He was only hit one time this year. Since 2015, Brady has only been hit eight times. That’s ridiculous. Conversely, Aaron Rodgers has been hit 31 times in the same span.
You want some magic formula, there it is. It’s as simple as getting rid of the ball cleanly and quickly. Does that mean that Brady doesn’t take chances? No. Does that mean Brady doesn’t make a bad read? No.
But it does mean that Brady doesn’t bypass a seven-yard completion in order to strike it rich with the 40-yard pass.
The term system quarterback gets a very bad rap but that’s exactly what Brady is. He isn’t the most talented quarterback in the league by any means. His arm is OK and so is his athleticism. But what sets Brady apart is his preparation, determination and trust in the system.
If Brady didn’t have trust, he would constantly be searching for Rob Gronkowski or Julian Edelman, even though James White or Chris Hogan were open for a first down. Sounds eerily familiar doesn’t it.
The offensive line took a lot of blame this past year, but the Packers were ranked No. 1 in pass blocking according to Pro Football Focus. It doesn’t look sexy, but short, quick passes get the job done. It moves the chains and puts the defense on their heels.
The first time I heard that Brady wanted to play until he’s 45, I thought he was crazy. Nobody can play quarterback that long. Especially with the Patriots, who are notoriously known to get rid of guys a year or two early. But if he’s not going to get hit, why wouldn’t he play that long? He’s been thumbing his nose up at most defensive coordinators and now he’s doing at an advanced age with offensive skill guys that really aren’t worth bragging about.
I still say that Rodgers has the best passing talent in the game, but it doesn’t do a lot of good if that talent is injured. That’s where new head coach Matt LaFleur new offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett and new quarterbacks coach Luke Getsy come into play. That trio must make Rodgers understand that he cannot keep absorbing that much contact and still expect to remain on the field now that he’s 35.
There are plenty of people that cannot stand Brady. But the reason he has records for quarterback regular season wins (207) and playoff wins (30) is because he is secure enough to see another down. And that showed up on Sunday when he was content winning Super Bowl 53 with the lowest combined score in Super Bowl history.
Rodgers was blessed with lightning in his right arm. There are Rodgers highlight reels that Brady cannot even touch.
But while Rodgers is wowing people with Hail Mary’s, Brady continued to complete the seven-yard pass, which is what ultimately makes his late game heroics that much easier because the defense is already gassed.
Rodgers needs to change his philosophy, not for his legacy but for his health. (Which in turn will ultimately change his legacy.)
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (101)
TKWorldWide
February 05, 2019 at 06:45 am
Sounds exactly like what Holmgren said when he took over (not an exact quote but definitely the gist): “the QB has been getting hit way too much. In the west coast offense, we’ll have much shorter drops and get the ball out much sooner.” And that’s exactly what happened. Why did GB ever get away from that?
TarynsEyes
February 05, 2019 at 11:23 am
Rodgers wanted his own signature offense and short drops and quick outs didn't showcase his talent over the talent of others.
TarynsEyes
February 05, 2019 at 01:38 pm
Disliking the truth...
Has it already been forgotten how many here complained and asked what kind of offense is being run in GB because it isn't the WCO that MM was supposed to be a believer.
TKWorldWide
February 06, 2019 at 06:20 am
For a guy who is so averse to INT’s, he does seem to have turned into a bit of an “adrenalin junkie” looking to launch deep downfield rather than take the wide open 7 yarder underneath. I’m hoping MLF can get 12 closer to a Brady/Brees approach.
HankScorpio
February 06, 2019 at 07:23 am
The risk adverse mad bomber is contradictory. That's why I believe the reports of both ends of that contradiction are wildly over-blown.
Bearmeat
February 05, 2019 at 07:31 am
Rodgers himself is to blame for nearly 2/3rds of the sacks/hits he takes. I don't want to see him hit, but if I were a Packer OL, I'd be mad as hell at him several times each game. No one can block for 5 seconds routinely.
Savage57
February 06, 2019 at 06:18 am
Rodgers likes to toss around the stink-eye when people screw up.
I'd like to see his linemen, after one of those 8-10 second circus plays Rodgers has become addicted to, walk up and tell him, "Dude, the next time you pull that crap, we're just gonna let our guys go after 6."
HankScorpio
February 06, 2019 at 07:21 am
Right or wrong, anyone that deliberately tanks a play should be immediately cut. Fortunately, I do not believe anyone on the OL has the mental make-up to take such a horse-shit attitude. Training camp tends to weed out idiots like that.
Handsback
February 05, 2019 at 07:32 am
This past year provides a very good contrast between what we saw with Rodgers and Brady. I would think ML will try to swing Rodgers to that short passing game. They have the right guys to do it, IMHO.
JonathanSpader
February 05, 2019 at 11:26 am
Brady tried to force feed Hogan even when Edelman was continually getting open. Brady's accuracy also wasn't good in this game. What separates Brady from Rodgers is buying into the BB system. The Patriots converted to old school power running and Brady handed the ball to his RBs.
Rodgers would have probably tried to carry the team on his back. Continuing to alter plays at the LOS and throwing pass after pass. When it works Rodgers looks all wordly and when it doesn't Rodgers looks painfully human. We'll see if MLF can get Rodgers to buy in to a gameplan.
MarkinMadison
February 05, 2019 at 07:43 am
I was a little shocked that PFF ranked the Packers OL #1. Granted, PFF is just a set of judgment calls, but it does support the argument that Rodgers is his own worst enemy. And it has to change how I view the priority of the RG position at least a little bit. I'll still be concerned if they don't draft at least one solid G/RT prospect this year, but maybe what they have really is good enough if Rodgers can adjust.
JonathanSpader
February 05, 2019 at 07:55 am
PFF also had McCray as the most improved Packer.
dobber
February 05, 2019 at 09:58 am
I've been voted employee of the month (noted as I post on CHTV).
TKWorldWide
February 06, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Totally deserved, without a doubt. ;)
Handsback
February 05, 2019 at 10:51 am
I don't think you'll have anyone (professional scout or coach) say that Green Bay's oline was the best in the NFL. That being said, according to Chris Landry...Aaron Rodgers had the highest time to throw w/o pressure of any QB in the league at 2.72 seconds. and Goff was next at 2.64 seconds.
See below on write-up on recapping the SB where he mentions Aaron Rodgers.
...However, leading up to the Super Bowl, as I previously discussed, those extra tenths of seconds that Goff takes could give the Patriots time to get home with their pressure. That’s exactly what they did. Goff was under fire on 18 of his 42 dropbacks (42.9%), and he went just 4-of-14 for 47 yards and an interception when pressured to go along with four sacks taken. It’s not as if these were unavoidable, immediate victories for the pass rusher, either. The average time to pressure on those plays was 2.85 seconds. For context, the quarterback with the longest average time to pressure for the entire season was Aaron Rodgers at 2.72 seconds, followed by Goff at 2.64 seconds.....
So no pressure for 2.72 seconds for Aaron Rodgers during the season and that's the league's best, it makes me wonder where the heck the short pass-offense went for the Packers?
Skip greenBayless
February 05, 2019 at 11:21 am
This is some excellent info Handsback that really paints the true picture in my opinion. The pass protection was there for Rodgers. James Campen did an incredible job and now is in Cleveland unfortunately. I put most of the blame on Aaron Rodgers and technology not MM. Rodgers could have done what Brady did all season but he's programmed to throw deep. I believe his mind is wired to hit that high constantly with the deep pass. The short passing game is not stimulating enough for Rodgers' brain. I almost bet Rodgers could not sit thru an entire baseball game without a phone. This is a major problem trying to change the behavior of another human being especially one with a mind like Rodgers. Whether it's quitting smoking, drinking, drugs, or passing a football. This can't be done overnight. Again, most of Rodgers problems are psychological in my opinion. I think he would be better served hiring a psychiatrist than a qb coach. Until you can rewire Rodgers' brain to slow down and take the short passing game vs. the thrill of the moment home run/long td bomb he's never going to be able to do what Brady is able to do. Not going to happen. This is a code red situation for the Packers and Rodgers is still in New Zealand gallivanting around. Why am I the only fan here concerned about this yet I am being criticized for speaking out like Finley, Jennings, Lewis and Moss.
Dash
ILPackerBacker
February 05, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Landry is laughably inaccurate
Mike Wendlandt
February 05, 2019 at 04:52 pm
And why is that? What did he say that is inaccurate? Details, please.
Rossonero
February 05, 2019 at 04:05 pm
Wow, #1? Makes James Campen look like that much more of a loss.
Stenavich has big, big shoes to fill...
Ryan3468
February 05, 2019 at 07:36 pm
When the Packers offensive line was ranked on PFF #1 it was for pass protection only. I have a hard time believing it, but when you limit it to pass it makes a bit more sense.
Packer_Fan
February 05, 2019 at 07:57 am
Yes, the OL needs help big time. But there has to be better plays. And the difference maker in that game was Edelman. Imagine the outcome if Cobb was playing. And don't forget the Patriots defense in rushing the passer, better cornerbacks and a good scheme. The Pack is still a ways off at making a run.
HankScorpio
February 05, 2019 at 04:56 pm
The difference makers in that game played on the defensive side of the ball.
Lare
February 05, 2019 at 08:11 am
I disagree with the common narrative that all of Rodgers problems are of his own making. For the most part, I believe he was doing what the offensive scheme was designed for him to do. As Brady said, put Rodgers in NE's system and he'd throw for 7,000 yards each year.
LaFleur was hired to put Rodgers in an effective offensive system that utilizes his talent & abilities as well as the other players around him. McCarthy was fired because he couldn't do that anymore.
JonathanSpader
February 05, 2019 at 08:22 am
Mike McCarthy "Throwaways are OK. When a quarterback throws the ball away in our system, that's a plus. That's a plus decision. That's the way I've always graded it."
With 58 throwaways in 2018 I think it's safe to say Rodgers was a highly successful QB in a MM system.
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 09:48 am
I see what you did there.
One has to wonder... In the long term, which quote will Mike McCarthy be most remembered for: “We’re nobody’s underdog,” or “I am a highly successful football coach”?
dobber
February 05, 2019 at 09:58 am
I'm voting for "The Bears Still Suck".
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 02:46 pm
Well yeah, obviously, that was the best moment. But I mean, which quote will be remembered as the one that defined his tenure as coach.
And honestly, I have to think it's both in equal parts. His strength was his ability to motivate the team in the face of adversity. And his weakness was his hubris, which prevented him from adapting with the rest of the league. The two quotes sum up both aspects perfectly.
TKWorldWide
February 05, 2019 at 05:26 pm
Oh heck if that’s the standard I could grade even higher. I’d just chuck it out of bounds on every play (from outside the tackle box, of course). Zero completions in 35 attempts, 0 yards, team loses.
If that’s a “plus” in the system, it’s time to change the system.
Oh wait, they did.
Big_Mel_75
February 05, 2019 at 08:39 am
This is the reason I was so wanting McDaniel's to bring the Patriots system to GB for Rodgers to succeed in. I still hope GB will invest in the offense line more and Rodgers will trust his receivers and mistakes happen. I would have a QB who throws a couple INTs but wins the Superbowl then a QB who throws 2 INT and goes 6-9-1.
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 02:50 pm
"I would [rather] have a QB who throws a couple INTs... then a QB who throws 2 INT..."
*scratches head*
Might wanna double-check the math in that equation...
JonathanSpader
February 05, 2019 at 11:11 pm
Klitzke is talking about Rodgers only throwing 2 int all season and going 6-9-1. Brady threw 29 TDs and 11 Int while Rosgers threw 25 TDs and only 2 Int. Patriots won the Superbowl and the Packers didn't make the playoffs. Assuming it's another attack on Rodgers. Can you imagine what the Packers would have been with Brady at QB? I'll take Rodgers over Brady and BB over MM.
HankScorpio
February 05, 2019 at 05:41 pm
"I would have a QB who throws a couple INTs but wins the Superbowl then a QB who throws 2 INT and goes 6-9-1."
Wins are not a QB stat. Brady got a title for putting 13 on the Rams. Rodgers got a loss when he put 27 on them.
edp1959
February 05, 2019 at 08:59 am
Anyone that doesn't believe that OL talent isn't needed doesn't get it. When the defense is in the backfield in 2 seconds nothing is going to work.
Koostyroosty
February 05, 2019 at 10:29 am
there were certainly a lot of free running defensive players on top of Rodgers/Kizer immediately after the snap. Can't blame that on the QB.
Tundraboy
February 05, 2019 at 02:41 pm
Especially on critical third-down plays, and how many others where we were winding the clock down to one before the snap.
Thegreatreynoldo
February 05, 2019 at 09:29 am
I think the thrust of the article is correct. AR certainly took more than 31 hits just this season. Most sacks involve a QB hit, and then there are hits but the QB gets the ball out in time.
One thing that seemed noticeable is that LAR took White away on the swing passes. More to my point, even though that happened, Brady still threw passes to White on time even though he was well-covered. Brady gets the ball out.
TKWorldWide
February 06, 2019 at 10:11 pm
Wasn’t “Correct Thrust” one of the Village People?
Point-Packer
February 05, 2019 at 09:40 am
Totally agree with all of this. Rodgers needs to buy into a new approach. Hopefully the new scenery can make that happen.
dobber
February 05, 2019 at 10:02 am
In all honesty (and I know I'm not the first to post this), #12 is on the spot, now. He now has to prove that it wasn't MM or the scheme or the play calls he (reportedly) didn't like that was putting negative focus on him. He's got every incentive to come back, buy in, and play at a high level to show the league, the media, and fans that he's not slipping. It's my hope that learning a new system with some new terminology and new reads/adjustments will stimulate him to pick it back up.
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 02:52 pm
Very astute. We already know no one is better than Aaron Rodgers playing with a chip on his shoulder. Here's hoping...
4thand1
February 05, 2019 at 10:14 am
This is still the main focal point of almost every discussion about the Packers, it should be and has to be. At this time the Packers best chance to win is AR, and will be as long as he's the QB. We saw a team grow tired of the same stale game plan and just gave up on the HC. McCarthy famously said "We have a championship QB and we're going to ride him". After the SB and then the 15-1 season it was clearly evident that wasn't going to change. The change had to come when it quit working and AR clearly didn't believe in it anymore. It's going to be up to AR to buy into a new system and make it work.
Koostyroosty
February 05, 2019 at 10:32 am
All of the narratives are accurate, but without some additional OL talent we won't get the most out of any coach's offense.
Rebecca
February 05, 2019 at 11:09 am
Excellent article Cory! You nailed it. All we can do is hope Rodgers can focus in on his job, encourage those around him by example, and make this a championship team again.
HankScorpio
February 05, 2019 at 04:55 pm
The article lost me when it gave Tom Brady credit for a title he got dragged kicking and screaming to win.
JonathanSpader
February 05, 2019 at 11:12 pm
You're always so positive Rebecca don't you know this is CHTV? Get off my lawn!
Rebecca
February 06, 2019 at 07:15 am
LOL i'll take my Barbies and play in the street!
JonathanSpader
February 06, 2019 at 08:25 am
Just make sure to make your Ken look like CM3.
Rebecca
February 06, 2019 at 03:36 pm
@Jonathan Spader OMG Yes!
Packerpasty
February 05, 2019 at 11:13 am
there is no way in hell the Packer line is as good in protection, run blocking or anything else as the Patriots..perhaps its the coaching or just mediocre players...but no...they are not as good....and Bradys a statue back there but their coach knows how to scheme open players and use a run game...Green Bay is the place tight end come to die, as Bennett said...they are looked at more as some kind of blocker and thats about it....lets hope we go in a new and exciting direction...what happened to "if McCarthy is fired he will be out of work for one day" like the talking heads all said??? Yah, much more in play here than Rodgers screwing everything up...jeez..
marpag1
February 05, 2019 at 11:19 am
"Brady was only hurried five times this year — none in the Super Bowl. He was only hit one time this year. Since 2015, Brady has only been hit eight times. That’s ridiculous. "
What??
Yes, it's totally ridiculous... because it's totally and laughably untrue. Either this is a typo, or the author is drunk.
NFL.com's count says that the Patriots gave up SIXTY-EIGHT quarterback hits and 21 sacks in the 2018 regular season alone.
Coming into the Superbowl, Brady was hurried FORTY-EIGHT times in 2018, which is 17.9% of his dropbacks (Next Gen Stats).
ILPackerBacker
February 05, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Is this your first visit to cheesehead tv?
Lack of facts and a down right refusal to watch games that they review is a hall mark of half the writers here.
I often wonder if this is where the chimps and typewriters went
Skip greenBayless
February 05, 2019 at 12:52 pm
What an absolutely disgraceful comment ILPackerBacker. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Dash
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 03:00 pm
*clackity-clack-clack*
"Something... is... rotten... in the... state... of... Wisconsin..."
Nah, that's not quite right. Where did I leave my banana?
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 02:57 pm
The truth and he are anonymous.
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 04:20 pm
Misplaced comment.
JohnnyLogan
February 05, 2019 at 11:18 am
Aaron Rodgers is a social media geek. He wants to win, football games there's no question about that, he's immensely competitive, but he also wants to be lauded. I ran across a video of him during his draft, on the bus with the other draftees; Alex Smith, Braylon Edwards, David Carr... and he praised each.; Smith for his intelligence, Edwards for his good looks, Carr for his hair... but he gave himself the prize for "social media intelligence." Who the hell wants that? Rodgers does. His ego gets in the way of throwing a dozen short passes a game to one receiver. It's too easy. Rodgers ego and competitiveness demand highlight throws. I don't believe he'll ever truly be a West Coast QB. It's not his style.
Skip greenBayless
February 05, 2019 at 11:56 am
Excellent comments JohnnyLogan. I agree and wrote something very similar to yours. The fact you got a dislike says you are over the target Johnny. Nice job!!
Dash
Rebecca
February 05, 2019 at 04:04 pm
Dash. I got 4 down votes for being nice and positive. LOL Packer People! Love em!
Skip greenBayless
February 05, 2019 at 04:57 pm
Congrats to you Rebecca. I think I have the record of 71 down votes on a single post but 4 isn't bad for starters. Keep up the good work. Remember Rebecca, you are not being heard until you start getting disliked. It's a good thing. sshh
Ok, time to get ready for the Riprock's annual State Of The Union Address block party. All our neighbors get together at our house to listen to the historic speech and we all have a good time. Maybe be on later tonight after the speech. Enjoy!!
Dash
Rebecca
February 06, 2019 at 07:20 am
thanks Dash, but I'm a girl so I don't know anything about football! Oh wait, I went to a small High School in northern WI that was so small we had 2 females starting on the varsity squad. I was a receiver and a corner back, I do know those positions though!
Skip greenBayless
February 06, 2019 at 04:29 pm
Oh what an absolutely fantastic night I had last night with all my red neighbors. The speech was epic!! I am in such a great mood today. Ok Rebecca, I am older in my 50's but I had no idea women were allowed to play tackle football with men in northern WI. What do you wear for protection? Do you wear breast pads etc? I know men wear cups. What do women wear? I am honestly shocked to hear women playing football with the men. Congrats on your experience with those positions Rebecca. I bet you were a pretty good player.
Dash
Skip greenBayless
February 06, 2019 at 04:21 pm
duplicate post
Manitou
February 05, 2019 at 11:33 am
One of the best articles ever written. Succinct and to the point.
GRB1531
February 05, 2019 at 11:42 am
The Pats are a great team with Brady, the Head Couch and all of the other couches on the team but I can't help but wonder if anyone else noticed one of the unsung hero's on the team. When you watch the replay of the game did you wonder why Michel was so effective. On most of his runs he had a lead blocker and that was Develin. Watch those runs and see how important that Fullback was to the yards that Michel ended up with. I believe there is a need for a fullback to help our runners gain more yards on each carry . This would be the great time to see if we could find the right person to fit the Packers new offensive.
HankScorpio
February 05, 2019 at 06:50 pm
If you're trying to advocate using one of the later day 3 picks on Alec Ingold, I want to join your club. I am 100% on board with giving ML some options for a run-heavy look featuring talented TEs and FBs. Especially if they can do all the dirty work blocking for someone else and also matriculate the ball down the field on their own.
Leatherhead
February 05, 2019 at 11:53 am
The
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 02:59 pm
One of the best articles ever written. Succinct and to the point.
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 03:43 pm
Hey, why the dislike? "The" IS one of the best articles.
Rebecca
February 05, 2019 at 04:06 pm
Couch.
Rebecca
February 05, 2019 at 04:07 pm
Couch. Cooch.
Leatherhead
February 05, 2019 at 11:53 am
So you have the most time to throw, on average, of any QB in the league.
PFF rates our line #1
I
Footballoutsiders rates the line pretty high.
And we were 2nd in the league in yards per rush.
I'm waiting for the "stats are lies" argument, or at least " my eyes tell me.... "
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,x
There is hope that Rodgers will stay in the pocket and get rid of the ball, like Brady. There was hope that Favre would protect the ball in the clutch.
I think people are wired in a certain way and it always comes out under pressure.
ILPackerBacker
February 05, 2019 at 12:33 pm
A nice recap of the obvious.
Maybe the article should question how the packers with what many writers consistently tout as a top OL have the results you mention, while the patriots with a year in year out non descript OL have theirs?
AND how might the QB impact this?
Maybe GB has a QB making the OL look better and the stats that say to many sacks + to many throw aways = bad OL not great OL blame the QB
ILPackerBacker
February 05, 2019 at 12:46 pm
One person mentions the utterly untrue and borderline numbskull 'facts' that form the basis of the article.
The stress is turning packer fans into bear fans.
Reality? ALL YA GOTTA DO IS BLOCK!!! ALL YA GOTTA DO IS TACKLE!!!! then you win.
Maybe 'hits' does not include sacks?
Do sacks in the super bowl count at all?
Did you watch the game?
How about knock downs are they not hits either?
Time to hire an editor
vj_ostrowski
February 05, 2019 at 01:04 pm
It’s baffling. I cannot for the life of me figure out where these numbers are coming from.
JonathanSpader
February 06, 2019 at 08:26 am
In order to hire an editor CHTV would need to charge or have advertisements. I like it just the way it is warts and all. Of you want a site with an editor go to packernews.com have fun with that.
vj_ostrowski
February 05, 2019 at 12:57 pm
How are so many people commenting without noting that there’s no way Brady was only hit 8 times since 2015? In fact he was sacked 81 times in the 3 years since then.
What is going on with this column? Are these post season stats? None of this makes any sense.
Skip greenBayless
February 05, 2019 at 01:18 pm
I assume the writers here are not purposely turning into CNN. I find that hard to believe. I like the 48 hour rule. If in the event a writer has made a mistake with something I give them 48 hours to apologize and or edit and correct the mistake.
Regardless of the numbers if they are off or on the mark. The main part of the story is Tom Brady has embraced the art of the short passing game where Aaron Rodgers has not and flat out refuses to do so. That is the main point. The numbers of "hits" might be in error but not the main point. Brady is getting rid of the ball quicker than Rodgers and is taking less hits.
Dash
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 03:05 pm
The gist of the article is definitely true.
Doesn't change the fact that the facts cited are unfactual.
Words. They mean things.
Skip greenBayless
February 05, 2019 at 03:19 pm
Half will focus on the gist and the other half will focus on words. I understand people can make mistakes that's also why I stated the 48 hour rule for the author. As of right now I don't know if it's a mistake or not since nobody has provided any proof to counter what he wrote. I don't follow the Patriots. Maybe it's possible he didn't get hit much. Cory is a man of integrity. I am sure if it's a mistake he'll correct it. Frankly since I get this gist of the message I don't really give a damn whether he does or doesn't. Everyone here knows Aaron Rodgers is not Tom Brady when it comes to the short passing game. That's pretty much all we need to know and we all do.
Dash
BradHTX
February 05, 2019 at 04:20 pm
I went to NFL.com, and here (for some reason it won't let me post the link) are the actual stats for sacks since 2015:
2018: Opponents 21 sacks
2017: Opponents 35 sacks
2016: Opponents 24 sacks
2015: Opponents 28 sacks
Those are regular season only, not counting any sacks from the post-season. So yeah, the basic assertion of the article, that Brady has only been hit 8 times since 2015, is completely false — and note that this is just actual sacks, not all QB hits. The actual number of sacks is 108, so the author is off by a factor of... well, let's call it an even 1,350%.
And for the record, here's the actual number of sacks for the Packers during the same period:
2018: Opponents 53 sacks
2017: Opponents 51 sacks (Rodgers only played 7 games)
2016: Opponents 35 sacks
2015: Opponents 47 sacks
Let's call Rodgers' injury-shortened 2017 season 25 sacks (I'm not going to spend the time researching the stats for every game). That means Rodgers has taken around 160 sacks in the same time Brady has taken 108. It's more, yes, by about 50%. That's a huge difference from the 8-31 (400%) differential the author cites.
The fact that the "gist" of the article is true, that Brady is better at the short passing game that minimizes hits than Rodgers, doesn't change the fact that the author's assertion about the number of hits each has taken is false. Neither does the fact that I agree with the author that Rodgers' would do well to emulate Brady's game. I realize this is a blog, not an actual news publication, but facts are facts and truth is important.
vj_ostrowski
February 05, 2019 at 06:04 pm
Wah wah wah CNN joke - tells me all I need to know.
Leatherhead
February 05, 2019 at 06:32 pm
Some people don't need to know very much.
HankScorpio
February 06, 2019 at 05:15 am
True story. There is a poster running around here that thinks the fact that Jimmy Graham was in the top 10 TEs in two statistical categories means he holds big time value. That guy refuses to discuss impact plays or blocking. He's got the 'not much' that fits his narrative and that's the end of it for him.
JonathanSpader
February 06, 2019 at 01:46 am
That's some old school thinking right there Hank!
John30856
February 07, 2019 at 08:23 am
An obvious Fox News guy who somehow finds the Fox trash believable and nothing on CNN is. Laughable
Rossonero
February 05, 2019 at 04:09 pm
Brady has long been a leader in getting the ball out quickly.
That's how you eliminate a pass rush and that's what the Packers did in the 2nd half vs. Chicago in Week 1.
Brady has never had elite offensive lines, but they coach up the players they have (they lost Nate Solder, their starting left tackle last season) and get the ball out quickly.
If Rodgers truly wants to play into his 40s, then I suggest he talk with his buddy Tom and take some advice from him. It's more than just eating avocado ice cream, it's playing SMART.
Rodgers seems like the guy who's mind thinks he's 23, but his body is 35. His mind and body need to catch up or else he'll be a far cry from an elite QB in his later years, and we'll be forced to watch a highly paid QB struggle toward the end of his career.
JonathanSpader
February 05, 2019 at 04:27 pm
It's more than just throwing short passes for Brady. As soon as a rusher has a free shot at him he throws the ball into the backs of one of his offensive linemen. It helps him avoid a hit and loss of yardage.
Rodgers used to be able to spin away and avoid pressure. He wasn't able to in 2018 and I'm assuming that's the knee combined with father time. As you said Rossonero Rodgers will have to take a page from Brady's book. The page isn't about intelligence though it's about humility.
Brady changed with McDaniels as the Patriots added to and lost their roster. The Packers never changed their identity on offense when it clearly wasn't working. Brady set aside his ego and handed the ball off over and over which led to a SB victory. Rodgers needs to let the run game open up the passing game instead of trying to force it and then abandoning the play with a throw away. We'll see if he and MLF can get there. The Packers will go as far as Rodgers takes them.
Rossonero
February 06, 2019 at 06:32 am
Very well said Jonathan. Can Rodgers subordinate his ego for the betterment of his team?
Brady isn't the highest paid QB, but he was humble enough to restructure his contract so they could keep or sign other guys.
HankScorpio
February 05, 2019 at 04:53 pm
Maybe Rodgers should ask Brady how to get a defense that allows 3 points while he's at it.
JonathanSpader
February 06, 2019 at 08:30 am
In order for the Packer defense to limit a team to 3 points you can't have the offense on the field for just 4 plays. Look at the Rams defense. They limited the NE offense to just 3 points for a majority of the game when their offense did nothing. In 2018 the Packer defense outplayed the Packer offense. Here's hoping that changes in 2019.
bartstarrfan
February 05, 2019 at 06:24 pm
Absolutely spot on!! Now, can Rodgers be convinced? I hope so, or there will be more losing seasons for the Packers and a a short tenure for LaFleur.
DaKing5
February 05, 2019 at 06:24 pm
Anyone notice how Rodgers actually played BETTER when he was hurt (calf, knee) the past few seasons? Why? Because he was forced to get the ball out quicker with his limited mobility. I didn’t analyze the stats, but my observation was quicker throws (slants, RB dump offs and screens) equaled less QB hits and more first downs. Time for The Flower to get AR to buy into that style again.
albert999
February 05, 2019 at 06:59 pm
Rodgers is the only one who convinces him to do anything
He will change slightly maybe but it won’t be near enough
There’s no Super Bowl in our future until he’s gone
Sorry..just the hard truth
John30856
February 07, 2019 at 08:26 am
sheesh
DaKing5
February 05, 2019 at 07:15 pm
Albert999...I prefer to be slightly more optomistic and give MLF/AR at least one season to see what they can do together. But I do agree with you...change only happens when you (Rodgers) are willing to change.
Reminds me of the story of the old dog laying on the front porch moaning...
Neighbor: Why is he always moaning like that?
Dog Owner: He’s moaning because he’s laying on a nail.
Neighbor: Why doesn’t he get up and move?
Dog Owner: Because it ain’t hurtin’ him that bad.
Moral of the story...change won’t happen until the pain to stay the same is greater than the pain to change. Guess we’ll find out Rodgers’ pain tolerance next season.
albert999
February 05, 2019 at 07:38 pm
Very nice!
albert999
February 05, 2019 at 07:42 pm
After hearing what Janis said about playing with him/Rodgers and how he uses criticism and negativity instead of positive reinforcement to most players especially young receivers just shows how he’s about me and not we
albert999
February 05, 2019 at 07:43 pm
Our glory years won’t come again for quite sometime i’m afraid
2020hindsight
February 05, 2019 at 09:21 pm
For good pass protection to occur the most important aspect is space. If pass rushers continually push o linemen back into his lap from all directions it creates two problems. The first and most important is visibility. Just consider the physics, large bodies in close proximity obstructs a larger section of the field. Secondly there are no escape routes. Compare the space around Brady on sides and in front of him on pass plays. The difference is enormous. When a quarterback has visibility problems has no escape route and people are falling around his feet he will be uncomfortable and unsuccessful. DOES THE FOOTBALL WATCHING FAN NOT UNDERSTAND THIS? I am glad Campen is gone if our new OL coach provides more space not time for Rodgers.
John30856
February 07, 2019 at 08:27 am
truest comments in here today, TY
John30856
February 07, 2019 at 08:27 am
truest comments in here today, TY