Rodgers Still Provides Fireworks in Packers Offense
By jasonperone
Aaron Rodgers has long been the face of the Green Bay Packers' offense. 2019 marks his 12th as starting quarterback and Rodgers turns 36 in December. Talk about his ability to continue playing his style has begun and with a new offensive system, Rodgers is in a learning mode.
But make no mistake about it, Rodgers will still provide the spark in 2019.
In a recent conversation with NFL.com's Mike Silver, Rodgers discussed some of the changes that new head coach Matt LaFleur's philosophy brings about. Questions arose about whether Rodgers would continue to operate the Packers' offense as he has for over a decade under previous head coach Mike McCarthy.
Despite some getting in an uproar that Rodgers is going to be stifled by his new coach and could possibly struggle to lead the offense to great things, that's simply not going to happen. Matt LaFleur would say the same if he were standing here now and frankly, his job depends on Rodgers being great.
The Packers haven't used a lot of high draft picks (first or second round) on skill position players over the past decade. Davante Adams was a second rounder in 2014. Prior to that, it was Eddie Lacy in 2013, Randall Cobb in 2011 and Jordy Nelson in 2008.
Over that time, the Packers offense, led by Rodgers, has helped churn out some incredible seasons. Over that same time, the team's defenses have ranged from great to forgettable but regardless, it's been the offense that has been the identity.
After drafting J'Mon Moore (round four), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (round five) and Equanimeous St. Brown (round six) last year, the Packers didn't add any receivers in this year's draft. Tight end Jace Sternberger was the only pass catcher taken (round three).
Talk about Valdes-Scantling and St. Brown looking good in mini camp, video of J'Mon Moore improving his footwork and praise from Rodgers towards Jake Kumerow all sound great, but the reality is, Rodgers is going to have to return to his magical ways.
The Packers believe he will. They made him the highest-paid player (at the time) when they signed him to an extension last summer. From what we know, Rodgers takes care of himself and wants to continue to play for awhile. Both sides are counting on the best from #12 for the foreseeable future.
Any drop off over the past two seasons was obviously and largely due to injury and not so much age. A broken collarbone in 2017 and a fractured knee in 2018 either kept Rodgers out or put big limitations on some of his physical abilities.
Those limitations aside, it was impressive in looking back at some of what Rodgers did in 2018 after we learned the extent of his injury. Any after-effects that Rodgers may still be dealing with now is unknown and we're not likely to get a lot from the team or Rodgers himself.
It's cliche to say but what Rodgers may be dealing with physically, he does not lack in motivation. He's long been known to play with a chip on his shoulder and feed off of his doubters.
There are no shortage of those who have watched the Packers struggle with and without Rodgers over the past two seasons. Just over two years after appearing in the NFC championship game, they wonder if Rodgers can get the Packers get back to playoff football.
LaFleur's offense is going to feature the run more and if successful, will relieve the pressure for Rodgers to do it all. He still has Adams, Geronimo Allison and tight end Jimmy Graham to keep defenses occupied and the offensive line should be better than it has the last two seasons. Not bad for some additional peace of mind.
The Packers didn't make a splash and bring in the likes of Antonio Brown or Odell Beckham, Jr. but there is still plenty for Rodgers to work with and the better bet in 2019 is that Rodgers and the Packers look more like the version fans prefer and hope for.
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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 (35)
NickPerry
July 01, 2019 at 06:29 am
Rodgers "Chip" on his shoulder is bigger than it has been for years. There's been a lot of negative press this offseason and I'd imagine Rodgers is ready to quiet those who have been critical by doing the thing he does best...WIN.
Rodgers may not have the WR Corps he once had, but I believe they REALLY have something in MVS and ESB to go with one of the best in the NFL, Davante Adams. Throw in a TE who has much to prove himself, a TE who I think was one of Gutes better selections ever, and the most exciting RB the Packers have had since Ahman Green, the Packers offense WILL function at a high level.
But for the first time since 2009 & 2010, Rodgers has a defense. That defense will create more 3 and outs, more TO, and keep most teams under 20 points. That means for a change Rodgers doesn't have to do it by himself.
Boneman
July 01, 2019 at 06:36 am
The 'chip on the shoulder' narrative is old and no longer relevant. Rogers plays the way he does because he's competitive and wants to win. I've watched football for a long time and I can honestly say Rogers is the best I've ever seen play. Any other QB throws INT's instead of throwaways when the team is struggling. He keeps his head and keeps us in those games when we probably should get blown away. He's the only reason the Packers have been what they've been the last dozen years. I really believe he's not done either, and we'll witness great things and another couple of SB runs in the next few years and I can't wait! The organization is doing the right things.
porupack
July 01, 2019 at 09:01 am
Boneman;
Very much agree with you. The idea that professional players are going to do extra, work extra, or perform extra just to "prove" doubters is laughable. We hear this so much regarding players that are underperforming, or had challenges, or regressions. So silly. As if that is more significant than the McCarthy scheme, the porous, injured Oline, underutilized TEs and RBs, declining working relationship with HC, which have been described all off season. Now we resort to the ole "gonna prove" and "chip on shoulder" to revive our optimism?
We have plenty of reasons for optimism (ON PAPER, of course). (but we'll see when "the pads come on").
A diverse group of faster, taller WRs getting experienced in year 2 and 3.
Healthy RBs. TEs settling into year 2 with Rodgers. Healthier and more competition on Oline, new HC and scheme and more balanced attack; etc.
Handsback
July 01, 2019 at 07:15 am
Rodgers is an incredible QB but he can't get to the SB on his own. It takes a team and unfortunately the Packers have had major issues in either the defense or the oline that has kept them from the big dance. Truthfully, I have felt Rodgers has also under-performed in some of the playoff games. The reality is he can't be perfect and if it takes him to be perfect...the Packers aren't getting to the SB.
I think most believe that the defense is potentially (always a scary word) the best they have fielded in many years and the oline has healthy starters and some needed depth.
They have play makers at WR/TE and the RBs that are good enough to bring the Lombardi trophy back to Green Bay. Also don't think Rodgers needs to be perfect in order to win it all....just be Rodgers.
holmesmd
July 01, 2019 at 11:43 am
He did play on a fractured leg with a bone bruise for 8 weeks. That certainly effected his mechanics & mobility. If he can stay healthy this year, top 5 offense
stockholder
July 01, 2019 at 07:34 am
Feeding off Doubters. I believe he's still a china Doll. I believe he's over paid. I believe he carries a tooth pick in his mouth every year now. I believe he critises his Wrs to much. ( It makes up for his own ability to get them a well thrown ball now.) I believe he got MM fired. I believe he still wants to win, but gives up easier then he once did. (His Relax statement, is a thing of the past) He's the face of the packers and they cover his butt now. I believe nobody FEARS Arron Rodgers anymore. His reputation has become his past achievements. He's to out spoken in the media spot light. His Team first image is damaged beyond repair. This team needed more then Arron Rodgers. Living in the past doesn't work for me. Arron Rodgers needs to prove himself more now then anytime in his career.
packerbackerjim
July 01, 2019 at 07:52 am
I believe this may be your worst post ever.
dobber
July 01, 2019 at 08:48 am
" He's to out spoken in the media spot light. "
Only if you count State Farm commercials.
For a player of his stature, he's remarkably quiet, especially in the off-season...which is why everything he DOES say is dissected ad nauseum. Everyone's looking for the hidden Easter eggs in his comments.
Is he visible? Yes. He's out in public. He does some guest spots and appears with some personalities, but he's not a media hog given the impact he could have.
holmesmd
July 01, 2019 at 11:52 am
That’s beyond silly. Come on man
flackcatcher
July 01, 2019 at 04:34 pm
Honest post. Like most I don't want to look at the abyss either. But we had two years where a great player got frustrated, angry and hurt his team beyond the injuries. This young team could go deep into the playoffs or tank completely. How Rodgers will cope with the problems that come with being the face and leader of this team this year is unknown. I hope Rodgers is not as fragile mentally, as he was last year. Winning does cure a lot ills.
Packer Dave
July 01, 2019 at 07:45 am
I think our D will be top 10 or better.
Offensively we have weapons in the run game, over the middle and deep.
AR is a top 5 QB at least.
What's going to hold up the train? OL. I pray the starting 5 stay healthy.
ShooterMcGee
July 01, 2019 at 08:06 am
Don't need fireworks. I would settle for dumping the ball off within 2-3 seconds and not running with the ball. Tom Brady has 0 mobility but rarely gets sacked. Time to start emulating the best QB in the game A-Rod.
JonathanSpader
July 01, 2019 at 04:53 pm
Why would Rodgers need to emulate Rodgers? Even Brady has said Aaron Rodgers is a better QB. Brady is really good and benefits from a fantastic system/defense. Rodgers is the best to play the game.
Lare
July 01, 2019 at 08:19 am
IMO, any problem with Rodgers was created by Thompson and McCarthy. They both coasted for several years and rode on Rodgers shoulders, expecting him to continue his success and make them and the team look better than they were.
It may take Rodgers a few years to get out of the mindset that he has to carry the team. That will take having a good team around him that doesn't have to be carried.
dobber
July 01, 2019 at 12:40 pm
It's hard to win in today's NFL without a QB who plays well on a regular basis. In that sense, I would argue that most QBs carry their teams: the offense runs through them and a bad day from your QB means you usually lose.
Demon
July 01, 2019 at 09:32 am
I just dont understand some posters criticism of AR. Players of his calibre are so few and far between yet some posters blame him if the Packers are not successful.
There is something wrong with the makeup of the roster if the QB has to have a legendary season just to make the playoffs.
Since'61
July 01, 2019 at 10:43 am
The fact still remains that if everyone on the Packers roster plays their positions as well as Rodgers plays QB the Packers would be undefeated SB champions.
I’m not concerned about Rodgers as long as he remains healthy. I am still concerned about our OL depth until I see them play in an actual NFL game. However, I’ll be fine if they don’t play because that would mean our starting 5 has remained healthy for the season.
Beyond Adams I am still concerned about the WR & TE corps. They are still a mostly unproven group. Hopefully the return of Allison will solidify the WR group.
As for the TEs I’m going to need to see improvement from Graham and better utilization of Lewis before I can feel confident about them. Maybe Sternberger gets off to a fast start which would be a much needed boost to what was a very lackluster TE group in 2018. Thanks, Since ‘61
holmesmd
July 01, 2019 at 11:59 am
The Packers have one of the deeper and talented WR corps in the NFL! Name 3 that are deeper or better. Yes they are young but to “worry” about them is a bit of a stretch IMO. Graham at TE is still a force. Lewis wasn’t utilized properly last year. JS is a receiving wildcard if he can have a good camp. I honestly don’t think both units being top 5 is beyond a possibility. If even top 10, look out!
Since'61
July 01, 2019 at 01:26 pm
Atlanta has Julio Jones (ranked #4), Mohamed Sanu and Calvin Ridley. Ridley is the lowest ranked by Pro Football Reference at #46.
The Browns have Landry, Beckham and Calloway all ranked higher than MVS.
That’s off the top of my head, if I researched further I would probably find a few more WR corps better than GBs.
After Davante Adams (ranked # 6) the next highest ranked Packer WR is MVS at # 108.
The point is that after Adams we don’t know what we have at WR. How good will Allison be returning off an injury into a new offense. ESB, MVS, J. Moore and Kumerow may improve but they may not. One or two might while the others may not. We won’t know until we see them perform during the regular season.
Preseason means nothing. We have had enough preseason MVPs over the years. They could be a great group or a mediocre group besides Adams. Thanks, Since ‘61
Thanks, Since ‘61
Lare
July 01, 2019 at 01:55 pm
I take all rankings with a grain of salt, they're all biased depending on the source and are usually just a guess based on past performance.
That said, I agree with the premise of waiting to see how players perform on the field during the regular and postseason. That's really all that matters.
TarynsEyes
July 01, 2019 at 01:56 pm
Agree Since'61 and if anyone wants to look at a very good ranking order of WR groups go to SBNATION...they have the Packers at 15th and quite a ways from only 2-3 better dared to find.
Things may likely change sooner than later but until it does so by actual performance, thinking otherwise is simple fan bias.
holmesmd
July 01, 2019 at 06:24 pm
I agree but I think the rankings you site will be much higher after this season for the Packers. You’re right though, time will tell. Color me very optimistic!
IceBowl
July 01, 2019 at 02:26 pm
Speculative rankings are just as advertised. Baseless. Anyone can pull up lame, just like last year.
What we do know,
Adams is one of the best.
Allison was on his way to quality numbers before getting hurt. (Vet)
Kumerow was on his way to quality numbers before getting hurt. (Vet)
MVS, E. ST Brown and J. Moore all got reps, but have to learn a new system. Basically rook's, with a little NFL experience.
And Davis, with glowing (pads off) reports. (fragile)
If that is the 15th best group, an awful lot of teams have question marks.
TarynsEyes
July 01, 2019 at 03:30 pm
" If that is the 15th best group, an awful lot of teams have question marks."
Yes they do and one of the biggest is who the QB is throwing the ball.
KC is ranked 22nd without Hill,with Hill they move above GB. As great as Maholmes looked he needs to get it done without known awesome WR's.
Some groups are better even with a below average QB and some groups seem better because of the elite QB.
NE was in the bottom 5 I believe with an elite QB but the real total talent isn't there.
Cinn is better than GB now despite Andy ' Red Rifle ' Dalton and would be much better with a Rodgers,Brees etc.
Clev maybe better with Mayfield's 2nd season but they'd be better with Rodgers and Division winners because they achieved playing for worst prior.
Lots of WR's/groups become known for their play despite the bad QB and some become known because of the QB. We don't know where GB is yet but this season with a new offense should give a clearer picture but it may make it unclear as easily. But middle of the pack is right as of now.
IceBowl
July 01, 2019 at 03:57 pm
Tarynfor12,
Now you are changing the subject (players) We were talking WR's.
But I agree, the QB is a huge factor. Skipping last year, I would rather have ARod throwing than just about any QB. And the difference can be krazy different.
So I would say, if we are to include QB's in the conversation, ARod elevates our WR's 10 or so spots.
But we were't.
TarynsEyes
July 01, 2019 at 04:02 pm
" Now you are changing the subject (players) We were talking WR's."
Bullshit...
I 'm talking WR's and never said players except the QB in question for any WR group since the QB is integral to the WR as an individual and group.
IceBowl
July 02, 2019 at 09:30 pm
Tarynfor12,
Throw all your BS and more BS at me all you want, but most of us can read.
You introduced QB into the discussion. What a revelation. RB's are just as integral, and the D to give them opportunity, and the OL and ST, and the coaches.
You do not have to call names to make a point. Or do you?
Since'61
July 01, 2019 at 04:26 pm
Ice Bowl - I’ll concede that Allison was on his way to decent numbers with 20 receptions in 5 games. However, I can’t agree on Kumerow. He didn’t appear in a game until December 2018. He had 8 receptions for 108 yards in the final 5 games of the season.
If I annualized Kumerow’s numbers they would be about 24 receptions for 350 - 400 yards over a 16 game season. In other words not very significant. Let’s not forget that he took himself out with his stupid end zone flip during the preseason.
Any one or even 2 of our young receivers can have a break out season and I hope that happens but to be fair until that happens our WRs are question marks except for Adams. Thanks, Since ‘61
IceBowl
July 02, 2019 at 09:45 pm
Since '61,
I'll agree Kumerow's numbers were "dumbed down" by his stupid flop, just as you say. And I'll add preseason means squat.
But ARod was throwing to him and he was catching. It was promising at the time. So with that as a baseline, someone will have to do better than Kumerow.
I'll always take a WR that catches the ball. Kumerow did. Never mind he was open too.
It's all competition, and the better man wins. Kumerow has a leg up and has to be beat.
Bure9620
July 01, 2019 at 06:11 pm
I may sound dense here, but am I the only one who thinks the defense will be better than the offense?? It will be a first in the Rodgers era. Aaron is getting older. He has really has one reciever he trusts in Adam's, (we'll see with how much he trusts Kumerow in a live game). I do love EQ and MVS, this offense will require some time to get going, even though it is modernized and will actually scheme receivers open.
The offense will be fine, but I think the defense could very well be elite. Kenny Clark will solidify himself as the best interior player not named Aaron Donald, Daniels is still a nightmare when healthy. Lancaster was awesome for a UDFA. He had one of the best run defense rates in the league on a per snap basis. The Smith's will create consistent pass rush. I really like our secondary, Jaire is a star in the making as will be Savage. King has been very good when healthy. I think he stays healthy. Pettine has so many tools in his toolbox now I cannot wait to see the looks he brings. I want to see how he utilizes Gary. Yes I predicted the Packers would draft Gary in many mocks and was told I know nothing about football......
This will be by far the best defense the Packers have fielded since 2010, and this defense will be better. Rodgers will not have to be otherworldly for this team to win. With this great defense, a legit running game, let him take shots of PA and not turn it over. This will be a recipe for the Packers to return to the post season.
JonathanSpader
July 01, 2019 at 07:22 pm
There are a ton of question marks on defense. Not as many on offense. We don't know how good the Smiths, Amos, amd Savage will be in GB or of they can stay healthy. We don't know of Jackson will improve at CB. We don't know what we have in Burks. No one thinks King will play 16 games.
We know Daniels WAS good and is a contract year. We know Alexander and Clark are studs. We know Martinez has been a tackling machine. There are a ton of question marks on defense. I do think they'll look better initially than the offense. We know they have a proven DC in Pettine who is now in year 2.
On offense the QB, LT, Center, Adams, Jones and like it or not Graham are proven players. We have a lot of potential at WR amd JS and Lewis at TE. Another RB entering the fold and Williams has been consistent and great in pass protection.
Our defense doesn't have someone with Rodger's ability to elevate the entire defense. We tried and failed to get that player in 2018 Khalil Mack. What's done is done and we instead spread the money into both Smiths and Gary. On offense the success or failure depends on Rodgers. On defense it's group health.
Bure9620
July 01, 2019 at 08:41 pm
Kenny Clark and Alexander will be those players I think, both will be elite. The middle has some questions, I agree, can Burks be that coverage player in the middle part of the field? Burks may be tasked more with covering RB in the pass game, they seem to like to have Jackson or a third Safety take on TEs
EddieLeeIvory
July 01, 2019 at 10:49 pm
James Jones was our #4 WR entering the Super Bowl.
Jennings
Driver
Jordy
Jones
Our WRs do not compare.
Yet. Maybe in time, but that was a rare unit.
And the TE was great too until that seasons injury for him.
Rodgers will be all-in this year. And he has no rookie WRs. No excuses. I expect his best season since 2014. Keep him upright though OLine.
Trapped-in-MN-BUT-GB-fan
July 02, 2019 at 05:17 pm
Yeah, but if they don’t get the pad level corrected this offense is going nowhere.
PatrickGB
July 02, 2019 at 06:06 pm
But first they have to look at the film... ;-)
Aaron Rodgers will be just fine. I expect this years offense to be vastly improved as will the defense. As with any other year, injuries and the skill of the teams we play will determine how far this team will go this year. Right now, this team looks a lot better than last years and I think Rodgers and the new offense will begin to heat things up by about the 3rd or 4th game.