The Green Bay Packers have been a colossal disappointment this season, and that’s placing it properly. Aaron Rodgers’ numbers aren’t horrible, however his effectivity has dropped significantly from his two earlier campaigns, the place he received back-to-back MVP awards. This yr, in comparison with these performances, he appears completed.
All you should do is have a look at the Packers’ Week 9 sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions, a group Rodgers has dominated (like the remainder of the league) throughout his profession. Coming into this week, Rodgers had thrown 4 interceptions in eight video games. The Lions compelled A-Rod into three INTs within the first three-quarters of the sport and led 8-6 heading into the fourth quarter.
Before Sunday’s sport, Rodgers had thrown 52 profession TDs to only eight INTs in opposition to Detroit. Now, Rodgers is struggling to finish passes he used to make along with his eyes closed. The Lions aren’t immediately some powerful protection that makes it exhausting to maneuver the ball down the sector. Green Bay’s offense hasn’t been what it as soon as was with out Davante Adams on the skin catching passes.
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Rodgers hasn’t developed much chemistry with his young receivers and still doesn’t seem to be taking accountability on the sector for the group’s struggles. He’s nonetheless pointing the finger and blaming others when it’s him who has fallen off. Many of Rodgers’ passes this yr are both late, off-target, or simply unhealthy selections. That throw he used to make look so easy, the place he turns and throws off his again foot, is now not hitting the mark constantly.
Entering Week 9, Rodgers averaged simply 225 passing yards per sport, which is the bottom since he turned Green Bay’s full-time starter in 2008. If you suppose this argument is alarmist, simply have a look at Rodgers’ efficiency in opposition to the Lions, the place he and the Packers’ offense scored 9 factors in opposition to arguably the worst protection within the NFL. The Lions ended up beating their NFC North rival 15-9. Rodgers accomplished 53 p.c of his passes in opposition to Detroit, which is his lowest of the season.
We can proceed accountable Green Bay’s inexperienced extensive receivers or younger head coach, Matt LaFleur, however sooner or later, the finger must level again on the man pointing his outward. Rodgers clearly isn’t the identical quarterback he was final yr, and a part of that’s the absence of Adams, however a big a part of it stems from Rodgers being over the hill. It’s time to face details. Rodgers and the Packers’ championship competition window has slammed shut, and so they squandered it by relying solely on his arm and never constructing correctly round him.
Because the NFC is so extensive open this yr, there’s nonetheless an outdoor shot the Packers may climb into playoff place however don’t count on them to win any postseason video games. If Green Bay has any probability at doing that, they’ll have to rapidly get this offense again on observe. The Packers dropped to 3-6 after the loss to the Lions. Green Bay may not win one other three video games in the event that they proceed to supply this sort of outing.Â