Aaron Rodgers misses big opportunity by skipping Packers’ OTAs
Aaron Rodgers doesn’t need the reps, that’s for sure. The back-to-back MVP has put up some huge numbers for the Green Bay Packers over the last two years and is as solid as ever in his fundamentals. However, his teammates sure could benefit from his participation on the field.
Organized Team Activities begin again this week with three practices before they return for another three next week. In total, they’ll have nine OTAs before taking a break in mid-June.
Rodgers has never experienced as much turnover at the wide receiver position as he has this offseason.
Davante Adams–the receiver Rodgers had the most rapport and trust with–was traded to Las Vegas, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling has moved on to Kansas City. Sure, there’s still Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard, but that’s the end of the list for receivers Rodgers has a substantial relationship with.
It doesn’t look like Aaron Rodgers will be attending the Green Bay Packers Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which is a big missed opportunity.
Guys like Amari Rodgers (eight career targets), Samori Toure (zero career targets), Romeo Doubs (zero career targets), Christian Watson (zero career targets), Malik Taylor (seven career targets), Juwann Winfree (13 career targets) and Sammy Watkins (zero career targets from Rodgers) would benefit big time from getting repetitions in with Rodgers. In fact, it would be mutually beneficial.
These younger guys will continue learning the offense, which will help them immensely in their pursuit to gain Rodgers’ trust. However, the MVP quarterback is very particular: He wants his guys in certain situations to see exactly what he’s seeing. How many times have we seen him chew out his receivers because they weren’t in precisely the right spot on a route? Do you know what would minimize that issue? Participating in OTAs.
It appears Rodgers is around Green Bay this week as his teammates gather to put in some work on the field. However, he’ll be gone for June 1st due to a golfing event he’s set to partake in. It’s understandable he has off-the-field interests and wants to keep his body fresh for the long season ahead.
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However, getting valuable reps with the various brand new receivers on his team would make life a lot easier when the regular season begins. This is time best spent building on the field rapport with another and learning each other’s playing style. Consider it a big missed opportunity if Rodgers isn’t out there.