Aaron Rodgers is the Superman Packers’ offense is waiting for
In the famous words of Erin Brockovich, Superman’s Not Coming. The Green Bay Packers were looking to be rescued by a receiver at the trade deadline, but the hero is already on the team. And his name is Aaron Rodgers.
Green Bay’s offense has struggled to begin the season (duh, Captain Obvious). They rank 30th in the NFL on the percentage of drives where they score points, 19th in first downs, 17th in total yards and 26th in total points. The stats to support their offensive slump are many.
Critics point to the Packers’ lack of weapons surrounding Rodgers as a primary reason why Green Bay hasn’t had offensive success through the first eight games. They lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Davante Adams in the offseason and replaced them with rookies and a washed-up veteran who can’t stay healthy. That’s a losing equation.
The Green Bay Packers tried to trade for a wide receiver or tight end at the deadline, but Aaron Rodgers is the real help they’ve been looking for.
However, the Packers’ offensive payroll ranks 14th in the NFL, as they are handing out $91 million to guys on that side of the ball in 2022. They should be an average unit by that measure.
Okay, so that was a thinly veiled shot at Rodgers who accounts for about a third of that number alone.
Indeed, the Packers haven’t surrounded their back-to-back MVP quarterback with the same quality of weapons as in the past. It’s also true that Rodgers wanted a massive payday to continue playing football for the Packers, thus taking away some of their ability to re-sign players like Valdes-Scantling or bring in additional offensive weapons. While fellow future Hall of Fame quarterbacks Drew Brees and Tom Brady took discounts toward the end of their careers ($25 million average per year over their last three years), Rodgers has continued to up the ante with his contracts ($33.5 million average per year on 2018 extension and $50.3 million average per year on 2022 extension).
To be clear, Rodgers has every right to get his money. He’s won back-to-back MVPs this year and has been the primary reason the Packers’ offense has been destructive to opposing teams throughout his career. He should get paid what he deserves.
He should also then deliver the results he’s getting paid to. Through eight games, Rodgers has percolated between seemingly proving a point by throwing short and then actually trying to win by hitting receivers further down the field. It takes forever and a year for his teammates to build enough trust just to get him to throw the damn ball their way. His stats–66.4% completion percentage, 1800 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions–somehow look a lot better than he has played.
With the trade deadline behind us, there’s only one way this Packers’ offense will get back on track: Through the arm, mind, and talent of Aaron Charles Rodgers.
He must get their best offensive weapon (Aaron Jones) the rock more often. He needs to read defenses better and be prepared for post-snap action. His accuracy needs to improve. He needs to play like the highest-paid quarterback that he is.
Next. Packers trade rumors: Tried to trade for receivers. dark
The Packers went all in on Rodgers hoping he can carry the young offense, and he hasn’t delivered. He keeps looking around for the front office to trade for a weapon or add a receiver in free agency (there’s one playmaker, in particular, recovering from an injury who I’m sure he’ll be interested in).
The truth is: Superman’s not coming. Rodgers is who he’s been waiting for all along.