Through Four Games, Aaron Rodgers Hasn’t Looked Himself

Aaron Rodgers called the offense’s performance in week five ‘terrible.’ The Buffalo Bills, who used timely turnovers to defeat the Minnesota Vikings the week before, are lead by a defensive minded coach in Sean McDermott. However, the number of miscues by the Packers offense ultimately resulted in dissatisfaction overall.

Through the first four weeks of the 2018 season, Green Bay’s offense hasn’t been able to click. Dropped passes have been a contributing factor, but most of it falls back on Rodgers. Simply put, the 34-year-old quarterback isn’t playing as well as we’re used to, but he hopes changes will be made in order for things to turn around.

In his postgame presser, Rodgers did not sound pleased with the play calling or personnel grouping implemented by head coach Mike McCarthy.

“We need to find ways to get our playmakers in position to get some more opportunities,” Rodgers said.

Then, when asked how the team could do that he responded, “it’s by the plan,” putting the onus on McCarthy.

McCarthy has been Rodgers coach since 2006 and there’s never been a feud that’s held any real substance. Both have been extremely transparent and it’s not different after Rodgers candid remarks.

“I think like anything, Aaron and I talk on a daily basis,” McCarthy said Monday. “Whether your opinion of how things are communicated within our structure, your opinion is heard and respected. But, at the end of the day, I feel very good, very confident about our operation.”

Rodgers added on Wednesday that he and McCarthy, “have a great relationship” and that there’s always been great communication between the two.

The Packers are going to continue to move forward and look at anything to get the offense back on track. Through the first four games, Rodgers and the offense have had poor execution. Even Rodgers has looked a little off as far as his precision, missing open receivers. Perhaps a product of missed practices due to his knee injury suffered in the opener has lead to thrown off timing with his receivers.

Regardless of the reasoning, this is nothing new for Green Bay as they are adept to slow starts. Currently, their offense isn’t what they envisioned ranked 16th in the NFL.

Rodgers has thrown for 1130 yards and seven touchdowns while completing 63.5 percent of his passes. If the season ended today it would be the second lowest completion percentage of his career.

In the coming weeks, he hopes to get tight end Jimmy Graham more involved and get Randall Cobb back from injury. The two getting open underneath would open up the deep pass and play action which has been an issue thus far.

Per Pro Football Focus, Rodgers has only completed 40 percent of his passes over 20 yards and his QB rating during play action ranks 28th in the league (85.8). The deep ball and play action are two things that make Rodgers the most dangerous quarterback on the planet, but it’s not time to worry.

The more reps this offense gets together, the better off they will be. Plus, Rodgers appears to be more mobile each game.

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