You might be surprised to know Rodgers is listed at #9 for most interceptions this year. Mahomes and Burrow also threw 12 interceptions, but a lower % of their throws were intercepted, and they also threw for far more yards and touchdowns. In other words, they had some picks but generally were more efficient and effective throwers. Adams was a very good outlet for 50/50 and "fuck it" throws from Rodgers; I suspect losing him was a cause... I think that level of trust took years to build and won't magically happen next season. His Int % might improve but his MVP days are done. Mahomes threw for 800 more yards for crying out loud.Quote:
As for improving, the worst thing this season to me was the interceptions - the greatest of all his great qualities over his career. What did he throw? 11 or something like that? Still better than most other top level QBs. I certainly dobn't think that was due to a change in his mindset not to throw picks. It was the injury as well as the inexperienced receivers for the most part. Thus, I expect that absolutely to return to MVP level next season.
I don't accuse him of being a stat whore, and the run game was generally good this year -- with some exceptions, often due to OL issues or MLF not calling runs enough or Rodgers checking out of them. They didn't really gain more yardage running this year vs. last, and didn't really run the ball much more either... so that argument doesn't really hold. If he's so good he should be able to make even inexperienced receivers work...and what about Lazard, Cobb and Tonyan? They aren't inexperienced. Not saying they aren't factors in his performance but I think you're overemphasizing them.
The thumb injury hurt his production but if he can't throw he shouldn't play. They have Jordan Love as a backup, see what he's got. By the Rams game his thumb was better, and he still wasn't throwing it great. I'm skeptical of just how much water the excuses hold.