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We'll go back to the 2nd half of last year and now into the preseason.
Last year in the preseason, I think the biggest thing we saw was Aaron's ability to make amazing passes down field. It seemed like every game was a highlight reel of amazing deep throws by Rodgers to Jennings and company. Against vanilla fronts, they had the pass protection to make those types of plays. Once the regular season started, there was a dose of reality that those plays were not as easy to make when teams were really trying to get after the QB.
Fast forward to this year. . . I think in the past there has been an attitude from Aaron to MM, to the whole offense that they want to get away from the gun-slinger mentality. They want to read defenses, get in the best possible play and throw to the open guy, whenever it is that guy gets open wihtout enough regard for getting it out quick. Well, defenses are paid too. Sometimes they show one thing and do another. I think they've gone backwards this year with their thinking a little. This year, there seems to be more of an effort to just executing. They've thrown tight balls to Finley, Jones, Jennings and Driver. Every game is a highlight where we out execute the opponent, not so much out think them. I think the Packers are starting to find a more effective blend between thinking and executing.
So what has Aaron looked better at? I think he's looked more natural and confident. He's bringing it all together. He's getting to the line quickly. He's getting information at the line. He's getting his protections set. After the snap he's looking defenses off, he's finding the open guy sometimes. He's hitting the playmaker other times in tight single coverage. He's hitting guys in stride for big plays after the catch. He's throwing well down the field one time each game. He's razor sharp. His completion percentage is out of this world (compared to last year hwen it was really good, but not elite). He's been extremely consistent. The difference this year is a steadiness. I also think there is a difference in the focus on offense. This year they seem to be focusing on plays that work with decent pass protection. Last year they were focusing on plays that required long amounts of time. This year, while Rodgers could pick apart teams down the field with time, they know that's not the case and they are focused on getting it out quickly. I think it will pay off. Completion % up. YAC up. Yards before the catch down. Wins up.
You're still going to see Rodgers NFL best deep ball, but it's going to come in strategic spots. For the most part, I think we're going to see long, steady drives of execution, topped off with touchdowns, then the big play mixed in once or twice a game vs the beginning of last year where we lived and died by it.
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