the decline of aaron rodgers

[texaspackerbacker]

You run-first adherents had a good look at run-first by Denver last week. Is that really what you are hoping for?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all in for run-first if you are the NFL equivalent of the Wisconsin Badgers. However, I don't see any O Line, not even the Cowboys that is that dominant. Certainly, the Packers O Line is not even close. And that's not even mentioning the fact that we have the GOAT QB whose supposed decline is basically just the bullshit of fools and ingrates.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

You run-first adherents had a good look at run-first by Denver last week. Is that really what you are hoping for?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all in for run-first if you are the NFL equivalent of the Wisconsin Badgers. However, I don't see any O Line, not even the Cowboys that is that dominant. Certainly, the Packers O Line is not even close. And that's not even mentioning the fact that we have the GOAT QB whose supposed decline is basically just the bullshit of fools and ingrates.

Word.

Run-first not only distorts Rodgers' 'fragile' rhythm, it makes him look like, gasps, a fucking game-manager.

[run pMc]

You run-first adherents had a good look at run-first by Denver last week. Is that really what you are hoping for?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all in for run-first if you are the NFL equivalent of the Wisconsin Badgers. However, I don't see any O Line, not even the Cowboys that is that dominant. Certainly, the Packers O Line is not even close. And that's not even mentioning the fact that we have the GOAT QB whose supposed decline is basically just the bullshit of fools and ingrates.

I see things differently, but that's ok. Rodgers has declined. Statistically 2016 was his last good year, but I'd argue it was 2014.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RodgAa00.htm

He's much closer to a 62% passer than a 68% passer these days, and his QB Rating, etc. have all been in decline. His 30's have not been kind in comparison to his younger years. You can blame that on the rest of the offense, but he's not elevating the team like he used to. If he ain't as good as he used to be, by definition he's in decline.
Also, the Cowboys have a pretty good OL and RB to run the ball with should they choose to. More efficient per play to pass vs. run, but I like the idea of mixing up pass and run from the same looks to confuse a defense. Someone as smart as Rodgers could do damage with that.

[gbgary]

Word.

Run-first not only distorts Rodgers' 'fragile' rhythm, it makes him look like, gasps, a fucking game-manager.

i heard his "game manager" quote and i immediately thought winning should be the "high standard" they have around 1265...not style.

[mraynrand]

'run first' is missing the point. You have to have the ability to run, a real threat to run, to better protect Rodgers in his dotage and to set up play action. First, last, or in between, never mind, but the run game actually has to work. How many of you really think the guy can scramble around back there, be effective, and survive a bunch of hits anymore?

[gbgary]

'run first' is missing the point. You have to have the ability to run, a real threat to run, to better protect Rodgers in his dotage and to set up play action. First, last, or in between, never mind, but the run game actually has to work. How many of you really think the guy can scramble around back there, be effective, and survive a bunch of hits anymore?

i've no problem with run first...as long as the vast majority of the passing starts from under center too. that's where the unpredictability of the O, any O, starts...even if the run doesn't work well.

[Joemailman]

'run first' is missing the point. You have to have the ability to run, a real threat to run, to better protect Rodgers in his dotage and to set up play action. First, last, or in between, never mind, but the run game actually has to work. How many of you really think the guy can scramble around back there, be effective, and survive a bunch of hits anymore?

Are you seriously suggesting that a nearly 36 year old QB who has broken both collarbones and played through serious calf and knee injuries might be past his prime?

[texaspackerbacker]

'run first' is missing the point. You have to have the ability to run, a real threat to run, to better protect Rodgers in his dotage and to set up play action. First, last, or in between, never mind, but the run game actually has to work. How many of you really think the guy can scramble around back there, be effective, and survive a bunch of hits anymore?

No disagreement with what you say. I'd say, the Packers certainly do have pretty good ability to run the ball - as a change of pace or threat at least. As for running to "better protect Rodgers in his dotage", I'd say running the ball a lot just wastes downs. Sure, you need to run on early downs occasionally, but it shouldn't be often with our O Line. The best protection for the QB is the QB's own mobility, and I don't think many are seriously talking "decline" on that front. Surviving hits is more luck than anything else, but avoiding the hits by throwing the ball away (as opposed to unloading it quick into a crowd) tends to tip the scales in Rodgers' favor. That probably has a lot to do with what some people see as decline in throwing skill.

You don't think the guy can still scramble around and be effective? Just watch hahahahaha.

[RashanGary]

You and AR need a room, Tex. This public affection is awkward.

[call_me_ishmael]

Wentz was better tonight - although Rodgers looked better than he has in recent history.

[pbmax]

Are you seriously suggesting that a nearly 36 year old QB who has broken both collarbones and played through serious calf and knee injuries might be past his prime?

He could be. But here is what I know:

The WR corp sucks compared to either 2014 or 2016.

So you know, Rodgers might not be Rodgers anymore, but the WR are the Seahawks now.

[call_me_ishmael]

Do we think Ted is still workin' for 'em? Maybe he can get it up for one more weekend and bring us one last slew of receivers before he retires.

[texaspackerbacker]

Wentz was better? Our receivers suck? What game were some of you watching?

Every fucking pass play, our pathetic O Line was like a damn open door. An immobile QB would have been sacked literally 15 or 20 times. And that run game that some fools crave, it was basically nonexistent. thanks to the stinking O Line. And that was highlighted by how horrible our own D Line was at stopping runs. I was afraid of that going in after the Broncos expose our run D last week. All of that O Line suckage, and Rodgers damn near won the game anyway ....... yet idiots in here piss and moan about him and claim other QBs are better. Sheeeeeesh!

[MadScientist]

Wentz was better? Our receivers suck? What game were some of you watching?

Every fucking pass play, our pathetic O Line was like a damn open door. An immobile QB would have been sacked literally 15 or 20 times. And that run game that some fools crave, it was basically nonexistent. thanks to the stinking O Line. And that was highlighted by how horrible our own D Line was at stopping runs. I was afraid of that going in after the Broncos expose our run D last week. All of that O Line suckage, and Rodgers damn near won the game anyway ....... yet idiots in here piss and moan about him and claim other QBs are better. Sheeeeeesh!

I had high hopes that getting rid of Campen would help things considerably. But they are even worse. Rodgers may not be as good as he was a few years ago, but the o-line is just flat out bad.

[gbgary]

despite moments of brilliance he hasn't been himself since...2016 (2015 wasn't great). the rodgers we've seen since then is his true self now. he might be able to change his game but thus far he hasn't shown he wants to the way brady and brees have. holding the ball, looking past open guys, inaccuracy, throw-aways, and sacks, will continue until he does. better weapons will help some. an attitude adjustment/realization of his current skills would help more.

rodgers said the dal game was his best this season. no doubt it was. from his comments during his presser after that game, that he's "accomplished a lot in this league statistically. i just want to win now", maybe he's come to that realization about himself and the new O that he's been bucking since day one. it's big if true. maybe it was from watching game film. maybe not having adams accelerated it. maybe it was MLF (i personally hope it was MLF). i'm not holding my breath but maybe there's been a turning point met. maybe he's seen that giving the O a chance, as it's designed, has benefits for him and the team.