We’re going to see a whole new Richard Rodgers this year.
Or at least we’re going to see a less fat Richard Rodgers this year. The Green Bay Packers’ lackluster tight end reportedly played the 2015 season at 272 pounds. That would have made you an offensive lineman not too long ago.
It’s entirely possible that bulk contributed to Rodgers’ molasses-in-January-like inability to gain any separation in the passing game. That inability resulted in a rather pathetic 8.8 yards per reception for the season.
If you take away that monster game at Detroit (the only impressive game on the Rodgers’ resume), that average would be much worse (7.3 per).
Just like Eddie Lacy, the Packers have asked old DickRodge to lose some weight.
Will that make him faster? We’ll soon see.
“He’s been working with (strength coach) Mark Lovat and the nutritionist to try and keep his weight where he feels comfortable (it) will allow him to move better,” new position coach Brian Angelichio said. “Honestly, until the pads come on, it’s hard to really judge that.”
We know Rodgers can catch anything thrown in his direction. He lacks plenty, but does have great hands.
But while less weight could make him more effective in the passing game, it likely makes him less effective as a blocker. And he wasn’t much of a blocker to begin with.
The problem for the Packers is neither is Jared Cook, the guy we all expect to supplant Rodgers as the No. 1 tight end.
Like everything on offense, success really comes down to Aaron Rodgers. If he has a repeat performance of 2015, defenses will again stack the box to stop the run. That could make things ugly for the running game.
If Aaron Rodgers is on, then the Packers won’t have to worry about whether their tight ends can block or not.