The Aaron Rodgers we witnessed in 2015 can be no more if the Green Bay Packers are to have success. Although we don’t have much visual proof of this yet, since Rodgers has only thrown nine passes in the preseason, all signs are pointing to the Rodgers-of-old returning in 2016. In fact, Rodgers is the early MVP favorite.
The return of his favorite target, Jordy Nelson, is the biggest factor in why Rodgers can return to his MVP form. Before missing the entire 2015 season with a knee injury, Nelson had been targeted on a whopping 278 passes from Rodgers in the previous two seasons. They’ve become one of the NFL’s elite duos. It is Nelson’s quickness and smooth route-running that leads to him being open more often than not. Number 87 had turned into Rodgers’ security blanket, and his absence was one catalyst in the Packers’ offensive struggles last season.
Nelson’s return is not the only reason Rodgers is primed for a big season. The revival of Eddie Lacy will provide the Packers with a legitimate threat on the ground to complement their aerial attack. Lacy’s weight has always been an issue, but after rocking some P90X in the offseason with Tony Horton, he’s in better shape, and that’s shown throughout the preseason.
Lacy has 114 rushing yards through three games. Much more importantly, he’s averaging a stout 5.7 yards per carry.
With a receiver who can beat press-man coverage and get open on the outside, plus the threat of a top-notch ground game, Rodgers has weapons again. He won’t have to do it all on his own in 2016. The changes will allow the two-time NFL MVP to revert back to the quarterback that we’ve become so accustomed to: an annual MVP candidate.
No mention of Cook and a healthy O line? To me the entire team including the defense have the potential to produce an MVP QB. Just stay healthy.
No team stays healthy as you have already seen with the queens n cow girls . diffrence between gb and the rest of the NFL is most Packer fans beleave the excuses……….
I agree with the above.
Cook is a man among boys. To me he looks tougher than Finley. He’s going to require a lot of attention by the defense. Unlike Dick Rodgers, he can’t be covered by a linebacker. I’m surprised the Rams gave him up but they were cleaning house before moving to LA.
The O-Line loses one or both tackles every year, so I expect the same. This year however, I think they have more options at backup tackle than just Don Barclay.
As A Player and coach watching Rodgers mechanics hes not the same player he was . For the last 2 years now ive been watching him throw off his back foot way to much . But almost as bad he holds onto the ball for way to long . Having Jordy back will help but like you already seen in preseason the accuracy isnt as good ! Expect 13 wins this year because of A cake scedual but an early playoff exit . question how long would mm last without Rodgers ?
What exactly is a cake scedual? Is that some exotic chocolate?
Was this article written by one of your kids?
Lets hope AR12 can win the MVP without having to come out of the tunnel and playing on a bad ankle like Jesus miraculously rising from the dead an exiting the tomb.
Awesome story, but I don’t need that stress again, thanks.
Let’s pump the breaks here. Nothing says Jordy is going to come back the same player he was. There needs to be another receiver that plays outside to step up.
This team needs Rodgers to play at a borderline MVP level. He takes a nice portion of the team’s cap. He can’t complain about not having good receivers. He has two well paid guys (Nelson and Cobb). He has to work with what the team can afford besides those two. Great players make their teammates better.
Jordy back and Eddie healthy will activate a domino effect that will benefit the likes of Cobb and Cook…. The King of the North shall return!!!