I suppose we can put this to bed now? Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers echoed coach Mike McCarthy’s sentiments from earlier in the week. He and McCarthy have a great relationship.
“We have a great relationship,” Rodgers said. “There’s always been great communication between us even if there are things that we need to talk about that are tough subjects. We’ve never had a problem finding time and talking. That’s the way it’s been for 10-plus years.
“For any relationship, it starts with good communication. You’ve got to be honest with each other and then hug it out afterward. That’s what Mike always says: Conflict is good. You’ve got to keep the conversation going.”
So the relationship is great.
Great.
Also note that Rodgers suggests there was a conflict. That he was ticked off.
This all stems from Rodgers’ postgame comments after the win over the Bills. Rodgers suggested he didn’t think much of McCarthy’s game plan. He specifically singled out the lack of targets for receiver Davante Adams and tight end Jimmy Graham.
On Wednesday, Rodgers put the blame on himself.
“We’ve got to find ways to be more efficient on offense,” Rodgers said. “Like I said Sunday afternoon, the numbers might have looked good — 420 yards, 50 percent-plus on third down — [but] the execution wasn’t where it needs to be. I’m always going to hold myself and this offense to a higher standard. I’ve got to play better, and as a team we’ve got to play better.”
The Packers’ offense no doubt left opportunities on the field against the Bills. They left plenty on the field in the tie against the Vikings too.
And Rodgers is right. He is partially at fault.
He may be affected by the knee injury or the knee brace he’s been wearing. Still, he’s missed some throws he usually makes.
Statistically, Rodgers numbers aren’t keeping pace with the top-tier of the league either. This is where he sits through four games.
- Passing yards: 14th
- Touchdowns: 15th
- Rating: 13th
Meanwhile, you’ve got turds like Mitch Trubisky throwing six touchdowns in a game. So yeah, it would be great if Rodgers could pick it up.
He’s not the only guy not pulling his weight on offense, however. Geromino Allison leads the league with three dropped passes. Davante Adams, Randall Cobb and Lance Kendricks are tied for ninth with two. Jamaal Williams is averaging a pathetic 3.4 yards per carry.
It’s hard to say when the last time anyone was enamored with a Mike McCarthy game plan. That said, the guys on the field need to do their jobs. That’s not happening right now.
Let’s hope this is just the typical Green Bay Packers slow start.