We can talk all day about pass rushes, ground attacks, receivers, defensive backs, and yes, even special teams, but the reality is that it’s teams with virtuoso passers that will be competing for the Lombardi Trophy. That’s good news for Packers fans, because Green Bay suddenly, and once again, possesses the league’s top passer.
Now that Week 14 is in the books, and based on passer rating, Aaron Rodgers has jumped ahead of Kyler Murray and Matthew Stafford, the two QBs who battled in the Monday night game. Rodgers has upped his passer rating to 108.8, which surpasses Stafford (108.4) and Murray (106.0). Rodgers’ ascent is due in part to his compiling a 141.1 rating against the Bears, while Stafford’s MNF rating was 139.2 and Murray’s was a woeful 72.1.
This is becoming a familiar pattern. At mid-season last year, Rodgers was performing as a middle-of-the-road passer, and after Week 11 the team stood at seven wins and three losses. It was then that Rodgers got clicking, en route to a 13-3 record and top seed in the NFC playoffs. In 2019, the Packers stood at 8-3 after Week 12, but then ran off five consecutive wins. It was back in the 2016 season that Rodgers predicted that the Packers could “run the table.” He proceeded to help do so, going from a 4-6 record after Week 11 to 10-6 six weeks later.
The Packers have become well known for being an especially tough opponent when winter weather sets in come December. It also seems that the Packers veteran and experienced players, who are accustomed to going to the playoffs, tend to rise to the occasion as the regular season winds down. Besides Rodgers, for example, Davante Adams has reeled off three fine games in a row: he caught 7 of 8 targets for 115 yards and 2 TDs against the Vikings, then 8 of 9 for 104 yards against the Rams, and then 10 of 13 for 121 yards and 2 TDs against the Bears. The cream is rising to the top, and Green Bay’s roster has a lot of cream.
In 2020, Rodgers’ late season heroics garnered him the MVP award. With four games remaining in this regular season, it’s not a stretch to think the Packers will once again finish up with six straight wins – and that Aaron will again be named the league’s MVP. In addition to having the top passer rating, he sports the league’s best TD/interception ratio, at 27 and 4. He also is tenth in completion percentage, eighth in yards per game, and he’s only suffered 24 sacks, which ranks 16th in the league. Not only has he led his team to a 10-3 record, but he didn’t play in the loss to the Chiefs in Week 9.
As to productivity, his passing yardage and ratings in the last four games have been: 292 and 75.5 (against the Seahawks), 385 and 148.4 (Vikings), 307 and 97.2 (Rams), and 341 and 141.1 (Bears). In both the Bears’ and Vikings’ games, Aaron passed for four touchdowns and had no interceptions. If the team does indeed again run the table, Aaron is likely to repeat as league MVP – and we know that will serve as extra motivation for him.
A Quarterback-centric Sport
The NFL features ten teams with nine wins or better. The NFC currently has three teams with 10-3 records, and two at 9-4. The AFC has three teams at 9-4 and two at 8-5. It’s the NFC, however, that is quarterback-rich. The top-5 NFC teams feature the number 1 (Rodgers), 2 (Stafford), 3 (Murray), 4 (Brady), and 10 (Prescott) highest-rated QBs in the league. In contrast, the top-5 AFC teams have the number 8, 11,17, 22, and 26 highest rated QBs, those being, respectively, the Chargers (Herbert), the Patriots (Mac Jones), the Chiefs (Mahomes), the Ravens (Lamar Jackson), and the Titans (Tannehill). Jackson has a pedestrian 87.0 passer rating on the season, and he hasn’t had a passer rating above 88.1 since Week 5.
While the NFC has the far more talented group of quarterbacks, the future looks bright for the AFC, as they appear to have the bulk of the future star QBs, including Jackson, Josh Allen (BUF), Joe Burrow (CIN), Mac Jones (NE), Trevor Lawrence (JAX),), Justin Herbert (LAC), and Tua Tagovailoa (MIA). The NFC prospects, such as Justin Fields (CHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), Daniel Jones (NYG), Jordan Love (GB), and Trey Lance (SF) are less than unimpressive.
Based on the above, it will be a surprise if the next Super Bowl victor is not an NFC team. Of these nine other top teams, the Packers have already faced, and beaten, teams with the second and third highest rated QBs (Rams and Stafford and Cards and Kyler Murray). Not only that, but they beat the then-top-rated Cardinals in Week 8, before Rodgers got into his current groove – he had a 90.4 passer rating in that game, which was played in Arizona.
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Packers vs. Ravens
The Pack is about to play the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. Jackson is of course a prolific runner, but the 24-year old’s passing is inconsistent. On Sunday, Lamar left early against the Browns with an ankle injury, and the Browns (now 7-6) prevailed 24-22. The Packers last faced the Ravens in 2017, but that game has little relevance, as Baltimore and Joe Flacco shut out Green Bay and Brett Hundley, 20 to zip.
As for his running ability, the 6’2” 212-pound speedster, who’s now in his fourth season, continues to run with wild abandon. On the current season, he has averaged about 11 rushes per game, and at about 6 yards per run. In both 2019 and 2020 he ran for over 1,000 yards on the season. Up until his most recent game, Jackson has proved to be durable, as he’s missed only two games in his three-plus years as a pro.
Though the Packers are being favored by around 7 points in the upcoming game, which is being played in Baltimore, the Ravens represent the biggest threat to Green Bay closing out this regular season with four more consecutive wins. Whether Jackson will be able to play on Sunday will be a closely-watched question as this game approaches.
As another point of interest, should Jaire Alexander return to the lineup on Sunday, Packers’ defenders Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas, might be the finest trio of Green Bay defensive backs since the Super Bowl winners of 2010: that trio was Charles Woodson, Nick Collins, and Tramon Williams – and you can throw in Charlie Peprah to complete a foursome.
As i read this article….it reminded me on how many times i don’t read whole article’s in their entirety.
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Robs articles by and large are an exception…no, i don’t read all his articles top to bottom, but most of his articles i do.
It’s nice to read articles that required research, thought, and one’s personal insight based on common sense, reality and voice of reason (VOR).
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If i start to read an article that tells me that Rodgers toe injury is a hoax, chances are i won’t waste my time reading the article. Same with any other articles that contain idiotic proclamations based on hate and/or fiction.
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Nice piece Rob…thanks for your contributions.
If i may humbly speak for most…it’s appreciated.
The moniker for Robs’ articles are—— “Smart drafters don’t select the best available players, they fill a teams positions of greatest need!” That VOR and common sense is what makes me pay attention when Rob submits an article. Good work Rob!
I totally agree. Rob’s posts are a must read for any thoughtful Packer fan.
What was Rodgers passer rating in the 4th quarter of the NFCC championship game last year? It was so impressive, Matt LaFleur elected to kick a FG rather than go for it on 4th down. You talk all day about pass rushers, ground attacks, defense backs, and special teams because you need them to win in the playoffs. Especially if you’ve got Aaron Rodgers as you QB. Rodgers may own the Bears but Brady owns him until he can beat him. And Rodgers will need everyone to beat the Bucs. Rodgers has more INTS (8) than TD’s (7) in NFCC championship games since the SB in 2010. And it’s always everyone else’s fault when the Packers lose. We’ll need more than just a pretty passer rating to get this team to the SB. The defense and running game has carried this team until Rodgers started playing like Rodgers at week 11. It’s great Rodgers is peaking now, but it’s what happens in January that matters most. We’ve been down this road before. But I am cautiously optimistic. But it has more to do with the team around him than his passer rating.
^Resident Douche Bag^
Part of it is Rodgers fault, part of it is the rest of the offenses fault. Every NFC Championship (and final playoff games) defenses push around the Packers. The Packers won’t be able to run, guys will fumble, receivers will be hammered and drop passes, Rodgers will play scared. Rodgers, Jones, Adams and the other receivers are all easily pushed around by a physical defense. The finesse stuff doesn’t work in the NFC Championship. And in the meantime, Brady, who had a 73 QB rating in the NFC Championship last year, always makes plays at the end, willing his teammates to make plays with guys like Gronkowski bowling over defenders for first downs. If the Packers meet the Bucs at all in the playoffs, its going to look worse than last year with a busted up offensive line and the Bucs with the a better offense than last season.
Brady had a 73 passer rating…along with a damn effective front 7 on defense.
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V.O.R.
Brady threw two picks late in the game giving the Packers a clear opportunity to go ahead in front of a home crowd. The offense did nothing with those opportunities.
I can’t argue with ya there Tommi.
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Rodgers should kick rocks if he can’t get it done.
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Bring on the Gute/Love era.
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I’m ready to witness.
Tom M November 17, 2021
Aaron Rodgers will neither win the MVP or go to the pro bowl this year. The SB a mere afterthought.
We’re now starting to win games in spite of Aaron Rodgers and not because of him. How conflicted you must feel because it’s no longer all about Erin.
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^Resident Douche Bag^
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Tom M December 5, 2021
Look sweetheart, we all come here to express our opinion. Just because I don’t come here to suck Aaron Rodgers dick like you, Dean, Ferris, Cheese, MMSUCKS, and the rest of the girls doesn’t mean I can’t express my opinion.
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You don’t express your opinion Douche Bag. You pretend you know the future and you present it in here as FACT.
As if you are the great psychic authority….lol
But in truth…you’re just another Douche Bag.
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Tom M December 16, 2021
OK, OK…i was wrong about Rodgers
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GEE…ya think?
What makes this team seemingly different from teams over the last decade isn’t Aaron Rodgers “passer rating and stats.” He’s always had those and where did it get us? It’s the Packers ability to rush the passer, play defense, and run the football with a power back that makes this team different. So yes, Rob and PF4L, those things are a big deal. Those are the real reasons for optimism here. When’s the last time this team shut out a team (Seahawks) or held the Chiefs to 13 while on the road? This team has multiple ways to beat you and therefore is difficult to defend. Not to mention the depth of this roster has been outstanding. If you want to talk in amazement over Rodgers stats, be my guest. Aaron Rodgers only gets you so far. Then the excuses start after every playoff loss. Gutekunst didn’t do enough to help. Rodgers can’t do it by himself. It’s Kevin King’s fault. It’s Royce Newman’s fault for giving up too many pressures and not grading out higher at PFF. It’s Dennis Kelly’s fault because he got called for a holding penalty. The absurdity goes on and on. It’s a never ending cycle. Praise and admiration for Rodgers during the season. Then finger pointing when he can’t get it done in the playoffs. How much confidence do you have that Aaron Rodgers can beat Tom Brady this time even with his great “passer rating?” Enjoy your stats, sing Erin his praises. I’ll wait until he beats Brady. And if he can’t beat Brady this time. Does Brady tell Packer fans I own you? “My whole fucking life I’ve owned you!” The stakes will be high. Payback is a bitch.
Strange….I looked on the NFL’s 2021 season schedule and i didn’t see Rodgers vs Brady.
Can anyone tell me where i can find that game?
I couldn’t even find it in previous seasons.
What gives?
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Rodgers vs Brady would be EPIC?
But what do the rest of the players on their teams do when they are battling it out?
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I guess it doesn’t matter, because…..it’s just Rodgers vs. Brady.
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Speaking of Kevin King Tommi…explain to us again how good of a season he is having.
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Then maybe regale us again with more stories about when Mark Murphy was a NFLPA attorney.
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Or any other stupid shit you’ve proclaimed…as fact.
“We’re now starting to win games in spite of Aaron Rodgers and not because of him.” – Tommi
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LOL….can you tell us more…..?
Tom M November 15, 2021
If Kevin King is your biggest bitch, then you don’t have much to complain about. Since week one, when everyone played like shit, and he’s been healthy. King has actually played pretty well. He’s certainty not a liability.
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Packtat87 November 15, 2021
You either truly are the worlds biggest troll, willfully ignorant or Ray Charles levels of blind to say King is “Certainly not a liability”. No longer worth the time it takes to respond, please quit your shit.
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Footnote: If…..the day ever comes, when Tommi is smart enough to realize nobody wants him here and he leaves…..
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I’m gonna miss Ragnar.
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SKOL
Did anyone watch the game last night? Patrick Mahomes vs Justin Herbert. An epic battle that will continue play out over the next decade. What are the chances 38 yr old Aaron Rodgers as QB of the Denver Broncos next year and his pretty “passer rating” “owns” either the Chiefs or the Chargers?” The Raiders with Derrick Carr are no slouch either. There are no Detroit Lions in the AFC west. No Chicago Bears to “own.” Only good teams with every week a dog fight in the AFC. And it’s no better in the AFC central if Rodgers takes his drama to Pittsburgh. With Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Baker Mayfield. If Aaron Rodgers can see past his own ego, he’d find a way to work something out to stay right where he’s at. The Packers give him the best chance to get to the SB in his remaining years. Now if it’s all about passer ratings, which mean more to you and him, then go elsewhere. And you can continue to fuss and fawn over his stats in the AFC. But if wants a real shot at being a champion, staying with the Packers is his best bet. Rodgers will first have to knock off the current champion and that’s Tom Brady and the Bucs who are currently favored to repeat. There’s a showdown looming next month between Brady and Rodgers. If you could see past the end of your dick, you’d know that PF4L. Apparently you cannot.
Here’s what i see Gomer….
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I see you proclaiming Rodgers is going to be a Bronco. Then i see you proclaiming he’s going to be a Steeler..back and forth, back and forth, back and forth..(for months)..well which team is he going to?
Pick one.
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Lady Katerena…please…tell us who the great Aaron Rodgers will be playing for..
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Contact Tommi at….
psychicoz.com/psychic_details/Katerena
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Only $4.99/Minute
Another stat : Tommy “repeating” his fascination with Aaron Rodgers is record setting.
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Here’s a stat no one can dispute. Tommy is the biggest idiot to post on this site ever.
Lol…Tommi’s self esteem is slow low….he thinks that’s a compliment.
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Poor miserable bastard.
Aaron Rodgers is wonderful! Aaron Rodgers is perfect in every way! Did you see his passer rating? Why, it’s simply amazing! Who cares if we lose to Tom Brady and the Bucs in the playoffs. It won’t be Aaron Rodgers fault. We’ll blame Brian Gutekunst or Kevin King. It’ll be their fault when our hero goes 4-11 for 54 yards in the 4th quarter of the NFCC game. Besides, championships don’t matter. It’s all about stats and regular season games. Let Tom Brady win his 8th Super Bowl. Real fans like PF4L and Ed know it’s far more important to beat the Rams in November and throw 4TD’s against the 4-9 Bears in December than win in January! Sound better ladies? I’m here to talk football, not worship Aaron Rodgers. While you girls always look to blame everyone else, I start with the man himself. At some point he needs to be held accountable. Whether lover boy gets traded to Denver, or Pittsburgh, or somewhere else depends on the highest bidder. The only thing certain is it’ll be in the AFC. Just like Favre going to the Jets even though Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Bucs gave Ted a better offer at the time. It won’t be an NFC team. The point I was making was it’s in Rodgers best interest to stay if he wants to win championships. Something all you ladies would just love to see happen. But winning championships is hard. While accumulating stats and bullying the Chicago Bears is not.
Rodgers….6 mentions
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PF4L….1 mention
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I’m slippin!!
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Tom M December 18, 2021
“I’m here to talk football, but i rarely forget to blast Rodgers in every post i submit. It’s who i am, you guys know that” – Princess
Rob’s articles are a must-read? Nice sarcasm.
Tom M December 16, 2021
What makes this team seemingly different from teams over the last decade isn’t Aaron Rodgers “passer rating and stats.” He’s always had those and where did it get us?
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Great question Tommi!!…
Well, if memory serves…it got us to the Super Bowl.
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Rodgers and the Packers won that Super Bowl game Princess.
Which in turn, gave Rodgers one Super Bowl victory.
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Otherwise stated…the same amount of Super Bowl victory’s as the viking’s, Lions, and the Bears have….combined.
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Or….Rodgers has more Super Bowl victory’s than Tommi’s viking’s have in the last 55 years.
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Hope that answered your question Tommi.
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As always, i’m here to help.
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You’re welcome
YAWN. I wish we could get past the PF4L vs Tom stuff. This thread started out good. Anyways, I have been critical of Arodge in the past; that being said, he is having one of the best seasons ive ever seen a QB have. The last few weeks have been some of the best QB play ive every witnessed. I think no matter what we lose him next year. The guy is a Diva and a West Coast homer. He really doesnt want to be in little old Green Bay. Its a shame because I think he can be really good for a number of years yet. If I had to agree with Tom about one thing, its that Rodgers really needs to make it to another SB.
Rodgers isn’t good enough.
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Lets move on to more Championships with Love.
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He’ll get it done, almost by himself.
Yeah that’s why I don’t come around too much anymore. It’s getting old