Cory's Corner: Aaron Rodgers has to own it

Sunday’s 31-26 loss to Indianapolis was the team’s worst loss since Week 10 of last year.

Remember that dud? That’s when the lethargic Packers lost to the Lions at Lambeau Field for the first time since 1991.

The Packers are completely unpredictable. The Patriots and Cowboys are the two teams in the league that you know what you’re going to get. But with Green Bay, it’s like going to Burger King and getting a Big Mac.

At first glance, Aaron Rodgers’ 26-for-43 game that included 297 yards with three touchdowns and one interception doesn’t look that terrible. However, upon closer inspection, Rodgers racked up 153 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter — also known as garbage time for the high school fourth stringer just trying to get his name in the boxscore.

Yet, it’s what Rodgers said after the game that brought a lot of juice.

“I don't understand it,” Rodgers said, who’s in his ninth year as the Packers’ starter. “I mean, this is what we get paid to do, is to bring it every week, and I hope the guys would say I bring it every week. I mean, I love this game and I bring energy. I'm not a rah-rah guy, but I'm a focused, enthusiastic player, and I don't know what the lack of juice was. You kind of felt it over the entire sideline. We didn't have the same kind of enthusiasm and encouragement that we had the previous two weeks. So we've got to look deep in the mirror there, because that's just not acceptable.”

We already know that Rodgers is selfish and condescending. Now we know that Rodgers isn’t concerned about being a leader either. Rodgers’ cap hit this season is $19.2 million and it jumps to $21.1 million in 2019 before becoming a free agent in 2020.

Whether he likes it or not, Rodgers is a leader and he has to own it. This has been the worst season of his career. He has had the deer-in-headlights look for most of the season by being unwilling to throw to open receivers.

Let’s face it, the Packers aren’t very good. The best unit on offense is the offensive line — and even that unit has been overrated. The receivers have struggled to get open and the running backs cannot stay on the field. Rodgers is obviously frustrated that the Packers have turned upside down.

Character gets revealed during the worst situations. When Rodgers and the Packers are playing great, nobody really cares that Green Bay’s elite quarterback cannot lead. But now that the Packers’ warts are exposed, it’s time for someone to take the reins of this young team.

We all know that Clay Matthews doesn’t count. When he’s healthy, he barely speaks and let’s face it, he’s barely healthy anymore. A guy this team is desperate for is someone like Charles Woodson. Someone that won’t sugarcoat things to teammates and won’t be afraid to say something if things isn’t working.

Do the Packers expect too much of Rodgers on a game-by-game basis? Sure. He has to have at least an A- game for the Packers to win. That’s a lot of pressure. However, it’s not a lot of pressure to project that frustration publicly on your teammates, while keeping yourself high and dry.

Rodgers isn’t the only reason why the Packers look like they’re going to end the streak of seven straight postseasons this year.

Like it or not, Rodgers is the mouthpiece of this team. And until he realizes that he has an impact in what he does and says, this team isn’t going anywhere.

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

__________________________

NFL Categories: 
0 points
 

Comments (71)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Packer_Pete's picture

November 08, 2016 at 06:41 am

Couldn't agree more Cory! Especially with a perennial young team like the Packers always are, the veterans and highly paid stars have to be leaders. There are not many leaders on this team. In reality, only 2 come to mind: Daniels and Lang. And Lang's contract may not be extended, and teammates know that...

0 points
0
0
Savage57's picture

November 09, 2016 at 09:02 am

I sometimes get the feeling the Packers leadership makes such a big deal about being professional and acting coolly, they forget this a passionate game played by passionate men for passionate fans.

Would be nice to see someone act as though losing was more than a mild irritation.

0 points
0
0
packerbackerjim's picture

November 08, 2016 at 06:55 am

Speaking the truth doesn't qualify as leadership. OK. He wasn't on a rant, just calling it out. Didn't throw anyone under the bus by name. And as far as missing open receivers. It is less than you think particularly when they don't run the routes. Fans have consistently overrated the receivers thinking they had 8 All-Pros and fretted over who wouldn't make the roster and become the next Jerry Rice for some other team. With no running game, no TEs, mediocre receivers AR has failed to lead? How about McCarthy?

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

November 08, 2016 at 07:31 am

I agree with much of what you said, but Rodgers throws teammates under the bus all the time...ON the field. Those glares, dirty looks, pointing fingers, I'd imagine THAT'S what Jennings might have been talking about when calling out Rodgers, at least part of it. Don't misunderstand me, I think Rodgers is capable of making any WR better. Hell just look at Jennings himself. But to talk about teammates not having "Juice" on the sidelines when EVERY TIME the cameras turned to your mug and you were just standing there, emotionless, almost with a look as if to say "Can we just get this game over with".

"I'm not a Rah Rah Guy"..WHAT a copout!! You're paid $20 Million dollars, you're the "Face of the Franchise". Everyone of those young WR's look to you for guidance and like it or not, this team needs you to be a Rah Rah Guy. If nothing else get that blank look off your face and look like you give a damn. Being a Rah Rah Guy doesn't mean running around like a Tom Brady head butting Gronk, you could do it, show it in many other ways.

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 08, 2016 at 01:51 pm

Dead on NP. Nobody likes to play, let alone play even harder when another teammate let alone the "Leader" and "Star" player acts like a dick. Nobody. Veteran or Rookie, and especially younger established players who think they have plenty of time left in their careers to go elsewhere and win. Whats more leaders hate to lose at anything. Doesn't have to be Rah Rah cheerleader types either. Love Rodgers, but like MM act is getting old. If young players are not up to your standards, show them, teach them support them. They are your teammates idiot.

0 points
0
0
Razer's picture

November 08, 2016 at 07:24 am

Well said and so true...

...Fans have consistently overrated the receivers thinking they had 8 All-Pros and fretted over who wouldn't make the roster and become the next Jerry Rice for some other team. With no running game, no TEs, mediocre receivers AR has failed to lead?...

Teams know our offense and how we like to play. Our coaches despite the lessons of the last 2 seasons still stick to the script. We love our personnel packages philosophy - it is so managable. The guys running the routes are basically the same talent as the last 2 years. And we wonder why a defense like the Colts shut us down. Maybe we are the definition of insane.

Rodgers isn't playing great but he is trying to fit balls into windows that are fleeting and tight. Yes, some guys need to step up just to salvage this season. Ultimately, we need some more horsepower and a change of philosophy to get to the next level.

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:25 pm

like the commercial with CMIII, not in my house. They've gotten hammered twice in "my house" now. Both guys doing a fire up commercial, and doing nothing when it means something.

0 points
0
0
badaxed's picture

November 08, 2016 at 06:55 am

Norman Schwarzkopf: People need to understand what leadership is all about. Leadership is not managing an organization. Organizations are made up of people. Leadership is motivating people. Leadership is about people. So, yes. You've got to be competent. There's no question about the fact that you have to have competence to be a leader, but you also have to have character. Good leaders are men of competence and character. Many times character is more important than the competence side of the house. So I tell people that the secret to modern leadership is two rules. Rule 13: When placed in command, take charge. The leader is the person who is willing to take the responsibility. There are a lot of other people out there who are willing to do the job, but they don't want to get hung with the loss when it happens. As a leader, you have to be willing to take the responsibility. You have to be willing to take charge. So, Rule 13 says, "When placed in command, take charge."

0 points
0
0
Hematite's picture

November 08, 2016 at 07:21 am

Daniels is the closest to being a real leader than anyone else in the organisation.
Murphy, Thompson, McCarthy, Rodgers, Matthews, the 5 highest paid people in the organisation, not even close.

0 points
0
0
Handsback's picture

November 08, 2016 at 07:24 am

The players are frustrated and they should be. The system they are using won't work unless everyone is healthy.The reality is without Lacy....you don't have that sledge hammer anymore. To me it says you use more zone blocking for the runs, short passing game, and take what the defense gives you. I don't have issues with throwing long to Janis/Davis/Nelson to keep the defense honest. Just don't do it on 3rd and 3. Move the chains!

The team is better then their record and if they aren't....cut and draft better players. Attitudes are paramont in a physical struggle. If a player's emotional effort doesn't match his skill set or physical effort, then you aren't going to win the SB anyway. Green Bay won the SB in Dallas because they had great leadership and worked hard together to scratch and claw their way to get into the playoffs. This team doesn't have that mindset. Not even close. Too many home games where they look pretty bad. It's up to MM to come up with an offense to keep the defense off the field. Guys, we don't want the Packer defense on the field when you are starting your 4th and 5th CBs because everyone else is hurt. It can work. Look at Dallas. They don't have a good defense, but the offense stays on the field for so long they never get exposed.
Rodgers is a big part of this discussion. Along with the offensive coordinators they have to find out what will work.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:20 am

'It's up to MM to come up with an offense to keep the defense off the field.'

'Rodgers is a big part of this discussion. Along with the offensive coordinators they have to find out what will work.'

Just picking a few comments that you made.
Completely agree... Rodgers missed throws, missed open WR's, and made bad decisions in the game. He deserves to be a big part of the discussion.

So do the offensive coordinators and head coach.

This all starts with McCarthy. The offense seemed to have no identity or know what it wanted to do. The previous 2 games they had one. They went 4-5 WR's almost strictly and it worked.
This game they went to a lot more 1-2 TE sets.
it just made no sense.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

November 08, 2016 at 10:38 am

I think it should be said as well RC this Offense has been on the skids ever since Bennett took over as OC. McCarthy made a huge mistake keeping Clements once he demoted him. It basically showed who calls the shots...Rodgers!

Why?? McCarthy couldn't "Demote" Clements back to OC, and he couldn't demote Bennett back to WR coach even though that's where they belonged. This coaching staff shouldn't have come back for 2016 and to blame 2015 on the loss of a 30 year old WR in the ultimate team game is absolutely insane.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

November 08, 2016 at 10:57 am

I'm not really going to blame Bennett fully, because honestly this offense is all McCarthy's. I don't know what exactly Clements or Bennett do to contribute.
To be honest the offense has been on skids since last year when McCarthy didn't change much about the offense after Nelson went down. He tried to plug and play with what he had even though they weren't as good. Teams figured out how to stop the offense and McCarthy and company hasn't adjusted.

I will say that I think Bennett was a terrific position coach though.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

November 08, 2016 at 12:02 pm

Lol,I heard Norv Turner is available, I hope he's still there when the axe falls in GB this offseason

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

November 08, 2016 at 12:14 pm

Mentioned same about Bennett weeks ago and got hammered here by the clique.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

November 08, 2016 at 11:53 pm

I know, gotta watch what we say,but I really believe TT will retire after this year, he doesn't want to clean up the mess he left so it will all be left to Elliott Wolf and after watching the HC failers of MM the last 2yrs he is all but gone too,don't worry Packers fans we may have to go through a couple bad years but the team will come back

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

November 08, 2016 at 12:17 pm

Mentioned same about Bennett weeks ago and got hammered here by the clique.

0 points
0
0
daveh's picture

November 08, 2016 at 07:52 am

This is the price you pay when you boost about being the youngest team in the NFL. Matthews has become a non-factor. time for him to go. MM must go, his schemes are no longer schemes, but predicabilty. Changes are needed ...big time, does Murphy have the guts to make the changes??? Go Pack

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 08, 2016 at 10:31 am

I don't think TT or MM ever boast about anything...that would be playing team information to the media. They don't do that.

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:11 am

Nice piece Cory. The Packers are Too Soft! Mike Daniels and TJ Lang are the only High Energy Tough Guy members of this team and they can't get it done by themselves. Mike McCarthy has to get rid of the Warm and Fuzzy Atmosphere and Kick Some Ass. But maybe he's incapable of that!

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:28 am

I already told what is my opinion on Aaron Rodgers... I want to say just I agree wuth you Cory, it is very good article...
Now, just few words about WR and TE and RB and OL, or, if you want , complete offensive side of the Packers team.
OL can play superb when they know what they are playing. They mainly do not, because someone is changing plays just like that and extending throws till the moment when offensive lineman have to left the guy responsible for or make holding penalty.
RB is mess, but, be honest nobody predicted that both RB will be sidelined for that much time. Hats off for creativity of the coaches.
TE - well, here we can surely ask TT what the hell is going on. I accept what RR is (he is not and never be Finley), but Justin Perillo is guy who might have his role in some other teams, not SB contender. I have nothing against them, he is obvious nice guy, but Packers need TE, not nice guy. Jared Cook - he was playing 3 games and he was not used properly. And, another injury. I just hoping he will not finish as Ty Montgomery last season!
WR - yes, we all knew that Packers do not have Dez Bryant, Amario Cooper, Julio Jones, A. J. Green, to say no top 10 WR. OK, but they have very, very good bunch of young WR, leaded by experienced and very good Jordy Nelson. Randall Cobb is another story and, when he is healthy, he delivers. Go to fan base hype train Jeff Janis! He looks overmatched by the game. And all of you knows that is the truth. But many of you would spitting here if Packers were released him. This season he is not as good as last season on ST. Travor Davis - he was wide open 4 times in the last game - never got the ball. Why? Because he dropped that one long pass 3 games ago. Ty Montgomery will be the best slot WR of the whole NFL tomorrow. Davante Adams - if he can improve his consistency, he may become elite WR... Geronimo is interesting project, but still have a lot to learn...
At the end it is not about how good WR are, it is about MM and AR relationship which is, by my opinion, completely mess. They do not trust each other any more and Mike McCarthy does not have enough large b*lls to sideline his most expensive player, for his sake (and for MM sake) when that player start again to make his own decision to whom he will throw the ball and to whom he will not...
After Falcons loss I was really proud of the team. It was looking as things are moving, finally, up. But that was nothing at all.
Contrary to most of you, I think it is not about game plan and coaches, it is about execution and will to do it. And there is obvious sabotage, because somebody thinks about himself better than he is...

0 points
0
0
Yooper's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:37 am

Def agree with you - Would luv to see a less arrogant - better leader in our QB - Wow - one drop by a receiver and your on the list for how long - I also thought our team made a big step forward in Atlanta - Really proud of how they played and so was everyone else and then follow that performance with this one - We went from innovative and exciting to to same ole same old - I however am not so sure why Janis is maligned - his catch to drop ratio and Yards after the catch are really outstanding for how few opportunities he gets and I think he and Davis and Montgomery and Cobb and Nelson and Adams make for an outstanding corp that can break a game open - Our current TE's lack any speed and to many of defensive players are injured every year which seems to be a trend!

0 points
0
0
packerbackerjim's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:23 am

I tuned in MNF in the 4th quarter expecting a Seattle blowout. Instead I saw a very tight game, the Bills hitting hard on both sides of the ball playing inspired football. Now Rex has issues, but his team does not look lethargic. They overachieved whereas the Pack underachieved.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 08, 2016 at 10:30 am

I think that's the most frustrating thing to most of us now: even with injuries impacting who is on the field for this team, the level of play on the field is still less than the sum of its parts.

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

November 09, 2016 at 04:36 am

I watched and thought the same thing, and what a creative offense too!! The Bills fired Greg Roman, a respected OC a week or two into the season. The Bills have one of the best Offenses in the NFL this season, not at all predictable. Shaddy McCoy gets hurry and they actually have a RB that's a capable backup. I saw a team go toe to toe against a pretty good defense, score what 26 points, with a chance to win with a goal to goal at the end of the game.

Rex Ryan is a boob, but at least he has his football team playing like they care.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

November 09, 2016 at 06:30 am

I was more impressed with the creativity of the Bills offense. How the new Offensive Coordinator kept changing things and moving players around. Coming up with looks that are hard to defend.

After watching that game I came away really wishing we had a RB like McCoy. While I like Lacy it really made me wonder if he just doesn't fit the offense we run. Having a RB like McCoy could fit our offense better.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:30 am

I wish you all good choice today. For your sake and for the rest of the world!

0 points
0
0
carusotrap's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:31 am

Ouch.

There is a very, dare I say it, Jay Cutler vibe to Aaron Rodgers these days.

But talking about AR hitting receivers or lack of tight ends is "frosting." The real problem -- and I'm not denying the frosting is also bad -- the real problem is the cake. Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy are the ones who baked the cake, and it's gone bad. This isn't about team health or juice or whatever. The cake was once very good and now it's not. Simply time for new cake.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:01 am

Are you saying that "Someone left the cake out in the rain"? Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
NMPF's picture

November 08, 2016 at 10:28 am

McCarthy Park?

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 09, 2016 at 08:14 am

MacArthy Park exactly NMPF! Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:32 am

Rodgers needs to be an example.

Look at this article about Brady.
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4792147/leadersh...

Like him or not Brady is basically at the forefront of the Patriots training activity's. In contrast Rodgers calls the Preseason a waste of his time and comes into several seasons in a row now under prepared.

0 points
0
0
rdent's picture

November 08, 2016 at 12:15 pm

AR gave up dairy products in the offseason, that must have been grueling.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:33 am

I have said many times that the Draft and Develop program must also grow leadership from the players drafted. This, along with the drafting of some players of overrated expectations, placing to much value in political correctness, turning a blind eye, accepting denial and giving Rodgers to much benefit of doubt in his trust system where one guy drops 6 passes and gets more still and another drops one and is sabotaged/benched and held to extreme ridicule. Yet, the fans here at Cheeseheadtv anyway and mostly, do likewise until occurrences like this game and to lesser other games.
We gave multiple 1st rd picks who not only aren't worthy of the selection but don't have one iota of leadership quality that can be nurtured. We have a head coach who now 5 years later blames the CBA for the teams ailments, how convenient. A one time elite QB who is so full of himself he's lucky to be named in the top 10 imo.
Dislike me all you wish but this team and coaching staff is exactly what I've called them from preseason....not ready.
Matthews is a wimp in regard to leadership.
Rodgers is to egotistical to be a true leader.
Daniels is more mouth bully.
Perry is invisible even when seen.
Datone Jones is the second coming of Perry.
Peppers is an old man along for the ride.
Haha doesn't sound leader-esk.
Bulaga is a farm boy.
These are 1st rd selections and none had exhibited true leadership, which in the D&D program should be.

0 points
0
0
SpudRapids's picture

November 08, 2016 at 03:08 pm

You must be speaking from you extensive experience being inside the locker room... you speak these things as if they are fact but let's be honest you or I have no idea what the leadership construct looks like in that locker room. All we have is the results on the field and what is said in press conferences to give a general barometer.

I don't think we have an angle as a fan watching TV and reading articles to have an accurate opinion on these. By all intents and purposes you may be right on everything but your chances of being dead wrong are on in the same.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

November 08, 2016 at 04:54 pm

Absolutely, but those who say the opposite of my opinion have equal chance of being just as right or wrong. Something that seems to elude that understanding when my opinion is trampled upon.

0 points
0
0
tincan28's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:47 am

Maybe if the coach (ha ha) would let Rodgers play like Favre did, with no side line bullshit, the Pack would a helluva lot better.

0 points
0
0
EdsLaces's picture

November 08, 2016 at 08:54 am

Cmon AR ...."Make the packers great again" ....Pretend these crap games are emails n trash em. Lotta season left....

0 points
0
0
zoellner25's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:00 am

Now ARod isn't a leader? come on man

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:33 am

I posted yesterday that I would like to see A. Rodgers step up, call a players only meeting, take some responsibility and put this team on his back. To me that's should be his next step as field leader of this team. However he can't do it alone, he needs other players to step up especially on the defense. It must be frustrating for him to watch the defense squander leads and fail to make stops game after game especially when he is playing without many tools on the offense. Nevertheless, leaders figure out what they can do with what they have, not what can't be done because they don't have everything they planned on. This is where coaching comes in. MM and Capers need to develop plans which effectively utilize the players they still have and get them focused on executing the plan. It's their role to get their players prepared to play with confidence and that didn't happen against the Colts regardless of A. Rodgers performance. Now, I admit that I don't know what it's like to be on an NFL team in this situation but I do know what it's like to be in the field when the shxt hits the fan and the plan goes to hell. When that happens it's the guy next to you and the guy next to him and so on that gets you through and you pull together, do whatever is necessary and you don't stop until you're done or you are all gone. That's why I believe that's it's time for a team meeting because the players need to pull together and make it happen. MM needs to deliver the plan and guidance but the players need to get it done on the field and A. Rodgers needs to lead then field effort. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:20 am

Can yopu imagine how frustrating is for the defense that they delievring 3 and outs just to watch how AR call them back on Packers 3 and outs most of the game? I think that is more frustrating...

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 08, 2016 at 10:24 am

Croat - I understand what you are saying. But how many points does the offense need to score to secure a win for the defense? if we assume 10 possessions a game do they need to score a TD on every possession. Is 70 points enough. Why is it up to Rodgers to win every game. Are you saying that the defense does not need to do their part. Are you saying that when Rodgers leads a 4Q drive to take the lead, as in Atlanta that it was Rodgers fault that the defense let the Falcons run out the clock and score the game winning TD. What are your criteria for a successful offense. Are we saying that we can't win a game 10-7? Is that Rodgers fault. This is a team sport, everyone including Rodgers needs to do their job. We saw during the Colts game that there is enough blame to go around to every phase of this team. Is Rodgers to blame for starting in 7-0 hole because of the STs. Is Rodgers to blame for the team not having any RBs or TEs or the passes that were dropped. Is Rodgers to blame for the defense allowing a 96 yard TD drive at the end of the first half, when a 3 and out would have left the Packers with good field position and a chance to tie the game before the half? At what point does someone else on the team need to do their job besides A. Rodgers. If the defense allows 60 points per game is Rodgers supposed to outscore that? When you blame one player for everything you no longer have a team. In the case of the Packers the fault lies in all phases, STs, defense, injuries, A. Rodgers, the coaching and MM. The buck stops, with MM. He's is ultimately responsible for the on field results. If there is a problem between him and A. Rodgers it's up to MM to fix it, that's part of his role on the team. Leadership figures it out. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
carusotrap's picture

November 08, 2016 at 01:13 pm

Sounds to me like you're describing a problem of personnel and coaching. How long does Mark Murphy allow this to continue before deciding that change is in order?

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 08, 2016 at 01:15 pm

Well, regarding " Is Rodgers to blame for starting in 7-0 hole because of the STs." I do not understand why did not Aaron Rodgers score TD with the first series because Packers were in red zone, but he, and the offense scored just 3 points. After that he got 2 times (TWICE) ball from Packers D at very favorable field position (2 INT) and brought back, guess what, 0 points from that. Is that D mistake. How frustrating must be that?
Oh, yes, Falcons game. You are right, while Packers O was playing it was 21 to 13, half ended 24-19 and what happened. 4 3 end outs in 3rd Q with 0 points - Falcons scored 7 (not to be forget at 3:31 before the end of the 3 Q) and than Packer was in ball control for 1 first down and 3 and out. Falcons took the ball 14:48 Q4, D made stop! Daniels and Peppers sacks on that possession! Aaron get the ball at 12:31 in Q4.. Packers scored TD and gave the ball to Falcons at 3:58. So, if Packers were scoring at least FG during Q 3 Falcons would never come to the situation to lead at the end. How frustrating is that fact, that offense led by
allegedly the best QB in NFL is not able to score FG against under average D for whole 15 minutes!
So, who do you think is more frustrated? Offense or defense?
We can agree that there is issues (I'm generous, I know) on every phase or part of Packers - from front office, coaching, QB offense, defense, ST. But trying to minimize damage AR doing to the team is not right, I feel that way.
Thank you!

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 08, 2016 at 06:25 pm

Croat - Ok so you made my point. You basically believe that A. Rodgers and the offense should score on every possession otherwise we can't win the game because the defense is not expected to make any plays, ok that's fine. Since you have not given me any answer to my questions about your criteria or standards for a successful defense or a successful offense I will offer mine. Vince Lombardi's Packers. I will focus on their 10 post season games. Lombardi's Packers went 9-1 in their 10 post season games. They lost their first NFL championship game to the Eagles 17-13 and then went 9-0 in the rest of their post season games and guess what the Packers offense which had 5 HOF players did not score on every possession and yet they won, why. Because of the following:
1961 Championship v. NY Giants: Packers 37 - 0
1962 Championship v. NY Giants: Packers 16 - 7, Packers defense allows 0 points. Giant TD came on a blocked punt recovered in end zone
1965 Conference playoff v. Baltimore Colts: Packers 13-10 in OT. Yes, OMG the Packers won and only scored 13 points
1965 Championship v. Cleveland Browns: Packers 23 -12. Browns fullback Jim Brown held to 54 yards rushing. Defense shuts out Browns in second half. Packers only scored on 2 possessions in 2nd half. OMG it must be Bart Starr's fault for, such a terrible result.
1966 NFL Championship v. Dallas Cowboys: Packers 34-27, Brilliant offensive game plans by both teams but Packers defense wins the game with a goal line stand during the last 2 minutes of the game after Dallas had first and goal at the Packers 2 yard line. Interception by Safety Tom Brown sealed the win. Yes, the defense did not collapse when it mattered like Capers.
1966 Super Bowl #1 v. KC Chiefs: Packers 35 -10, complete second half domination by Packers. Packers outscore KC 21 -0 in second half.
1967 Conference playoff v. LA Rams: Packers 27-10, Rams take 10 -0 lead on 2 fumbles by Packers offense. OMG blame QB Starr for everything, it's all his fault. No actually, Packers rally thanks to Bart Starr and rookie running back Travis Williams and yes the defense stands up and shuts out the Rams for the rest of the game. Yes the defense stopped the opponent for over 3 quarters. Imagine the current Packers defense making stops in a playoff game so that the offense has a chance to get untracked. Really.
1967 NFL Championship v. Dallas Cowboys (The legendary Ice Bowl) - Packers 21 - 17. Note Dallas scored 10 points in the second quarter without making a 1st down. With the Packers leading 14 -0 Dallas scored a TD off a Starr fumble and a FG off a fumbled punt. The defense literally gave up one big play on the first play of the 4Q on a half back option for a TD. Finally Starr led the Packers on a 68 yard game winning TD drive culminating I'm Starr's famous QB sneak. Yes the Packers won again without the offense scoring on every possession, imagine that.
1967 Super Bowl 2 v. Oakland Raiders - Packers 33 -14. Pack dominant on both sides of the ball.
Now, you can tell me the game has changed, the rules have changed, we have free agency and a salary cap and a CBA and injuries and excuses, excuses, excuses, blah, blah, blah. The game is still about blocking, tackling and making plays, no excuses. I don't expect today's Packers to play like Lombardi's but yes I do expect the defense to make stops when it matters especially in the 4Q and especially when we have a lead or a chance to come back win. If you noticed in my little historical recap the theme was about the defense making stops when it counted most, regardless of the score, opponent, game conditions, no excuses. And yes, I expect A. Rodgers to play better than he has played this season. I took this little stroll down memory lane to show you that a team can win a game or a Super Bowl without scoring on every possession providing the defense does their jobs and make stops. Lombardi's defense held their playoff and championship opponents to 10 points a game against QBs and offenses that were better than any playing today including BB and his cheatalots, regardless of what the Packers offense did. That's defense, championship defense. But I do not believe and never will that all of the Packers problems are due to Rodgers alleged arrogance. What you call arrogance, where I come from, we call it confidence. And I want confident players, especially at QB. Rodgers calls out his team mates for lack of effort, I'm fine with it because he's right. Now, he also needs to take some responsibility for his play as well and maybe that is happening in the locker room as it should but we'll never know. In any case this team is better than it's playing and I expect a better performance from MM down to the 53rd player on the roster. I may be disappointed with Rodgers but I also realize that since he became the Packers starting QB he has been virtually single handedly the only player who has kept our Packers from returning to NFL oblivion and he remains our last best hope going forward. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

November 08, 2016 at 10:47 pm

Thanks for all the great memories. I lived them all from 62 on, thanks to my older brothers. Aside from 96 havent had a defense like those teams. Sigh

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 09, 2016 at 02:20 pm

When the offense is struggling like the Packers offense is this season, the defense needs to step up and hold the fort. For the Packers defense to do that they need a serious attitude adjustment. They need a leader and they need some mental toughness. Every now and then we see a flash of it but not consistently enough. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 09, 2016 at 06:28 am

I really do not understand your answer. I may say this - this is obviously not the same game from time Vince Lombardi was coaching Packers, hell it is not the same game from the last Packers SB win.
Second, where you lost me? DId Colts or Falcons (because we were talking mostly on those 2 games) scored on every posession? Answer is NO! So we do not expect from Packers offense to score on every possession, but we do not expect from AR leaded offense to have five 3 and outs, mostly comes in bunches which make job for D more problematic - fatigue and conditioning issues. You said that it is D problem, I gave you data that the main problem is Aaron Rodgers and his arogancy.
I know you love the man, so I respect that, but please do not justify his mistakes on the account of the other Packers players, because it is not what we can see. He is throwing to long, to high to far away, to far behind,. to low and so on and so on to the catchers that it is miracle when he hits the right throw. His attitude that he does not NEED PREPARATION before the season is not ridiculous is PURELY AROGANCY! He said on the last press conference what he said. What we see, he is not prepared for this season of football. And there is the main problems Packers offense has! You can see it or you can ignore it, but there is the evidence on the film!
And also, I held Mike McCarthy responsible fot that kind of AR behaviour. He is coach and he should recognize that problem and deal with it.
Go back to the buy week of 2015 and you'll see guy who starts to cry over his destiniy because he "lost" his favourite target. He spent whole season trying to make another player his favborite target until he was run out of the players. When that happened he suddenly became old himself in game aganist Washington and even better in the game against Cardinals.
Sorry, but for me AR become arogant whinner!
If he is our best hope, we can already cross over this season. I think our best hope siutting on the bench.
Thank you!

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 09, 2016 at 02:31 pm

I'm saying that you don't understand my answer because your expectations for what is supposed to happen are unreasonable. You expect Rodgers to be able to score every possession. That will never happen. I asked you direct questions, such as, is 70 points enough? Is Rodgers responsible for poor defensive play and poor Special Teams? I'm trying to tell you that when Rodgers scores 32 points (Falcons game) and 26 points against a bad team like the Colts that should be enough to win the game even with Aaron Rodgers as your QB and even when he is not playing well. I'm trying to tell you that having a great QB or a HOF QB does not guarantee that your team will win a game never mind a Super Bowl. Saints have Drew Brees, who is a HOF QB. Where have they been last few seasons. Is that his fault? Colts Andrew Luck is the best young QB in the league where have the Colts been last few seasons, his team around him is awful, is that his fault? Joe Montana and John Unitas did not win SB every year, was it only their fault? I agree with you, I am not happy with ARs performance this season and I have posted repeatedly that he must play better, but it is not all about AR. This is a team sport, they win as a team and they lose as a team. I fully realize that football is a different game since Lombardi days. I've actually watched the changes (good and bad) in the NFL over the last 55 years. My point was that it doesn't matter whether it's 1966 or 2016, the game is still about blocking, tackling and making plays, especially at key spot in the game. This team is not playing well in all phases of game, that must change regardless of what Rodgers does. As for what Rodgers or any players say after the game, irrelevant. What happens on the field is all that matters, the rest is window dressing and TV ratings. Just watch the game, ignore the pre and post game garbage and the announcers. Better yet get DVDs and or go to You Tube and watch Lombardi's packers play. Turn down the volume and just watch and compare it with the execution you see from the current teams. Particularly watch the OL and front 7. Don't worry about which play is called or why, just watch the execution, watch the footwork, watch the effort, that's what matters. I'm not saying that we should or could run Lombardi's offense or defense in today's game but what I am saying is that whatever offense/defense that we do run today needs to be executed like Lombardi's. And remember, any good team from that era would destroy any team from today if you could level out the size and speed of the players from different eras. You will see how football should be played regardless of the era or what play is called or who calls the play. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 09, 2016 at 01:19 pm

No, you are not reading my answer to you. I SAID THAT NOBODY EXPECTS THAT PACKERS SCORE TD ON EVERY POSSESSION! BUT THERE IS ALSO NOT EXPECTED THAT PACKERS HAVE 3 TIMES IN ROW 3 AND OUTS! Can you read my answer know?
That is the problem. Problem is the player who earns most on team and play not accordingly to his salary. Not because he can not, but because he does not want to! And you have the problem to accept that...
I wonder how long Aaron Rodgers would play Diva role with Vic Lombardi. I say none. He would sit on the bench with no pay for that until he comes to the earth!
He is not outlander from space, just gifted guy who rise his nose to high!

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 09, 2016 at 04:04 pm

Why Croat, why doesn't Aaron Rodgers want to play up to his salary? How does that benefit him? What is his motivation? You seem to know everything about him tell me how this is working out for Aaron Rodgers? If you can give me evidence, not speculation to support that he is playing badly on purpose maybe I can go along with it. What is his plan or goal that he is his expecting to achieve by making himself bigger than the team? What treachery or deception can we expect from this nefarious plot he is obviously hatching. It's not fame or fortune, that's for sure. So help me solve the mystery, I'm waiting. If Trump can win the election I can believe anything. Sorry Croat, but the reality is that you may not expect Rodgers to have 3 and out 3 times in a row but the fact is that it can and does happen and has happened and will happen again. That's part of the game. Rodgers does not play alone. You seem to think that his salary should guarantee perfect results. His salary guarantees nothing except his value to the team for generating revenue. He is paid like the rest of us based on the revenue that he can generate for the GB Packers business. Whether the Packers win or lose people go to the stadiums and watch the TV to see Rodgers play. All the money in the world does not buy championships. If that were true the NY Yankees in baseball would win the world series every year because no team in any sport has spent as much as the NY Yankees year after year on their players salaries. However those players have filled Yankee stadium year after year and a team that was worth $10 million in 1973 is worth over $10 billion today. Andrew Luck is paid more that Rodgers, where are all the SBs for the Colts. Money does not equal victory. As for Lombardi, if he had Aaron Rodgers he would have played him every play in every game and with a QB like Rodgers on his team he would not have lost a single game. Not because he paid him a lot of money but because he would have been coached and prepared to win with no excuses. BTW, Lombardi was notorious for under paying his players. He traded a HOF center because the center brought an agent to his salary negotiations. Lombardi hated agents and would not speak with him so he traded the player and told the agent to speak with the Eagles where his player was traded to. Google Jim Ringo, you'll see. And you can use capital letters and e-Scream at me all you want but Aaron Rodgers is not playing poorly because he does not want to or because he thinks he is more important than the team, he is playing poorly because his supporting cast is falling apart and being outplayed and out coached by our opponents and because he waiting for a penalty flag to be thrown so he can get a defensive holding or defensive inter fence call because he has no confidence in his receivers to make a play. If you watch the game instead of passing judgements on Rodgers and me and whoever you would see what is happening. Everything else is pure speculation and/or mis-interpretation on your part. Professional football players do not play bad on purpose because they know that if they do they can literally get themselves or a team mate killed on the field. And yet the mystery remains. Maybe as someone posted earlier, "someone left the cake out in the rain". Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

November 10, 2016 at 02:55 am

Since I see there is no way we will come to same page on this matter. Maybe it is how it should be. I respect your opinion, because I really believe you know o lot about football. And that is why I'm in the position to revaluate my conclusions when you are not agree with them at all. But, by my opinion this is not football issue. Aaron Rodgers possess rare talent and physical capabilities to play game of football in superb manner. He did for a long time and he was praised by many. For that I think we can agree. But praising him and constantly saying that he is in the league of himself, that nobody is even near him in his excellency, by my opinion produced his mental state in which he started to feel about himself as standard of all things in football. He started to think about himself as unerring player, one who is always right. Even when he do something wrong, he explains that as somebody's else mistake or just chain of events. On press conferences he will tell what he knows is expected from him to tell ("I play bad, but I will bounce back", "I made mistake, but I need to analyze game with wiskey in my hand" etc), but he will add, and he doing that always, how others have lack of juice and he thinks nobody else can say same for him (he does not have lack of juice), or how others plays video games in their free time, instead to study game films or how he need to establish trust between him and his receivers because those receivers are stupid enough (that part of the sentence is not said, but that means that!) and do not understand what he want to do with the ball. They need to practice more and to commit his whole life in attempt to understand how he view the game, etc. etc...
That is ugly & narcisoid & wrong & producing "lack of justice" in his teammates with whome he plays. Also, he is disapointed with lack of before the injury speed of Jordy and he still feels how he is unfair punished because of that.
I can write the novel of so obvious signs what Aaron Rodgers are doing to excape one thing - himself looking in the mirror and confessing himself lot of small things about himself which prevent him to play on the level he can and may play.
Also, we can argue that, because of the age, he is losing his peripheral vision, every day a little by little, becaue he need more time to scan field and that can explain why he can't see so many time open recievers on the field when he got them, but that is speculation, because we do not have his physical tests in front of us.
Basically, I will stop this unproductive discussion, and I will accept that you and me have different look on the subject!
Thank you for your patience and respect!

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

November 10, 2016 at 07:04 am

Fair enough. Most likely Aaron's problem is a combination of many issues and we will probably never know the entire truth. Good job Croat. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
pacman's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:13 am

Didn't like AR's speech either. MM basically threw up his hands, retracted yesterday. Maybe another reason why head coach should not be calling plays nowadays - he should be focusing on the big picture.

Everything seems to be coming apart. To me there is only ONE item that needs fixing now and we shouldn't be losing track of that. MM/AR finally changed their planning and threw short passes, moved the chains, scored, etc. Took them 1.5 years to figure out what everyone else here saw a long time ago. Then this Colts game, they reverted. Nobody can explain why! Seems either MM/AR or both are too stubborn to give up on those glory days.

We had a bad special teams day. It happens. D was flat. That should not have happened. But CM was out, JP is getting old, we don't have the CB's to play tight man due to injuries. But if the offense was rolling, I think even D will play harder. (BTW - if CM hamstrings can't do it anymore, he was a very good ILB so make that permanent).

So MM/AR - are you going to go with what works or what used to work? If the latter, then you belong in the 'used' pile too.

0 points
0
0
al bundy's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:17 am

I have this quirky idea that I got from the KC game a few years ago: Rogers does not like or perform well against man coverage. Thats where his interceptions have come and man he hates those, its wrecks his day.

The Atlanta game, he carved them up in the first half when they played zone. They went man the second half and he started his running routine as in no one is wide open and I dont want to chance a pick game.

People blamed Mike for changing the O in the second half but it was Rogers probably audibiling to run from pass more than anything. Aka The Seattle playoff game.

0 points
0
0
packerbackerjim's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:34 am

You're probably correct AR audibled because MM is and always has been awful at in-game adjustments.
There never is a Plan B, just keep doing what isn't working and say it needs to be cleaned up in the post game presser.

0 points
0
0
JRome Coaxum's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:45 am

Great article. It is Aaron's attitude that is causing us to lose. He sat on the sideline by himself pouting like a whiny kid. Like you said in the article anyone watching the game knows he lost this game. Even with the Special teams gaffe and defense not stopping the last time around. The bad throw to Jordy on the post route was terrible. Then the interception was even worse. Jordy Nelson cleanly beat his man for what would have been a 30yd TD. Instead he forces it. Does not even go thru progressions. Then the forced throw to Allison in which we only got 3 on the drive. He had Davis wide open in the flat. Im sorry I love Rodgers but he is not seeing the field. He is too impatient. He always wants the home run.

0 points
0
0
guzzi2000's picture

November 08, 2016 at 09:46 am

I have to agree AR is not displaying leadership qualities. Watching him play and standing on the sidelines over the past year I see a player who does not want to be in Green Bay. I don't think the Pack would trade AR unless
Rodgers demands it. I don't expect the Pack to do anything with MM and if they don't it would not surprise me if this is AR's last season in Green Bay

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 08, 2016 at 11:07 am

"I don't expect the Pack to do anything with MM and if they don't it would not surprise me if this is AR's last season in Green Bay"

QB is the gold position in this league. If you've got one, you've got a chance. If you don't? You need to be outstanding just about everywhere else (Denver Broncos). They won't recklessly chuck him aside unless there's a plan to replace him. If Hundley hasn't played any meaningful snaps in a regular season game, he's not a plan. Drafting a QB early is a crap shoot. You're not going to outright cut him because it cripples your salary cap and you get nothing in return, so a trade is the only real option. Not only that, you need to find someone willing to part with appropriate value who has need AND can fit him under their cap...preferably in the AFC. Jets? Browns? Jax? Who after that?

If MM gets the axe or resigns, one of your chief pieces that makes the Packers attractive to a HC candidate is that he gets access to a future HOF QB. Otherwise, the Packer roster is a mess. I would argue that the league is moving toward HCs that are offensive-minded...and preferably those who have handled QBs before and have a track record of working with good QBs. Who would that be? Guys like Darrell Bevell come to mind, but if he were HC material I suspect he would've been scooped up by now.

ARod's going nowhere unless he retires.

0 points
0
0
carusotrap's picture

November 08, 2016 at 01:18 pm

Rodgers will be a different QB with a plan he buys into. Is that a diva attitude? Yes. But he's OUR diva, and getting rid of him solves nothing. Getting rid of McCarthy and Thompson at least gives the team a chance to try something the entire league doesn't know is coming.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 08, 2016 at 02:16 pm

"Rodgers will be a different QB with a plan he buys into."

I've thought that, too, but he's played his entire career in one system for one HC (who designs the offense). Maybe he doesn't want to learn something new...

Course, there have been times in other leagues (notably the NBA) where players allegedly tanked their play to get a coach canned. Who's to say that's not what's going on here...

0 points
0
0
Hematite's picture

November 08, 2016 at 06:01 pm

That thought indicated in your last paragraph has crossed my mind as well.

0 points
0
0
Ferrari Driver's picture

November 08, 2016 at 10:45 am

The NFL draft is the problem for the Packers. They are suffering the reality of being a top team for the past decade and miss the chance to draft among the top 15 players.

Our rosters is loaded with average and below average players and other than Rodgers who I view as a definite top 5 QB playing today, we lack the difference makers.

Regarding Rodgers: Lots of negative comments (jumping of the bandwagon) this morning, but I like his arm strength, accuracy, and mobility as well or better than anyone in the league.

I think we have scheme issues with the lack of separation of the wide receivers. Simply watch the three or more yards of separation that most teams are getting during games; I see fewer such instances with the Packers.

This is too long; I'll stop

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

November 08, 2016 at 11:11 am

"I think we have scheme issues with the lack of separation of the wide receivers. "

I think some of it is simple physics. The longer the ball is in the air, the more time players have to respond to it. Less air time means shorter reaction times. In general, the advantage goes to the offensive player in the short passing game. They know when and where the ball is going to be delivered.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

November 08, 2016 at 11:21 am

Not mine! MM is 108-58-1 . 8-7 playoffs, 1 superbowl. .650% Thats not luck. I think we need a new poll. Trade MM? Trade A-Rod? Ask TT to retire?

0 points
0
0
pacman's picture

November 08, 2016 at 11:30 am

E-X-A-C-T-L-Y. Everybody sees it. Actually, it's Ketchman's fault. I hated it when he said "it's players, not plays". The only wrinkle is that AR used to "throw receivers open". He isn't showing that type of accuracy this year.

0 points
0
0
carusotrap's picture

November 08, 2016 at 01:21 pm

Except Rodgers is taking MORE shots downfield, not fewer.

0 points
0
0
oakr's picture

November 08, 2016 at 01:55 pm

It seem I hear a lot of ticked off packer fans conveniently omit the phrase "myself included" from Aaron Rodgers press conference. He said he isn't a ra-ra guy, neither was Brett Favre. This downslide is on the head coach.

0 points
0
0
Denise Chanterelle's picture

November 08, 2016 at 03:49 pm

When I think back to the vintage AR of 2011, and to the AR we have today, I ask myself; how the hell could this have happened so fast in just 5 seasons? The guy is totally self-absorbed in a prolonged attitude situation from what he was like back then. I can only suspect it's a thing between him & MM. I hope they can resolve it and turn the ship around. There's still time to make a go of things and make this season the success we all know it can be.

0 points
0
0
Hematite's picture

November 08, 2016 at 06:07 pm

Ahhh, the eternal optimist.

0 points
0
0