Aaron Rodgers’ Decision Not to Attend Voluntary OTAs Hurts the Packers

Rodgers staying away is not a major surprise, but it is a disappointment.

This week it was announced that Aaron Rodgers will not be attending the Packers voluntary OTAs this offseason. While this was not a major surprise, it is a disappointment. Sure, you can argue that Rodgers missed all OTAs last season and enjoyed his second straight MVP season, but this year is different and Rodgers’ absence will be felt more in 2022 than it was in any previous season.

What is the big difference this offseason? Well, first and foremost, the Packers will have a lot of turnover in their receiving corps. All Pro Davante Adams has been traded to the Raiders. He has been the Packers top receiver for the last five seasons and had outstanding chemistry with Rodgers. His loss leaves the Packers without a number one receiver, at least for now. There are still roughly five months before the start of the 2022 NFL season.

The Packers are also without Marquez Valdes-Scantling who signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs worth a reported $30 million over three years. While MVS was not always consistent, he did provide the Packers with a deep threat who had the power to stretch a defense. Just the presence of Valdes-Scantling opened things up for other receivers underneath because defenses had to respect MVS’s speed.

Right now, the top three receivers on Green Bay’s roster are Allen Lazard, who has yet to re-sign with the Packers but was given a second-round tender and is likely to be back, veteran Randall Cobb and second-year man Amari Rodgers. Both Cobb and Amari Rodgers are best suited for slot duty. Cobb is past his prime while Amari Rodgers is looking to improve after a disappointing rookie season.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is going to bring in new receivers before the 2022 campaign gets underway. The Packers currently have four picks in the first 59 and are expected to add at least one wideout with those picks. Another receiver could be selected later in the draft as well. The Packers could also sign a modestly-priced free agent with that being more likely after June 1st or add a veteran via trade.

Regardless of how the Packers decide to add talent at wide receiver, there is little doubt that the roster will be full of new players who have not played with Rodgers extensively if at all. The only way to get chemistry and to get comfortable with these new players is to get more reps with them during OTAs, training camps and the preseason.

Historically, Rodgers has had issues with new receivers. It takes time for them to win his trust. The two-time reigning NFL MVP needs to feel confident that a receiver will be where he should be on a given play and that when the need to improvise arises, he and his receivers will be on the same page to have a successful play after the original call breaks down.

Sometimes, Rodgers never develops chemistry and trust with his receivers and they usually fade from the team. Other times, it has taken a year or two before a receiver gains Rodgers’ trust and becomes an integral part of the offense.

Of course, there’s a catch now. Rodgers may not have a couple of years to wait. The 38-year-old quarterback could retire after the 2022 season, or the 2023 campaign or at most, play through his current deal and last till 2024. Rodgers has only a handful of chances left to win another Super Bowl and wasting one of those chances because he doesn’t have enough trust in his receivers is quite simply bad for the team.

At least one and quite possibly two of the new receivers will be among the top three receivers on the Packers roster. Rodgers should be taking as many reps as possible with these new receivers which means working with them during OTAs, training camp and preseason. Heck, if he was truly dedicated to winning another championship, Rodgers may even hold private workouts with his new receivers in addition to voluntary and mandatory OTAs.

The only benefit of Rodgers staying away from voluntary OTAs is that it gives Jordan Love more chances to work with the top receivers on the roster and to get reps that he badly needs for his development. But if the Packers are going to win a Super Bowl in 2022, it is Rodgers, not Love, who is likely to get them there.

Rodgers has every right to stay away from voluntary OTAs. They are just as the name says, voluntary. But if A-Rod is truly dedicated to winning another Super Bowl in Green Bay before his career ends, he would be better off putting in the time needed to develop chemistry and confidence with his new receivers. This is a key component to the team’s success.

The clock is ticking on Aaron Rodgers’ career and the window for the Packers to win another championship with him at the helm. He should be doing everything he can to maximize that opportunity.

 

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__________________________

You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

__________________________

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12 points
 

Comments (113)

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

April 14, 2022 at 12:24 pm

Yes. He’s supposedly back to win it. He may not need these things for himself but the young players will benefit from learning from him and developing at least some knowledge of him. He might benefit from them relaxing and him seeing their traits earlier too. I would imagine learning you are going to be playing with Rodgers might put a few on edge.

That isn’t just a matter of on field exposure but just being around each other. Any possible advantage is worth seeking if the goal is to win. Apparently not in Rodgers’ eyes. It sounds like the team knew this before he signed. Another warning sign ignored on their part.

7 points
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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 12:33 pm

Trade Him . Trade him. I want to loose. That should be your caption.

-13 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

April 14, 2022 at 12:45 pm

CW has legitimate concerns. Hes going to be playing with more rookie receivers than he ever has before. And what do you think will happen the first time one of them runs the wrong route or doesnt know the audible being called? Hes going to meanmug that player then proceed to not look at them for the rest of the game, if not longer. As a quarterback who wants the receivers to play a specific way, he should be spending as much time with these guys as humanly possibly. But that would require leadership.

13 points
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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:01 pm

Two peas in a pod. Assumptions only lead to negativity. Fact- If a rookie doesn't square his cuts/ route. Run the right Route tree. Listen to his coach. Rodgers gets the negative stat. It's not Rodgers job to be their coach.

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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:12 pm

It’s Rodgers who complains. I’d say it’s in his interest to do all he can to improve the odds. But then again, I’m assuming winning for him is a Super Bowl, not the 50 million he got in the off season.

6 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:17 pm

I would expect High Picks to fill out the draft card at the WR position. They know the route trees (Burks?) and need to work on refining their steps and reaction to the ball. They will have June,July August, Sept to get the timing down. Best the Greenhorns learn the Playbook first. As per Belichick, I look for guys with a higher scholastic aptitude and leadership roles. Hopefully, Gutedkunst lets someone else take charge of evaluation of the WRs. The J'mon Moore selection did not imbue confidence in the Fans. Two wides and a TE from the first four picks.

0 points
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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:30 pm

I think Moore's in Seattle.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:37 pm

Unbelievable.

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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:44 pm

He’s with the New Jersey Generals .. . USFL

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:56 pm

That makes more sense.

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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:58 pm

Its not an assumption when weve literally seen 12 act like a stooge towards young receivers almost his entire career. Instead of being a leader, he shows them up when they make a mistake. The examples are countless.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 12:53 pm

Reading isn’t yours

4 points
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PeteK's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:19 pm

Then tighten your buckle, Stock.

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glblank24's picture

April 17, 2022 at 10:30 am

Clueless, clueless is undoubtedly yours.

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Barnacle's picture

April 15, 2022 at 05:47 am

AR is a jerk!

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

April 14, 2022 at 12:25 pm

"Rodgers staying away is not a major surprise, but it is a disappointment."

He isn't disappointing himself and that's all that matters with divas. It isn't a difficult concept to grasp.

9 points
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Stacks's picture

April 15, 2022 at 07:01 pm

Nobody is making you be a Packer fan. Go cry like a b***h at a Bears or Vikings game. Soo sick of you idiot "fans" who buy into every and any bullshit Rodgers story you see.

Rodgers doesn't need to attend. Love works with wideouts and when Rodgers shows up to practice the ball they're thrown are more accurate. Pretty simple shit here. He doesn't need to learn plays. He doesn't need practice. They do.

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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 12:37 pm

You want Love to have Reps. He's giving them to him. You want Rookies. Then why cry for vets. Back to back MVPs. He's on his game. And by the time they get to the play-offs. He will be on the same page with everyone. But let's get to the point. This article is about character assignation. If Love wasn't behind Rodgers. He'd never hear a Peep.

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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:09 pm

The only assignation I see this article addressing is the one it laments is not going to happen happen at OTAs. This isn’t about Love. It’s not about wanting or not wanting him to get reps. It’s about Rodgers and receivers he is going to need to be on the field with in a win it all year. Get over your fixation.

15 points
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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:14 pm

Get over it period. Hit the road dude. Right back to Acme. Your fixation is ridicules. The way to unite people is have a common enemy. Yours is Rodgers.

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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:49 pm

I ‘ridicules’ you. Admittedly not as well as you do.

5 points
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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:51 pm

This is about Rodgers. Not me.

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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 05:21 pm

“It’s about Rodgers and receivers ” says I.

“ Hit the road dude. Right back to Acme. Your fixation is ridicules.” Says you.

What one throws may come back.

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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 05:26 pm

No -you've been throwing mud and Rodgers name down the shit hole since he signed that new contract. You blame the the FO. Just to keep gasoline on a fire.Everyone was hurt by the playoff loss. You need professional Help.

-5 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 07:31 pm

You don’t read what I write. My real concern is cap and LaFleur and whether it made any sense to bring back Rodgers. I have never been against Rodgers particularly . I am against the current contract under the current circumstances. I’ve explained why at some length, virtually all of which you se to have missed.

Just FYI, I still think it’s ridiculous with this roster, I still think it’s got little if anything to do with Love, that Gute has done a great job overall but the Rodgers move seems completely at odds with everything else (I suspect Murphy as I’ve noted) and that the real problem may be LaFleur and in part his imbalanced relationship with Rodgers. But then you’d know this if you read.

If, of the two of us, I’m the one needing professional help, I have to say that’s a turn up for the books.

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stockholder's picture

April 15, 2022 at 06:13 am

No your real Concern is wanting Rodgers Gone. You need mental health. You keep passing judgement, without understanding, that he is the face of this franchise. Get over the contract numbers, and you'll be a much happier fan. It's not your money. You're dragging everyone down to your level. As long as he keeps winning the MVP, he deserves to be paid. You want the divide in management. I don't. You want the distraction. GET THIS STRAIGHT! Rodgers is NOT the problem! You and others need to get that through your thick skull. This team does not have the personal to be champions. The STs have been the problem. The defense has had problems for 10 years. And You can't pay everybody.

-4 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 15, 2022 at 08:56 am

I did want Rodgers gone due to the overall circumstances for reasons I’ve explained many times. Since he isn’t going anywhere I’ve moved on to pointing out why I believe the fact that we are where we are is concerning.

What’s funny about this is that, if you had read any of my comments, you would know that my reasons for moving on from Rodgers have more to do with LaFleur, the cap and the ongoing prospects for the franchise. Even more ironic is that one basis is that due to the cost of keeping Rodgers at this point “this team does not have the personnel to be champions,” a quote I therefore agree with. I also agree that one “can’t pay everybody,” which is in part why paying Rodgers this year what we did is a dubious strategy given who he had to throw to,

You seem to believe that a belief that the team would be better off without Rodgers at this point represents some form of mental incapacity. Outside of this narrow sparing, such a position is disappointing and, frankly, trivializes something that shouldn’t be.

It is of course intended as an insult, which is a pretty weak substitute for valid argument. To be honest, I’m not even sure what you are arguing about except that you seem to assert any criticism of Rodgers is beyond the pale.

I will let Al and others determine if your attitude to mental health generally and comments about my paucity of intellect, mental state and over dense cranium are either appropriate or relevant to this discussion and venue.

I continue to believe that Rodgers attending OTAs would only be a positive and that not doing so can only be a negative in a year with a lot of personnel change in the catching groups and a mission to win it all with an apparent heavier-than-the-norm reliance on rookies. I’m sorry you don’t like that view, but it nevertheless is the one I hold. As far as I know I remain free to make such an argument regardless of your personal beliefs or preferences.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

April 15, 2022 at 10:25 am

I did want Rodgers Gone. Glad you finally can admit to that. ( But it still comes up.) #2 while everyone has reconciled. You still found a way to use Rodgers as this organization's mistake. Even blaming LeFleur. He didn't have anything to do with the negotiations. Your problem is Rodgers and LeFluer worked together. When everything you brought up was about separation. That if we kept Rodgers. LefFluer was somehow to blame. #3 Finally " It's repetitious." Only with a different spin to it. You can see other arguments in the comments, wanting people to write about other things than Rodgers. But you want to keep beating the dead horse.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 15, 2022 at 11:51 am

Interaction with you is beyond pointless.

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glblank24's picture

April 17, 2022 at 10:35 am

Probably because he was assignated. Stockholder has to be all of twelve years old.

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glblank24's picture

April 17, 2022 at 10:35 am

Probably because he was assignated. Stockholder has to be all of twelve years old.

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Rick5952's picture

April 14, 2022 at 08:39 pm

assignation
ăs″ĭg-nā′shən
noun
The act of assigning.
Something assigned, especially an allotment.
An appointment to meet in secret, especially between lovers. synonym: engagement.

I think you meant character assassination? If you're going to make a point use the right wording.

5 points
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glblank24's picture

April 17, 2022 at 10:38 am

Don't forget the ridicules for ridiculous. Oy Vey.

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ScottGroeschl's picture

April 15, 2022 at 10:54 am

AR is good we know that. But I believe he should take every opportunity to work with all the receivers, young , old, and New Rookies. In watching AR during the years if you watch his reaction when the receivers zigged when they should have zagged. With Adam's AR and him knew what each thought and that took reps. It's why AR and Adams were unstoppable. Love will get his reps . Myself id Rather see him traded to maybe get a veteran back up or pick up veteran back up and keep Love. Think / hope / 🙏 GB can find something via trade or find cash to sign DK or I'd love to see Deebo Samuel. He'd add a whole new weapon and make GB pretty hard to defend. GoPackGo

1 points
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ScottGroeschl's picture

April 15, 2022 at 10:54 am

AR is good we know that. But I believe he should take every opportunity to work with all the receivers, young , old, and New Rookies. In watching AR during the years if you watch his reaction when the receivers zigged when they should have zagged. With Adam's AR and him knew what each thought and that took reps. It's why AR and Adams were unstoppable. Love will get his reps . Myself id Rather see him traded to maybe get a veteran back up or pick up veteran back up and keep Love. Think / hope / 🙏 GB can find something via trade or find cash to sign DK or I'd love to see Deebo Samuel. He'd add a whole new weapon and make GB pretty hard to defend. GoPackGo

0 points
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Stacks's picture

April 15, 2022 at 07:03 pm

Amen. I don't get why these articles do nothing but push this narrative that Rodgers is a Diva. They believe every ESPN headline and Bleacher Report Rodgers bash story.

Oh I know why. Because they're brainwashed to bow to the machine and he didn't get vaccinated. Thats where 99% of the open hate started

-1 points
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Cubbygold's picture

April 16, 2022 at 07:46 pm

LMAO

They'll all be on the same page? You mean like last year when they couldn't ever get on the same page? When the offense fell flat on its face in the playoffs? When Rodgers underthrew MVS on yet another deep ball?

Yeah, you're wrong.

-1 points
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jurp's picture

April 17, 2022 at 05:10 pm

"...character assignation..."

I come back to read a few posts after a few weeks away and almost literally the first thing I see is this idiocy.

That phrase doesn't mean what you think it means. Per your context, you're looking for the phrase "character assassination", which the article isn't. Typical of some people calling truth anything but the truth.

You just can't stand AR continuing to be an asshole even after he's gotten everything he's wanted. If you cannot understand that AR's refusal to attend OTAs to help gel with his receiving unit is both a failure of leadership and a "fuck you" to the new receivers, then you're even more clueless than I've thought, and I had set that bar RRRREEEAAAALLLYYY low.

0 points
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mnbadger's picture

April 14, 2022 at 12:49 pm

ar hasn't been to OTA's in quite a while. Plus, he has language preventing fines for missing OTA's in the deal. This is not a surprise to anybody.
Hopefully it means the diva is going to play within the scheme and pass to the open player, not just his trusted friend (who by the way, chose Carr over him)
If he stays within the plan, we'll have a chance to see how good this offensive scheme truly is. If it's a mccrthy/west coast/illusion hybrid, we'll win 10 to 12 games then exit playoffs stage left sooner than later, again.
No more ar articles please. I always feel dirty after reading them, but somehow can't ignore. Let's hear about our new DT Reed, plenty of guys to do bios on this time of year. GPG!

12 points
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Carpy's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:02 pm

I agree with your points. The column's author has a valid argument about this year in particular. In past times Rodgers had one or two go-to guys and probably didn't need the extra work. But this year is clearly different. When is the last time you can recall we do not have a bonafide NFL WR#1? (I'm not even sure we have a WR#2, TBH) The good news is that ARod has probably played his best football over the past couple of years when Tae was not on the field (note: I am not saying the team is better off without Tae!!!). That said, it's going to take time for the presumed new picks, and even a signed vet, to gel with him and the offense in general. A previous comment suggested they'll practically be a well-oiled machine by the playoffs. We all know Jim Mora's oft-quoted statement about the playoffs... They've got to get there first, and hopefully not as the final seed. If it's one (or two) more seasons of ARod in GB then I would think globe-trotting, State Farm ads, or whatever else the dude has going on could take a back seat for a year. But that's just my weird logic.

4 points
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MooPack's picture

April 14, 2022 at 12:58 pm

Amen! Couldn't have said it better Gil.

2 points
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egbertsouse's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:23 pm

I hear they signed Watkins, he is a WR2 possibly? I hope Diva will “trust “ him.

-1 points
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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:35 pm

1, year 4 mil. But just in.

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:40 pm

He takes over the MVS three-route tree and should be consistent with the Infirmary schedule. See if he makes it out of Camp.

1 points
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frankthefork's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:27 pm

Mr. Rodgers MVP is just doing what Brett Favre did years ago.
Now if Walkins likes GB I bet he shows up by June or earlier to get acquainted.
AR is a walking playbook, so he'll be fine come camp days. Heck, he brought in Clemens to pester him into spreading and dunking off more...at least I hope so.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 14, 2022 at 01:46 pm

Rodgers will show for the June 6th Camp, when it matters. The first phase is a rehab and a lifting session. The second phase , the Greenhorns are in town trying to figure out 20-30 plays from the 600 play screed.The rest of the time Love can work on his footwork ,hip rotation, read and release.

2 points
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MainePackFan's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:13 pm

My thoughts exactly. I highly doubt there is a lot of chemistry being developed if they haven't even learned the playbook. Let the coaches build a foundation. AR's time will come after that foundation is in place.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:00 pm

Not all chemistry is related to football, there is a personal level as well. Getting young players comfortable on a personal level helps on any team.

5 points
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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:50 pm

Personal Level has nothing to do with job performance.

-5 points
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Coldworld's picture

April 14, 2022 at 05:24 pm

Ha ha, not played much team sport then. Perhaps not surprising. I’m sure you would be relaxed having to work with Rodgers. Of course he may not have taken to things so easily.

3 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:28 pm

Obviously not acquainted with how working relationships are developed.

They are not just developed by catching passes, but also with personal interaction, conversations, discussing play strategy, having a dinner with the WR room, develop a camaraderie with the men you NEED to succeed.

Rodgers could just show up for 3 days wearing flip flops and his Hawaiian shirt and not throw a pass...but show you care. Many other Packer veterans do.

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 14, 2022 at 07:45 pm

He can compare Tik Tok posts with them.

0 points
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Since'61's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:00 pm

The entire premise for this article is click bait. Rodgers has not shown for OTAs the last 2 seasons and the team went 13-3 each time and Rodgers has back to back MVPs.

Obvious conclusion is that OTAs mean nothing for Rodgers or the team. Rodgers will show up for camp, work hard as always and be ready for the season.

Does anyone really believe that Rodgers will
go to OTAs and hang out with rookie WRs some of which may not even make the team? OTAs are not about working on timing or practicing plays. They are about orientation, team philosophy and learning the playbook for those who need to do so. Rodgers would just get in the way of the coaches trying to teach and the younger players trying to learn. Some of the rookies might be intimidated having Rodgers around before they actually learn anything at the professional level.

Just imagine the articles and the comments here if Rodgers got hurt during the OTAs and the season was over before the Packers even get to TC.

Let it play out, it will be fine as it has been for the last 2 seasons. Thanks, Since ‘61

10 points
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MainePackFan's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:14 pm

Excellent post Since'61. 1000 thumbs up!!

1 points
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Since'61's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:51 pm

Appreciate it MainePackFan.
There are 52 other players on the team but the focus is all on Rodgers. And in this case the focus is on the wrong issue, yet again. Let’s always criticize the best player on the team for reasons which have nothing to do with the team’s results.

“There is only one way to avoid criticism:
do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.”
Aristotle

Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
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stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 05:20 pm

So- If you don't understand my Words. You won't understand my Silence? Isn't that condoning the mud throwing?

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MainePackFan's picture

April 14, 2022 at 06:45 pm

It's not condoning the mud throwing, it's saying mud throwing exists regardless of what you do or don't do. The only way to avoid it is to not exist.

2 points
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Since'61's picture

April 14, 2022 at 08:49 pm

Bingo! MainePackFan. Thanks, Since '61

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Johnblood27's picture

April 15, 2022 at 07:36 am

Who is this Aristotle guy?

Does he write for Bleacher Report?

1 points
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Since'61's picture

April 15, 2022 at 08:45 am

Not any longer. The Packers offered him a huge contract to write for them. LOL. Thanks, Since ‘61

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Johnblood27's picture

April 15, 2022 at 11:38 am

Spoff & Wes = Aristotle & Plato?

You be the judge...

0 points
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Since'61's picture

April 16, 2022 at 09:20 am

Not even close. I'll stick with Aristotle and Plato. Stay safe. Thanks, Since '61

1 points
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Johnblood27's picture

April 16, 2022 at 04:14 pm

I've never seen the Lombardi raised in Athens... just sayin...

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 15, 2022 at 10:55 am

The sound of one hand smacking..

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

April 14, 2022 at 03:15 pm

I suppose 5 time SB winner does not knows playbook and because of that he will attend Bucs OTAs. Yes, I'm talking about Tom Brady...

8 points
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croatpackfan's picture

April 15, 2022 at 03:24 am

I suppose 5 time SB winner does not knows playbook and because of that he will attend Bucs OTAs. Yes, I'm talking about Tom Brady...

Sorry, double post

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:31 pm

Yes, that is what real leaders do...lead by example.

3 points
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Packerpasty's picture

April 15, 2022 at 12:10 pm

Mr Goody two shoes Brady, isn't the super team player he like the press to convey to the public, lots of dirt in the background now, like he didn't even want to go b ack to the Bucs and got the coach shitcanned...easy to believe for me...

1 points
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Since'61's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:36 pm

Who? Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
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blondy45's picture

April 14, 2022 at 06:01 pm

Right on 61. Rodgers does not need to be at the "voluntary" camp, I agree. The sooner Rodgers gets into camp, obviously the better. I will reserve my distain for Rodgers until he waits too long to mesh with his teammates. Training camp reps, every one of them help Love. IMO, the hopeful new young WR's coming in will be meshing with Love, our coaches, and our coordinators. Love is our future QB!

1 points
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Packerpasty's picture

April 15, 2022 at 12:09 pm

you sir, speak the truth!!!

1 points
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Starrbrite's picture

April 17, 2022 at 01:30 am

Yes—thank you Since’61–outstanding.

0 points
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Johnblood27's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:06 pm

I sure wish baseball wasn't so god-awful boring so I could just forget the NFL this time of year...

I just can't help myself...

I need an intervention.

WELCOME NHL!!!!!!!!! I'm saved!!!!!!!!

7 points
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saltandpeppers's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:12 pm

"The only benefit of Rodgers staying away from voluntary OTAs is that it gives Jordan Love more chances to work with the top receivers on the roster and to get reps that he badly needs for his development."

The benefit to Love of getting all the reps with the first team heavily outweighs the benefit of Rodgers participating. Rodgers not attending is in the Packers best interests, just as it was last year.

8 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

April 14, 2022 at 02:51 pm

"Aaron Rodgers’ Decision Not to Attend Voluntary OTAs Hurts the Packers" (No, it doesn't...)

"Rodgers staying away is not a major surprise, but it is a disappointment." (No, it isn't...)

Does it though?

Is it though?

I totally disagree. I don't think it hurts the Packers at all. In fact, the more REPs Jordan Love gets the better...

Doesn't disappoint me in the least either. AR will do what it takes to be ready for game day and that is all that matters.

You can feign disappointment and hurt like most mainstream media outlets today, but the fans know this is total BS.

Dude has been in the league 17 years. He needs voluntary OTAs like Tgr needs basic math lessons. SMH

NO BIG DEAL.

9 points
13
4
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

April 14, 2022 at 03:06 pm

Will it hurt them? Probably not. But when you give a guy $50 million/yr you would hope he would do everything in his power to finally get this team over the hump. Not showing up to OTA's is a missed opportunity.

5 points
10
5
BirdDogUni's picture

April 14, 2022 at 03:21 pm

"Not showing up to OTA's is a missed opportunity."

Not for Jordan Love it isn't...

Rodgers is not a Spring Chicken anymore, so risking an injury in voluntary OTAs might be the stupidest thing he could do.

I might argue the smartest thing for a 4-Time MVP can do is skip voluntary OTAs so his under-study can get the REPs and progress accordingly, so if the unthinkable happens, Jordan Love is as ready as possible.

Just like the heart only has so many heartbeats, so the arm has only so many throws in it. AR wasting throws in voluntary OTAs might actually be counter-productive.

Give the Dude is due. He'll be ready for Game Time and that is all that matters. Jordan Love is the one who needs OTA REPs.

1 points
5
4
LambeauPlain's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:40 pm

You are missing what many are saying...I don't care if he throws a single pass during OTAs. Just show up and get to know the new WR room, draft picks, UDFAs. Spend time with the new coaches and promoted coaches in new roles. Spend time with Steno, Clements and the other O coaches. Show some leadership! It is not too much to ask...but for a self centered Diva, just too much to do.

Just a bad look for a man that keep getting them via the self-inflicted way. Disappointing for certain.

4 points
8
4
blondy45's picture

April 14, 2022 at 05:54 pm

1,000% totally agree LP!

2 points
3
1
Packerpasty's picture

April 15, 2022 at 12:13 pm

haha funny, he has plenty of time to get to know these dudes...and he already knows all these other people by spending years in the league...to some people everything he does is wrong so theres no hope..

1 points
1
0
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:45 pm

In normal situations i would agree with you, but the whole point of giving Rodgers all that money to come back was to go "all-in". At what point does Rodgers go all-in too? Is it really asking too much for the guy to put in extra work with his new teammates? Its not like were asking the guy to cure cancer here. Just earn the commitment and dollar figure the team has invested in him.

5 points
7
2
Leatherhead's picture

April 14, 2022 at 03:17 pm

Personally, if I'm running the show, I don't need Rodgers there and he might even be a distraction to what I'm trying to accomplish, which is to orient the new guys, take a look at them in the weight room with the strength coach, run them around a little......

The real NFL season doesn't even start until after the 4th of July. That's when you take your 90 guys go to work. There's plenty of time for Rodgers to hang out with the rookies later, and I'm sure he knows it's in his best interest to help any rookie pass catchers we draft, because his success this year is tied to theirs.

And if I'm Love, I'm fine with being that guy. I'll take every rep I can and ask for more. This is win/win/win, as far as I'm concerned.

6 points
9
3
BirdDogUni's picture

April 14, 2022 at 03:23 pm

Hear, hear...

On this we agree.

(We agree on other stuff too, but in this we're in lock-step.) ; )

2 points
6
4
Since'61's picture

April 14, 2022 at 05:44 pm

Leatherhead agree completely. Good post. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
3
1
Packerpasty's picture

April 15, 2022 at 12:13 pm

exactly..

0 points
0
0
MainePackFan's picture

April 14, 2022 at 03:46 pm

"You can feign disappointment and hurt like most mainstream media outlets today, but the fans know this is total BS."

Bingo!!

0 points
3
3
Archie777's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:13 pm

First he told us it was not about the money - then he holds the Pack up for the biggest contract in the history of the NFL. Worse yet, he can't even tell us if he would even play out the full 3 year contract - all he would guarantee is that he would be here for 2022.

Now we learn that $50 MM/yr is not enough to get him to GB for OTAs despite the fact that he will have a new QB coach and possible an entirely new starting WR corps. Funny how Drew Brees, Tom Brady and many other QBs conduct private off-season workouts with their WRs. but ours tell us to count him out for anything that is not mandatory.

He also told us he would not be back in GB at all if it was going to be a rebuilding year. Then, despite knowing that Adams was as good as gone, and that the passing game would have to be rebuilt with all new people (QB coach, OC, WR coach, WRs/TEs etc.) he signs a new contract to come back (for maybe one year). Apparently all the riches of his new contract outweighed the importance of winning with established coaches and players.

So now we have him for one year for sure at a cost that has put GBP in deep debt for as far forward as the eye can see. And we can look forward to watching the mighty one sulking and giving the stink eye to his young WRs/TEs who will naturally require patient on-the-job training. Hell, the "mighty one" may even decide at some point they are not even worth throwing to.

Only Mark Murphy could engineer such a clusterf****. This promises to be a far worse divorce than even what Favre pulled on GB management at the end of his career in GB.

Maybe I'm totally wrong but anything contrary to what I have written would be totally out of character for the mighty one.

DRAFT: I will take any three of the following 4:

1 - Williams
2 - Olave
3 - Burks
4 - McBride

The defense gets one of our premium 4 picks assuming we don't trade one away to move up for Williams or Olave.

Who on defense? An edge, dt or safety.

0 points
7
7
Since'61's picture

April 14, 2022 at 09:27 pm

Archie - if Murphy orchestrated the decision and the deal to re-sign Rodgers why would you blame Rodgers for it?
Any good management team in any business would never put up with most of Rodgers antics never mind pay him all kinds of money. No one forced Murphy or the Packers to give Rodgers his current contract or his previous one for that matter. They could have traded him and received a return for the team.

Instead, they decided to pay him because he is the Packers best chance to win in the short term, while risking the salary cap for the longer term. Can't blame the player for the FO's decisions and we can't blame the player for taking the money. BTW, the day is coming (soon) when Rodgers deal is going to appear very reasonable. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
2
2
Packerpasty's picture

April 15, 2022 at 12:16 pm

so you know who Rodgers works out with out in Cali, where many of the players work out?? And how about some proof of Brady working out privately with the WR's?? And some proof that Rodgers doesn't....the people who hate on Rodgers are so hilarious....Brady's a dick, thats becoming apparent if you read the sports news at all...

1 points
1
0
mbpacker's picture

April 14, 2022 at 04:56 pm

Nice article! You made many good points which many I agree with. Now that 12 has his big contract and the security it brings, I just have had this feeling about how " all in" he will be. He is older now, has a lot of outside interests so it will be interesting how it plays out. As you said, it does give Love extra work with the starters and will give the staff a better idea what they have in him. Hopefully, Clements can give some insight there as well as help develop him. GPG!

1 points
3
2
MainePackFan's picture

April 14, 2022 at 06:58 pm

Pretty sure Rodgers already had all the financial security he needed. I think what he has now is security that he will end his career in Green Bay. the team he wanted to end his career with.

I have no doubt that he is "all in". People can dislike the man if they choose, but they can never deny that he is a fierce competitor. I believe he is more driven than ever to prove the naysayers wrong. He wants another Super Bowl win to seal his legacy in Packer history.

As should every Packer fan.

0 points
3
3
LambeauPlain's picture

April 14, 2022 at 05:13 pm

I am certain Rodgers does not care...but he is draining the emotional bank accounts of many GB fans and fans around the NFL.

I am amazed how many NFL fans around the league just despise Rodgers. And it is not because he is being misunderstood. It is because of him.

3 points
7
4
stockholder's picture

April 14, 2022 at 06:39 pm

Rodgers became a Hero. When he won the super-Bowl. He made people's dreams come true. Since he hasn't lead them to anymore. They doubt their hero. They have placed that faith else where. He is now despised for wrecking their image of him. And his trade demand was a blow to their hopes. Loyalty be damned. They now want him to burn any bridge that remains. That way they can say See- Damn him anyway. Super-bowls are hard to win. But as long as he wants to keep coming back. People should believe he can be that Hero again.

-1 points
4
5
MainePackFan's picture

April 14, 2022 at 07:29 pm

Sadly, the truth is that most of the "fans around the league" despise Rodgers not because of his play on the field. They hate him because he didn't play along with the NFL approved Corporate politics of Covid19, and he spoke his mind about the disrespect that NFL organizations sometimes show their players.

He was right to call the Packers out, and it's quite obvious the Packers got the message.

Players are people too.

-2 points
3
5
Rick5952's picture

April 14, 2022 at 08:45 pm

If you're going to let AR influence your life I suggest you change your priorities.

4 points
5
1
Swisch's picture

April 14, 2022 at 10:17 pm

Yet even now, I would guess, Packers fans would welcome Rodgers back into our hearts if he showed some appreciable measure of sincere change.
It's not as though we as fans expect players to be perfect, but Rodgers has seemingly pushed way beyond acceptable boundaries in his arrogance toward the team and aloofness toward the fans.
It's baffling how far he appears to have strayed from coachability and agreeability. It's as if he's in a different world of self-delusion and self-absorption.
However, I'd be glad to get behind him if he really made an effort to come back to us.

1 points
3
2
croatpackfan's picture

April 15, 2022 at 03:33 am

I remember when Mike McCarthy was fired. Diva was talking about accountability, isn't he? I think he called MM foe lack of it.

I would like to know how Diva's last 2 year behavior fits into accountability. I believe we can't hold liars accountable, can we?

-1 points
2
3
Swisch's picture

April 14, 2022 at 06:19 pm

Okay, so Rodgers hasn't shown up for OTAs the past two seasons; coincidentally, and perhaps causally, he also hasn't show up in the playoffs the past two seasons.
The little things matter. It's the little things that put a team over the top.
Rodgers hasn't led a team to the top in a dozen seasons.
I was young then, now I'm almost 60.

3 points
5
2
Since'61's picture

April 14, 2022 at 09:32 pm

I still remember what it was like to be almost 60. I felt young then and I still feel young. It's all in the mind Swisch.
Stay safe. Thanks, Since '61

4 points
4
0
Swisch's picture

April 14, 2022 at 09:42 pm

Thank you very much for your upbeat assessment and kind words, Since'61 -- and congratulations on your 61 years as a Packers fan since 1961 (which was the year before I was born in Milwaukee at Columbia Hospital.)
All the best to you for health and happiness.
Next year, I can start calling myself Swisch61 ;-).

2 points
2
0
Tundraboy's picture

April 14, 2022 at 10:56 pm

The little things matter point reminds me of Lombardi. I guess Rodgers and many other students of the game know more.

3 points
5
2
Swisch's picture

April 15, 2022 at 09:01 am

I do tend to think of Vince Lombardi when I write such things about character and doing things the right way -- and in this case also St. Therese of Lisieux and her protege, St. Mother Teresa, as far as doing the little things with great love.
It seems a football team is an example of any group of us trying to work together for excellence.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

April 15, 2022 at 09:03 am

“I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing.”

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

“People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.”

Vince Lombardi

1 points
1
0
Swisch's picture

April 15, 2022 at 12:11 pm

Great quotes, Coldworld, and thank you for providing them.
***
As I remember it, the esteemed sportswriter Dick Schapp in the 1980s called the Lombardi Packers the greatest team of all time.
Not necessarily the most talented team, not necessarily the most successful team, but the team that worked together the best to maximize its potential.
What a great tribute.
***
Though that Packers team had tons of talent, it's worth remembering that the careers of future hall-of-famers Bart Starr and Paul Hornung and Ray Nitschke were going nowhere until Lombardi became their coach.
So, while hall-of-famers make for great teams, one might also ask how much great teams produce hall-of-famers.
***
My impression of Bart Starr is that he is the paragon of the quarterback that does the little things to win the big games. (He was 9-1 in the playoffs with stellar statistics; and an unequaled five championships in seven years, three of them in a row.)
As much as Lombardi made Starr great, it seems to a lesser but still significant extent Starr made Lombardi great.
They brought out the best in each other, and together they brought out the best in all the other players for the Packers.
It seems to me that a quarterback of character not only raises up his receivers, but all of the other players across the roster, setting the tone throughout.
Starr was so humble, so subtle, and so understated that his greatness seems to go overlooked. He worked hard enough on his passing to become the NFL MVP in 1966; but he also honed the craftsmanship of quarterback in all of its dimensions -- including the art of personal interaction.
To me, he is the greatest of all time at quarterback.
***
Although St. Therese of Lisieux died in obscurity in 1897 at only age 24, she is considered the greatest saint of modern times.
She said she was a very little soul who could offer to God only very little things.

0 points
0
0
DanW's picture

April 14, 2022 at 11:47 pm

You state that Rodgers "hasn't show up in the playoffs the past two seasons". Really?? What game were you watching when he clearly outplayed Tom Brady in that playoff game over a year ago or Russell Wilson the week before that, for example? It's not as if he could do Mike Pettine's job for him against the Bucs or be the special teams coordinator to avoid this year's debacle against the 49ers. And yes, I understand that he did not play well in the most recent playoff exit, as he himself stated, but take a look at all of Tom Brady's playoff games for the years that "he won" the Super Bowl. Do you think he played great in every playoff win? Of course not. Sometimes the greatest quarterbacks simply have to NOT lose the game, which is exactly what Rodgers was doing and what Brady has done a number of times. In fact, the last Super Bowl Brady "won" with the Patriots, they only scored 13 points, and they still won! The Green Bay game against San Francisco would have been similar, if special teams weren't a complete catastrophe. ... Anyway, back to the original point: to say flatly that Rodgers hasn't shown up in the playoffs the past two seasons is a joke.

-1 points
3
4
croatpackfan's picture

April 15, 2022 at 04:08 am

You must be defense lawyer... Always is somebody else fault, not your client's one.

Let see:
1. TD scored by 49ers was blocked punt returned for TD - Who is guilty for 3 and out that led to field position for punt deep in Packers territory. By your words it was the mistake of ST that push the punter to punt almost from Packers end zone...
2. Missed FG - I see, that was the huge turn around in the game. That missed FG completely change the dynamics of the game. Packers was depressed and 49ers get wings (well they surely drunk "Red Bull" during execution of that FG). But, doesn't matter that there is many FG which are missed in many games, but teams do not lose game because of it.
3. Last 49ers offensive possession - D was terrible. They were not able to keep 49ers out of FG range. That D allowed 6 points in the whole f*cking game to the opponent and some people still call them for that?

But, maybe, the main culprit for the loss was not ST or FG or D, maybe the main culprit is Diva, THE LEADER OF THE OFFENSE THAT PRODUCE ONLY LESS THAN 60 YARDS IN 30 MINUTES OF THE GAME. "THE BEST QB WHO EVER PLAYED FOOTBALL" WAS NOT ABLE TO LEAD OFFENSE FOR MORE THAN 5O AND SO YARDS FOR THE WHOLE SECOND HALF.

Oh, I understand, O line was not good. He had no time to scan and wait and concentrate to whom he will throw the ball because OL was not able to protect him for more than 20 seconds and those 49ers D was always on time with the snap (and I admit it is strange, how possibly they knew when the ball will be snapped - OH SORRY, I FORGOT THAT DIVA ALWAYS SNAPS AT THE MOMENT WHEN PLAY CLOCK IS DOWN TO NEAR ZERO!).

Than it was receiving corps. How dare they were winning their match-ups. They were just confusing "THE BEST QB EVER PLAYED FOOTBALL" with their success. That must be the reason why he was not so precise when throwing to triple covered Davante Adams. They were interfering on his sight and determination to go to his go to WR (SAME THING HAPPENS YEAR BEFORE).

Is this enough excuses for DIVA? I hope so...

0 points
4
4
Johnblood27's picture

April 15, 2022 at 07:47 am

Preach it Croat!

The blinders are off!

The King has no clothes!

1 points
3
2
DanW's picture

April 16, 2022 at 02:43 pm

1) You state, "By your words it was the mistake of ST that push the punter to punt almost from Packers end zone..." No, I said no such thing. It was the mistake of ST to have the punt blocked when they had plenty of room. In other words, it was a standard NFL punting situation that any competent special teams gets right in that situation. The 49ers didn't even rush that many players and they STILL blocked it.

2) The blocked FG was yet another ST disaster. It was three points that the Packers needed in a close playoff game. Here is some basic math for you: 13 - 3 = 10 points; 6 + 7 = 13 points. Final score after those ST mistakes: SF 13 - GB 10 Without those ST mistakes: GB 13 - SF 6 ... See how that works? It's pretty simple, and doesn't require twisted arguments that paint that "DIVA" as the culprit.

3) I did not critique or blame the Packers defense at all. The defense against the 49ers was excellent and was the reason they should have won that game 13-6, just like the Patriots won the Super Bowl against the Rams 13-3 with excellent defense.

Are you a Packers "fan"? The DIVA that you are so intent on smearing just won his second MVP in a row and his fourth overall in his career. Do you think the Packers would have been anywhere near the number one seed or even in the playoffs for the last three seasons, if it weren't for that DIVA that you DESPISE so much??

As for the excuses you and others like to place in his mouth, he stately clearly that he did not play well in that game, just like the GOAT Tom Brady did not play well in many games that still led the Patriots (and Bucs) to multiple Super Bowl titles.

0 points
0
0
Swisch's picture

April 15, 2022 at 08:53 am

Okay, I'll amend my comment to say that Rodgers hasn't shown up in the playoffs all that much in the past two seasons -- especially for a guy who is paid a princely sum and takes up a huge chunk of the salary cap, perhaps more than all of the players on special teams put together.
It's not all about his stats, but more so his stature in the key moments. Rodgers seems to slouch and shrink in the clutch.
I'm rooting for him to do better on the field, but it seems that would start with him doing better off the field. Character counts in the clutch, especially as a leader of men.

2 points
2
0
DanW's picture

April 16, 2022 at 02:09 pm

Fair enough. I don't necessarily agree with your whole take, but at least we're on the same page of discussion now.

0 points
0
0
Dzehren's picture

April 15, 2022 at 11:19 am

Maybe GUTE & Company want to see what Jordan Love can do in shorts leading the team for a couple of months.

2 points
2
0
glblank24's picture

April 17, 2022 at 10:27 am

It's high time that we learned that Rodgers is about Rodgers, period. Winning matters but only to a point. Isn't this the guy who whined about the Packers organization not living up to it's history? Yup, it is. What would Vince say about this A-Ron? I guarantee there will be whining, sobbing and finger pointing about oh poor me when his lack of commitment rears it's ugly head.

1 points
1
0
realitybytez's picture

April 17, 2022 at 11:54 am

wow. the fans on this site are not the kind of fans i would want as a player. calling your future hall-of-fame qb (and reigning mvp for two years running) names and making him sound like baker mayfield is just plain childish.

2 points
2
0