Green Bay Packers: Is Aaron Rodgers holding offense back?

It sounds crazy to even think about such a question. Aaron Rodgers is an All-Pro QB. How could he possibly be holding the Green Bay Packers back?

Most will point to his numbers as proof. Rodgers has thrown for 3,700 yards, 23 touchdowns and just one interception. That last part is utterly ridiculous. Throwing one interception in 13 games? Insane. However, that also offers an indication of how he might actually be shortchanging the attack. It’s not so much the fewer number of interceptions he’s thrown but more the fewer number of chances he’s been willing to take.

Rodgers reportedly has 53 throwaways in 2018. A throwaway, for those who are confused, are pass plays where the quarterback threw the ball out of the field of play. Most of the time this is done to avoid a turnover. However, some would argue Rodgers has been way too willing to do that this season. He hasn’t been open to taking more chances and it’s costing his team points and potentially wins.

Here’s an example. In 2016, Rodgers threw for 290 yards or more in a game eight times. This year? He’s only done it four times. Part of that is an unwillingness to attack tight coverages. Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t trust his receivers as much as he did back then. Something that seems to have irked others on the roster. Including Jimmy Graham

"“I’ve always dominated everywhere I’ve went,” he said Friday. “Obviously, I haven’t done that yet here. So it would be nice to get an opportunity to do it. Come back and maybe just be kind of more comfortable here, but I’m going to give it my all no matter what’s asked of me anywhere I go, or if I stay here.”"

Aaron Rodgers is a perfectionist in an imperfect game

It’s not like this is an uncommon criticism. Many Packers fans and blogs have spoken quite openly about the issues. They feel Rodgers is far too in love with his low interception total. His perfectionist style, while a big reason he’s had success, is also hampering how explosive this offense can be. He’s not trusting his receivers enough to make a play for him.

That could have to do with his lack of chemistry with them given Jordy Nelson is gone and Randall Cobb has been hurt. Then again even when Cobb was on the field these problems persisted. It’s unlikely anybody on that coaching staff is going to call him out on it either. Mike McCarthy is gone and Joe Philbin isn’t likely to jeopardize his job at this point by trying that.