Finding motivation has never been difficult for Aaron Rodgers. Throughout his storied career, he has found ways to motivate himself. First, it was dropping in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. Next, it was playing in the shadow of legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. Many other “slights” followed, and every time, he used it to thrive. This past off-season, he once again was handed motivation on a silver platter. That motivation might be leading Aaron Rodgers to his third NFL MVP award.
A Motivated Aaron Rodgers Might be Headed to his Third NFL MVP Award
The most recent motivation for Aaron Rodgers came from within the Packers organization. In this year’s NFL draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst made the decision to look to the future for the Packers quarterback position. Gutekunst traded up in the first round to select quarterback Jordan Love. For Gutekunst, the decision was made so the Packers were set at quarterback for the future. However, for Aaron Rodgers, it gave him more motivation to perform at the level he established a long time ago.
Fans can debate the decision to trade up and select a quarterback. Especially since the 2019 Packers were one game away from a Super Bowl appearance. Whatever the reason, the decision was made. But the way that Rodgers has played in 2020, it appears that he is trying to show the Packers that the future without him, is still a long ways away.
Much More than a Game Manager
In a recent Packers podcast, one host made the argument that Aaron Rodgers is an “elite game manager”. His argument is that Rodgers is playing within the system and taking what is available. Head coach and offensive play caller Matt LaFleur has established a high octane offense. But to think that any non elite quarterback could do what Rodgers is doing is just doesn’t pan out.
An average NFL quarterback couldn’t do what Aaron Rodgers is currently doing for the Packers. If you were to replace Rodgers with say Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, the results wouldn’t nearly be the same. Rodgers play might not be at the same level it was in 2014, the last year he won the NFL MVP. But it is pretty darn close.
So far this season, Rodgers has thrown for 3,395 yards with 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He has led the Packers to a 9-3 record and they currently seed as the number two team in the NFC. Those accomplishments aren’t ones that you would see from a “game manager”. Aaron Rodgers is still elite and is proving it week in and week out.
Doing More With Less
Rodgers is blessed to play with wide receiver Davante Adams. Adams is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. If you want proof, just check out what he did on Sunday in the Packers victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Excluding Adams and the Packers offensive line, which is one of the best in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers doesn’t have nearly the supporting cast some other elite NFL quarterbacks have. Allen Lazard, a former undrafted free agent, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a former fifth round draft choice, are solid, but aren’t elite. At tight end, the Packers have another former undrafted free agent, Robert Tonyan, as their top pass catching tight end.
That isn’t a slight on Lazard, Valdes-Scantling, and Tonyan. All three are capable pass catchers with a lot of potential. But you won’t find in their stats what playing with an upper level quarterback like Rodgers has done for them. Rodgers has made them better. Something that he has done with other pass catchers throughout his career.
Take a look at the pass catchers Rodgers has played with throughout his career. Players like Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, and Randall Cobb. Once they departed and weren’t playing with Rodgers, they never came close to matching what they did when they were in Green Bay with Rodgers. Again, all players with talent, but playing with Rodgers made them even better.
Aaron Rodgers is the Human Deodorant
Getting more out of less isn’t the only thing that Aaron Rodgers has done throughout his career. Throughout his career, Rodgers and his play have had to cover up for the Packers’ deficiencies. This season is no different.
It isn’t a secret, during Aaron Rodgers tenure the Packers haven’t had elite defenses. Calling their defenses “not elite” is being kind. This season is no different. The Packers, although loaded with talent, have struggled on defense. Even the special teams are proving they aren’t special at all. Because of that, Rodgers has once again been forced to play at a high level to cover up for the defense and special teams.
Aaron Rodgers did it while Dom Capers was the Packers’ defensive coordinator. He is now doing it with Mike Pettine as the defensive coordinator. LaFleur should get credit for installing an offense that Rodgers can thrive at. But if he didn’t have Rodgers at the helm, it is highly doubtful they would be fourth in passing and second in total offense.
At 37 years old, Rodgers is in the back nine of his career. But the way he is playing, he is only on the tenth hole. Jordan Love might be the future at quarterback for the Packers, but the future might be a long time away. Rodgers is showing he is still elite and it appears, he might just be this year’s NFL MVP.
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